5 Common Causes of Vision Loss

How good is your eyesight? According to the National Health Interview Survey, over 25 million Americans suffer from some degree of vision loss. As a result, it's important to take the necessary precautions to protect and preserve your eyesight. In this post, we're going to reveal some of the most common causes of vision loss. By familiarizing yourself with these causes, you'll be able to make the right lifestyle choices to minimize your risk of vision loss.

#1) Physical Injury

Physical injury is a common cause of vision loss. Statistics show over 2,000 people sustain an eye injury at their place of employment each day in the United States. Construction and manufacturing workers are particularly prone to eye injury because they frequently work with heavy machines. If your job requires you to work with heavy machines, remember to wear impact-resistant goggles or glasses to protect against eye injury.

#2) Cataract

Some cases of vision loss are the result of a cataract. Cataracts are characterized by a cloudy appearance in one or both eyes. Normally, our eyes have a clear lens. Over time, however, one or both lenses may become cloudy -- a condition known as a cataract. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cataracts are responsible for over half of all blindness cases worldwide.

#3) Glaucoma

Glaucoma can also cause vision loss. Although there are several types of glaucoma, they all involve damage to the optical nerve. If fluid builds behind an eye, for example, it may damage the optical nerve. If the damage is severe, you may lose some or all vision in the affected eye.

#4) Stroke

A common side effect of stroke is vision loss. Research shows approximately two in thee people who suffer a stroke will also experience some degree of vision loss. All strokes are characterized by a lack of oxygen to the brain. If a stroke affects the specific part of the brain that governs vision, it may lead to vision loss. The vision loss associated with a stroke may be temporary or permanent.

#5) Diabetes

Even diabetes can cause vision loss. Millions of people suffer from diabetes. Unfortunately, a common side effect of this chronic disease that's often overlooked is vision loss. When not properly managed, diabetes can cause inflammation in the macula that manifests in the form of vision loss. Known as diabetic macular edema, it's a common complication associated with diabetes.