How do People Develop Low Vision?
Low vision doesn’t happen overnight. For many, it starts with subtle changes—like needing more light to read or struggling to recognize faces in a crowd. Over time, these difficulties can grow, making daily life challenging. The term low vision means your sight can’t be fully corrected with glasses, contacts, or standard treatments. It develops for different reasons, often tied to age, health, or injury.
Common Eye Diseases
The most frequent cause of low vision in Wilmington, NC is age-related eye disease. Conditions like macular degeneration damage the part of the eye that lets you see fine details, creating blurry or blank spots in central vision. Glaucoma, on the other hand, harms peripheral sight, slowly narrowing your field of view. Diabetic retinopathy is another concern, where high blood sugar damages blood vessels in the retina, leading to patchy, distorted vision.
Injuries And Other Factors
Not all low vision is tied to the process of aging, though. Eye injuries, such as from sports accidents or workplace hazards, can scar the retina or cornea.
Then again, certain genetic conditions, like retinitis pigmentosa, also lead to gradual sight loss, sometimes beginning in childhood. Even experiencing strokes or neurological disorders can affect how the brain processes visual signals.
Protecting Your Sight Moving Forward
While some causes of low vision aren’t preventable, many can be managed or slowed with early detection and care. Regular eye exams play a huge role in catching problems before they become severe.
If you’ve noticed changes in your vision—no matter how small—don’t wait. Contact Paul Vision Institute today to set up a comprehensive eye exam with your Wilmington, NC optometrist. We’re here to help protect your sight so you can keep enjoying the activities and people you love.
