Blindness

Blindness is an lack of vision. It may also refer to a loss of vision that can't be redressed with glasses or contact lenses. Partial blindness means you have very limited vision. Complete blindness means you can't see anything and DO NOT see light. (Most people who use the term "visual impairment" mean complete blindness.)

The following eye diseases & conditions can cause blindness: 

  1. Glaucoma refers to four different eye conditions that can harm your optic nerve, which conveys visual information from your eyes to your brain. 
  2. Macular degeneration destroys the part of your eye that allows seeing details. It usually affects older adults.
  3. Cataracts cause cloudy vision. They are more common in older people.
  4. A lazy eye can make it hard to see details. It might prompt vision loss. 
  5. Optic neuritis is an inflammation that can cause temporary or permanent vision loss. 
  6. Retinitis pigmentosa refers to the damage of the retina. It prompts blindness only in rare cases. 
  7. Tumors which affects your retina or optic nerve can also cause blindness. 
  8. Blindness is a potentially complicated issue if you have diabetes or have a stroke. Birth defects, eye injuries, and complications from eye surgery are other common reasons for blindness. 

Reasons for Blindness in Infants 

The following conditions can impair vision or cause visual impairment in infants:

  1. Infections, such as pinkeye
  2. Blocked tear ducts
  3. Cataracts
  4. Strabismus, or crossed eyes
  5. Amblyopia, or a lazy eye
  6. Ptosis, or a droopy eyelid
  7. Congenital glaucoma
  8. Retinopathy of prematurity, which happens in infants when the blood vessels that supply their retina aren't completely developed
  9. Visual inattention, or delayed development of your child’s visual system

In some cases of blindness, one or more of the following points may help to restore your vision:

  • Eyeglasses 
  • Contact lenses
  • Medical surgery
  • Medication

If you experience partial visual impairment that can't be corrected, your doctor will guide on the most proficient method to work with limited vision. For example, you can use a magnifying glass to read, increase the text size on your PC, and use audio clocks and audiobooks.