TL;DR
Gradual vision loss often creeps up on you, making it harder to pinpoint when it began. The good news is that many causes of gradual vision loss are treatable if caught early, and by understanding what might be happening, you can take the right steps to protect your sight.
Here’s a look at the most common causes of gradual vision loss and the guidance you need to manage or prevent it.
Cataracts – A cloudy issue
Cataracts are one of the leading causes of gradual vision loss, particularly in older adults.
They occur when the lens of your eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, and sensitivity to light. It’s as though you’re constantly looking through a foggy window.
What causes cataracts?
Cataracts develop naturally as you age, but other factors like diabetes, smoking, and prolonged exposure to UV light can speed up their formation.
Injury to the eye can also result in cataracts, and in some cases, they can even be present from birth.
How are cataracts treated?
The good news is cataract surgery is highly effective. If you notice a gradual decline in your vision, particularly if you’re over 60, getting regular eye checks is crucial.
The surgery involves replacing the cloudy lens with an artificial one, which can drastically improve your sight.
Glaucoma – The silent thief of sight
Glaucoma is often called the silent thief of sight because it can cause irreversible damage before you even notice anything is wrong.
It’s a condition that affects the optic nerve, usually due to increased pressure in the eye. This can lead to a gradual loss of peripheral vision, making it harder to see things to the side while looking straight ahead.
What causes glaucoma?
Glaucoma can be inherited, but other risk factors include age, high blood pressure, and eye injuries. Unfortunately, once the optic nerve is damaged, it cannot be repaired, so early detection is key.
How can you manage glaucoma?
While there’s no cure for glaucoma, treatments such as eye drops, oral medications, and surgery can help control eye pressure and prevent further vision loss.
Regular eye exams, especially after the age of 40, are vital for catching this condition early.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) – Central vision at risk
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects your central vision, making it harder to read, recognise faces, or perform tasks that require detailed vision.
However, your peripheral vision usually remains intact. This condition is most common in people over 50.
What causes AMD?
There are two types of AMD: dry and wet. The dry form is more common and progresses slowly, while the wet form can lead to quicker vision loss.
Smoking, obesity, and a family history of AMD can increase your risk. Exposure to harmful UV rays can also accelerate the condition.
Can AMD be treated?
Unfortunately, there’s no cure for AMD, but lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy diet rich in leafy greens and omega-3s, and wearing sunglasses to block UV rays, can help slow its progression. For wet AMD, injections and laser treatments can sometimes prevent further damage.
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Diabetic retinopathy – A risk for diabetics
If you have diabetes, you’re at a higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, a condition that affects the blood vessels in your retina.
As these blood vessels weaken or become damaged, they can leak fluid, causing blurred vision or even severe vision loss if left untreated.
What are the warning signs?
Early-stage diabetic retinopathy often doesn’t present any symptoms, which is why regular eye exams are crucial for diabetics. As the condition progresses, you may notice dark spots or ‘floaters’ in your vision, as well as difficulty seeing at night.
Managing diabetic retinopathy
The key to managing diabetic retinopathy is controlling your blood sugar levels and keeping up with regular eye check-ups. If caught early, treatments like laser therapy and injections can prevent further damage.
Refractive errors – Simple but impactful
Not all causes of gradual vision loss are due to serious diseases. Refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism can also cause a slow decline in vision.
These conditions are usually corrected with glasses or contact lenses, but they can worsen over time if left unaddressed.
What causes refractive errors?
Refractive errors occur when the shape of your eye prevents light from focusing properly on the retina. This can be due to the shape of your cornea or lens, or even the length of your eye.
How can you correct refractive errors?
Glasses, contact lenses, or corrective surgery such as LASIK can help restore clear vision. It’s important to have regular eye tests to ensure your prescription is up to date, as uncorrected refractive errors can lead to eye strain and headaches.
Seeking help early is key
While some causes of gradual vision loss are related to ageing and cannot be entirely prevented, many conditions are treatable if caught early.
Regular eye exams are crucial, especially if you’re over 40 or have a family history of eye diseases.
If you notice any changes in your vision, don’t hesitate to visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Your sight is one of your most precious senses, and staying proactive is the best way to protect it.
