Vision loss

The main symptom of vision loss is not being able to see properly. It can gradually get worse over time or happen suddenly. It can affect 1 or both eyes. Symptoms of vision loss can include: changes to your vision difficulty reading, watching TV, or seeing peoples' faces clearly your eyes being uncomfortable in or sensitive to bright light difficulty seeing at night and in low light You can have vision loss at any age, but it's more common as you get older. Information: Vision loss in children Vision loss in children is rare, but any problems will usually be found during routine eye tests for children . Speak to your health visitor or GP if you're worried about your child's vision.

There are lots of possible causes of vision loss. Some are common and can be treated, but some conditions may cause permanent vision loss. Your symptoms may give you an idea what could be causing it. Common causes of vision loss Symptoms Possible cause Blurred or cloudy vision, seeing a glowing ring (halo) around lights, colours looking less bright Cataracts in adults Dots, lines, flashes, darkness, or shadows appearing in your vision, often starts suddenly Detached retina (retinal detachment) Distorted area in the middle of your vision, difficulty reading, difficulty seeing peoples’ faces Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) Gradual worsening of your sight and you have diabetes Diabetic retinopathy Blurred vision, severe eye pain, red eye Glaucoma

Treatment for vision loss depends on what’s causing it. If the optician or GP thinks your vision loss is caused by a condition, you’ll usually be referred to an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) for further tests. The ophthalmologist will discuss any available treatments with you that may improve your vision or may help stop it getting worse. Treatments may include medicines or surgery. Some conditions can cause permanent vision loss that cannot be treated. If you have long-term vision loss, the ophthalmologist or GP should refer you to local services that can support you with adapting to living with impaired vision.

Everyone experiences vision loss differently. If you have permanent vision loss, support you may need can include: advice and help with adapting your home to help with things like cooking and washing help using low vision aids and assistive technology to help you with things like reading, using phones, and using the internet help with travelling and using transport advice and help with getting benefits help with adapting your workplace, or finding jobs support with learning at school, college or university talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or counselling Registering as sight impaired If you've been assessed by an ophthalmologist who says you have severe sight impairment (blind) or you're sight impaired (partially sighted), you can register as sight impaired with your local authority. This can help you access low vision support and services in your area, and means you can apply for benefits. Information: More information RNIB: registering as sight impaired RNIB: criteria for certification GOV.UK: blind person's allowance eligibility Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is a national charity that offers information and support for anyone affected by vision loss. Website www.rnib.org.uk Helpline: 0303 123 9999 RNIB: practical and emotional support RNIB: coming to terms with sight loss