Loss of Vision

Vision loss may be an ocular emergency requiring same-day care. At Retina Consultants of Austin, with offices in Austin, Lakeway, Marble Falls, and Round Rock, Texas, the experienced ophthalmologists offer same-day appointments for vision loss emergencies to reduce the risk of complications that affect your quality of life. If you’re experiencing a rapid decline in visual acuity, call the nearest office or schedule an appointment online today.

What is vision loss?

Vision loss refers to a decrease in or complete loss of central (straight-ahead), peripheral (side), or both types of vision. More than 32 million Americans have vision loss today. 

At least 12 million people over the age of 40 experience vision loss, which breaks down as follows:

• 1 million with complete vision loss (blindness)
• 3 million with vision problems that persist after correction (glasses or contacts)
• 8 million with uncorrected refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism)

More than 90 million adults are at high risk of vision loss but haven’t seen an eye doctor in the last year.

What causes vision loss?

It’s normal to experience a reduction in close-up focus as you age, but vision loss isn’t the norm — and it’s often preventable. Some of the most common causes of vision loss include: 

• Diabetic retinopathy
• Macular degeneration and advanced macular degeneration
• Cataracts
• Glaucoma

These conditions cause gradual vision loss, but sudden vision loss can occur with conditions like retinal tears, retinal detachments, and retinal vein occlusion. 

Vision loss is growing more common due largely to the aging population and the increasing number of Americans with diseases like diabetes, which can lead to damage in the nerves and blood vessels and result in vision loss.

How can I prevent vision loss?

As with many medical problems, the best treatment is prevention. Eating healthy, losing extra weight, staying active, and scheduling annual comprehensive eye exams are all important preventive strategies. Managing chronic diseases like diabetes is particularly important to preserve your eye health and prevent vision loss.

How is vision loss treated?

Vision loss treatment depends on the specific cause of your vision loss, its severity, and other factors. Retina Consultants of Austin offers the most innovative and advanced medical and surgical treatments for retinopathy, macular degeneration, and other diseases that cause vision loss.

The surgeons are experts in diabetic eye care and vitreoretinal surgeries, and also run an active research center where patients can participate in clinical trials for the newest medications and devices for vision loss. 

The skilled specialists are committed to preserving eyesight, so same-day appointments are always available. 

If you’re experiencing vision loss, don’t hesitate to call Retina Consultants of Austin or schedule an appointment online when you need help.