What Causes Low Vision?

I thought I would start with the causes of low vision because I'm curious about the different conditions that cause low vision.

Each heading is linked to a resource for that condition. At the end there are links for lists of more eye conditions.

Macular Degeneration

This condition is the leading cause of blindness in America. The macula is the part of the retina responsible for sharp, clear images.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetes weakens and changes the blood vessels in the retina at the back of the eye. The blood vessels can begin to leak, swell, or develope brush like branches. Sometimes there are no symptoms, but if you're diabetic you need to have your eyes checked once a year. Left untreated this condition can cause blindness.

Retinitis Pigmentosa

This is a group of inherited diseases that damages the rods and cones in the retina. The rods are affected more than the cones. The rods provide side (peripheral) and night vision, and are affected more than the cones which provide color and clear central vision.

Coloboma

This is a cleft or gap in some part of the eye caused by a defect in the development of the eye.

Floaters and Spots

Specks and strands that seem to float across your field of vision. Actually they are shadows of bits of gel and cells inside the clear fluid that fills the eye.

Acquired (Traumatic) Brain Injury

Low vision can also be caused by head injury, stroke, and brain damage.




Glossary of Eye Conditions

EyeMDLink

Low Vision Causes

Common Eye Conditions Leading to Low Vision


I hope these links will help you in your quest for answers.

Dale L. Edwards