Leading Eye Diseases

Blindness can strike anyone, any time and at any age. Although most vision loss affects those older than 65, many younger people also suffer from various forms of visual impairment. Braille Institute offers many services, including free low vision consultations to help people understand eye diseases and ways to cope. The accompanying photos on this page will give you an idea of how the different diseases affect what you can see. You can also see the following eye diseases simulated, in real-time, on your iPhone, iPad or Android devices using our new mobile app called VisionSim.

If you have been diagnosed with an eye disease or if your vision isn't as good as it used to be, Braille Institute can help bring your life back into focus. Learn more about our free programs and services or visit our Vistas store.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in people age 65 and older. It can be part of the body's natural aging process or it may be inherited. It is caused by damage to the macula, the small part of the retina that gives sharp, straight-on vision. It may cause blurred, distorted vision, often with large blank spots in the central area of sight. Very rarely does the disease cause total loss of sight.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Retinopathy is associated with diabetes and is caused by the breakage of tiny blood vessels in the retina, resulting in hemorrhages on or in the retina. Untreated diabetes or poor disease maintenance greatly increase the risk of diabetic retinopathy. Depending on the severity of the disease, sight can remain near normal or can be lost entirely. Remaining vision may be blurred or distorted or the hemorrhaging may cause a deep reddish veil to form over the field of vision. Laser surgery often is effective, but the patient must cooperate by managing the diabetes through medication, diet, exercise and frequent monitoring of blood sugar.

Retinitis Pigmentosa

Retinitis Pigmentosa is a hereditary condition leading to chronic retinal degeneration, accompanied by abnormal deposits of pigment. The disease causes a progressive decrease in peripheral or side vision. Eventually, a person with retinitis pigmentosa can see only directly ahead, a condition known as "tunnel vision." Night vision also can be affected as can the ability to walk safely. Very rarely does the disease cause total loss of sight. At present there is no known cure or effective medical treatment for RP, although certain doses of vitamin A have been found to slightly slow the progression of the disease.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition in which the fluid pressure inside the eye is too high, causing damage to the optic nerve. If left untreated, vision around the edge of the eye becomes increasingly restricted, narrowing the field of vision. Eventually, total blindness can occur. If detected early enough, the damaging affects of the disease often can be treated with various drugs. Laser or conventional surgery often can relieve pressure and prevent further sight loss.

Cataracts

A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. It is estimated that 95 percent of those over 65 years of age have some degree of cataract that may or may not cause blurring of vision. If a cataract begins to cause vision loss that interferes with important activities, it can easily be surgically removed and an artificial lens implanted. This usually results in a great improvement of vision.

You can also see the above eye diseases simulated, in real-time, on your iPhone, iPad or Android devices using our new mobile app called VisionSim. If you have been diagnosed with an eye disease or if your vision isn't as good as it used to be, Braille Institute can help bring your life back into focus. Learn more about our free programs and services or visit our Vistas store.