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Currently, the prevalence of visual impairment is showing a significant increase. It causes inconveniences and directly impacts the quality of life for many people. So, what is visual impairment, and what methods are available to treat refractive errors? All will be explained by Mytour in the article below.
What is Visual Impairment?
Visual impairment is a refractive error where the images seen cannot converge on the retina when entering the eye. This leads to a condition where the eyes become blurred and observation becomes difficult. It has a significant impact on health and overall quality of life.
Visual impairment causes blurriness and affects daily activitiesIt is known that the cornea has a spherical shape, transparent, and is located just in front of the eyeball. The cornea allows light to enter the eye. If the cornea does not maintain the ideal curvature, light will converge at various points, causing visual impairment. Visual impairment also occurs when the curvature of the lens becomes irregular.There are two main types you should be aware of:
- Macular degeneration: The phenomenon of a distorted macula.
- Refractive errors: The condition of a distorted lens.
Causes Leading to Astigmatism
One of the causes is the deformation of the macula. The normally spherical-shaped macula, which helps light converge onto a specific point on the retina, becomes elongated and has two different curvatures in cases of refractive errors. This leads to images being blurred.
In addition to the main cause mentioned above, here are some factors that can contribute to astigmatism:
- Family history of astigmatism or eye disorders. Especially for those with both parents having astigmatism, the risk is higher.
- Individuals with eye injuries, such as corneal scars.
- People who have undergone eye surgery, such as cataract surgery.
- Age is also a factor contributing to the risk of astigmatism. Typically, older individuals are more prone to astigmatism than younger ones.
- Those with Keratoconus, a condition leading to macular degeneration and conical distortion.
- Individuals with disabilities are also more susceptible to this condition.
- Those with severe myopia or hyperopia are at a higher risk than normal individuals.
Common Causes Leading to Visual ImpairmentCommon Symptoms of Visual Impairment
- Individuals with visual impairment often struggle to see things clearly around them. Most images become blurry, distorted, and significantly affect the daily activities of the affected person.- In environments such as low light conditions, the difficulty in vision increases.- Frequently experiencing eye strain and squinting.- Focusing on observing anything can lead to headaches.
Common Symptoms of Vision ImpairmentTreatments for Visual Disorders
In mild cases, no specific treatment may be required. However, individuals with severe vision impairments should opt for specialized treatment methods. Some commonly used approaches include:
- Prescription Glasses: Most cases of vision impairment can be corrected by wearing prescription glasses. It is known as a simple, widely adopted, easy-to-follow method with high effectiveness. Importantly, this method minimizes unwanted complications.
- Surgery: If wearing prescription glasses is not suitable, laser surgery is recommended. Various surgical methods include: altering the curvature of the corneal tissue, removing corneal tissue - non-contact laser ablation, and reshaping the cornea using laser disc removal of corneal tissue.
- Ortho-K (Orthokeratology) Customization: This treatment involves using hard contact lenses. Specially designed, these lenses can be worn at night, temporarily changing the shape of the cornea while sleeping. This helps improve vision in the morning and maintains clarity throughout the day.
Due to the gradual onset of the condition, patients often overlook minor changes in their eyes. Therefore, it is advisable to undergo regular eye checks at the first sign of any small alterations.
3 Methods for Treating Vision ImpairmentPreventive Measures to Avoid Vision Impairment
If vision impairment is hereditary, prevention becomes challenging. However, for other causes, proactive measures can be taken to prevent the onset of the condition. Here are some specific strategies:
- Protect your eyes and avoid exposing them to harmful damage.
- Work in well-lit environments and avoid excessively dark places that may strain your eyes. When working in bright and intense lighting, remember to wear protective eyewear.
- For those who spend extended hours on computers, reading, etc., allocate time for your eyes to rest and ensure better relaxation.
- Initiate early and comprehensive treatment for existing eye conditions to limit the development of vision impairment complications.
- Once diagnosed with vision impairment, seek early examination and treatment. This helps prevent severe complications from arising in the eyes.
- Pay attention to maintaining a well-balanced diet to supply essential nutrients to the eyes. Include foods rich in Vitamin A, such as red-colored fruits like: Gac fruit, carrots, tomatoes,...
6 Prevention Strategies to Avoid Vision ImpairmentFrequently Asked Questions
In addition to the aforementioned information, many people still have questions about vision impairment that need clarification. Here are some frequently asked questions and detailed answers.
Is Vision Impairment Dangerous?
If your vision impairment is at a mild level below 1D, it usually won't significantly affect your eyesight. Therefore, you may not need to take any intervention measures for treatment.
For cases with higher levels, above 1D, this can cause discomfort, blurred vision, and headaches. It is advisable to seek advice from a doctor for the most appropriate guidance.
If the condition is above 2D or affects one eye, early and prolonged treatment is necessary as it can pose a highly dangerous risk of permanent visual impairment. Even with corrective lenses, clear vision may not be achieved. Therefore, it is crucial to visit a reputable hospital for timely examination and treatment.
Is Vision Impairment Dangerous?Can Vision Impairment Heal on Its Own?
No, spontaneous recovery from vision impairment is extremely rare. According to assessments, mild conditions generally do not significantly impact the quality of life, eye function, and may not require treatment intervention. Individuals around the age of 25 with mild symptoms can typically maintain good vision.
However, over time, vision impairment can progress abnormally without proper care and suitable treatment methods. If neglected, the condition can worsen, leading to visual weakness and potentially even blindness. Therefore,
How is Vision Impairment Diagnosed?
Diagnosing vision impairment is done through visual acuity tests for accurate assessmentAt What Degree is Vision Impairment Considered Severe?
Dr. Moshirfar, Director of Refractive Surgery Services (Moran Eye Center - University of Utah), defines the severity of vision impairment as follows:
- Normal Level: Eyes with impairment below 0.6 diopters.
- Low Level: Eyes with impairment ranging from 0.6 to 2 diopters.
- Moderate Level: Eyes with impairment from 2 to 4 diopters.
Through the information provided, Mytour has enhanced your understanding of what vision impairment is. It has also informed you about the causes, symptoms, and treatment methods for vision impairment. If you notice any unusual signs, visit an eye clinic for examination. Stay updated with Mytour's articles to gain valuable knowledge regularly.
