Causes of Blindness

The human eye is made up of many parts that work together to allow us to see. The cornea, iris, lens, and retina have various functions to focus light and create images. Messages of what we see are sent to our brain, and when this process works correctly, we see images quickly and clearly. However, when this process does not work properly, a person may be visually impaired or totally blind in one eye or both. People who have very little sight may be referred to as “legally blind.”

Ninety-five percent of cases of blindness are caused by diseases, and the rest are caused by injuries. Some of the most common diseases that cause blindness are:

Cataracts can cause blindness because they cause the eye’s natural lenses to become opaque, meaning light cannot pass through. The good news is that cataracts can be removed by surgery, although you may still need to wear glasses or contact lenses following cataract surgery.
Glaucoma may cause blindness, usually in people older than 40, but there is another type of glaucoma that occurs in babies. Glaucoma is a build-up of fluid in the eye that does not drain properly. The pressure of the fluid will cause damage to the optic nerve. Glaucoma, however, can be treated with medication and/or surgery.
A disease known as Macular Degeneration may occur as you age and can cause blindness. People with this condition lose “center” vision which is necessary to read, recognize faces or drive. Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) cuts off circulation of blood in the retina, but it can be treated with laser surgery.
Diabetic retinopathy is a disease in diabetes mellitus sufferers that can result in blindness over time. Diabetes changes the blood vessels of the retina, which is the part of the eye that absorbs light rays. Diabetic retinopathy can actually cause the vessels to burst and the eye to bleed. If the retina becomes totally detached or the bleeding fills the center of the eye, you may go blind.
Trachoma is a disease caused by a virus that may result in blindness. Trachoma affects the cornea and the lining of the eyelid known as the conjunctiva. Because Trachoma is caused by a virus, it is contagious and is spread by flies and contact with towels or other materials that have been used by people with the condition. If caught in the early stages, Trachoma is highly treatable.

Due to advances in technology, blindness can be both prevented and treated (in many cases).

If you are fearful you are losing your eyesight, of if you have questions about blindness, please contact an experienced eye doctor near you.