Causes of Vision Loss and How to Protect Your Eyesight

Visual impairment affects people of all ages and from all walks of life. There are many different potential causes of visual impairment, and each can lead to varying levels of vision loss. Some types of visual impairments are easily corrected while others require interventive treatment by an optometrist in Victoria, BC. The optometrist professionals of the Victoria Optometric Association are highly trained and educated in treating all types of vision loss.

The most common cause of visual impairment is refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Refractive errors occur when the light coming into your eye does not focus correctly on the retina. Cataracts, caused by a clouding of the eye lens which results in blurry vision, is the second most common cause of visual impairment. Though far less common, glaucoma is an eye disease characterized by high intraocular pressure, which can cause damage to the optic nerve. Vision loss can be associated with ageing and may result from age-related macular degeneration. This is a condition that causes an impairment of the eye's central vision, interfering with activities such as reading and even recognizing faces. Diabetic retinopathy, which can develop in people who have diabetes, can also cause blurry and patchy vision.

What to Do If You Think Your Vision is Deteriorating

If you are experiencing any problems with your vision, then you should schedule an appointment with an optometrist in Victoria for an eye exam as soon as you can. The role of an optometrist is to diagnose vision problems and to catch signs of eye diseases early before they have a chance to progress. Going for regular physical exams at your family doctor can also help catch signs of diabetes and of high blood pressure, which can help prevent glaucoma.

Another way you can help protect your vision is by wearing the proper eyeglasses and other types of eye wear in Victoria, such as sunglasses. Keeping your prescription up-to-date is important for preventing eye strain and helping you see clearly. Wearing sunglasses, whether prescription or not, will protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Take care of your eyewear by storing it in a case when you're not wearing it. You can clean the lenses under lukewarm tap water with some mild dish soap and dry them with a lint-free cloth.

To help keep your vision from deteriorating as you age, it is important to eat a healthy and balanced diet full of antioxidants. The antioxidants found in fruits and in green, leafy vegetables can help reduce your risk of developing cataracts, and the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish can help reduce your risk of macular degeneration.

Find Optometrist Professionals in Victoria Today

Having an optometrist who you can go to if you experience any changes to your vision is important for catching signs of eye diseases early. The members of the Victoria Optometric Association are all doctors of optometry working in Victoria and the surrounding area. Our members are committed to providing the highest quality of care, including accurate prescriptions for eyewear and comprehensive eye exams.

If you would like to schedule an eye exam in Victoria, just find an optometrist from our list of members located near you.