What is Blindness?

• A complete or severe loss of vision
• Can affect one or both eyes
• May be present from birth or occur later in life
• Ranges from partial vision loss to total blindness
• Not always correctable with glasses or contact lenses

Types of Blindness

Partial blindness

• Limited vision remains
• May see shapes, light, or movement
• Often referred to as low vision

Complete blindness

• No light perception
• Total loss of visual function

What causes Blindness?

• Eye injuries or trauma
• Untreated eye infections
• Glaucoma or high intraocular pressure
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Age-related macular degeneration
• Cataracts, especially in older adults
• Retinal detachment
• Genetic eye disorders
• Stroke affecting the visual center of the brain

What are the symptoms of Vision Loss?

• Cloudy, blurry, or dim vision
• Loss of peripheral or central vision
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Sensitivity to light
• Seeing halos around lights
• Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
• Changes in color perception

How is Blindness diagnosed?

• Comprehensive eye exam
• Visual acuity tests
• Pupil response tests
• Visual field testing
• Retinal imaging
• MRI or CT scan if brain-related cause suspected
• Review of medical and family history

How is Blindness treated or managed?

Treatable causes

• Cataract surgery to restore vision
• Laser or surgical treatment for glaucoma or retinal issues
• Medication for infections or inflammation
• Diabetic control to prevent diabetic retinopathy

Vision rehabilitation

• Low-vision aids such as magnifiers or talking devices
• Orientation and mobility training
• Braille and screen-reading software
• Assistive technology for daily living

What are the complications of Blindness?

• Increased risk of falls or injuries
• Loss of independence
• Depression or social isolation
• Difficulty with education or employment
• Barriers in mobility and communication

How can Blindness be prevented?

• Regular eye check-ups, especially with risk factors
• Managing chronic diseases like diabetes or hypertension
• Wearing protective eyewear during risky activities
• Prompt treatment of eye infections or injuries
• Healthy diet rich in vitamins A, C, E, and omega-3s
• Avoid smoking to reduce risk of age-related eye disease

When to see a doctor?

• Sudden or unexplained vision loss
• Persistent eye pain or redness
• Flashes of light or floaters in vision
• Eye injury or trauma
• Family history of eye disease
• Difficulty performing daily tasks due to vision changes