A variety of vision problems can be signs that someone is going blind; among these, blurriness, distortion, blind spots, light flashes, and double vision are some of the most common. Vision loss can be caused by many different risk factors and any symptoms should be regarded seriously. It should be noted, however, that just because an individual may have one or more of these signs, it does not automatically mean that blindness is imminent.
There are many causes of blindness. Stroke, epilepsy, migraine headaches, brain tumors, and injuries to the eye are just a few of the factors that can lead to an individual going blind. In most cases, the individual has a history of eye disorders or eye diseases, such as glaucoma, low vision, or detachment of the retinas. Macular degeneration, a progressive condition characterized by loss of vision brought on my retina damage, is another frequent cause of blindness.
Cloudy or blurred vision can be an early symptom. This condition creates hazy or shadowy eyesight and can be a telltale sign of any number of eye problems. Cloudy vision is often the first sign of more serious vision problems.
Distorted vision can be a scary but important sign of a serious eye problem. An individual with distorted vision sees shapes in an indistinct way. For example, when looking at a straight, flat surface like a desk or a countertop, someone with distorted vision may see the surface as undulating, warped, or uneven. This can be a symptom of macular degeneration, which can lead to blindness.
Blind spots are another frequent symptom of vision loss. When a specific area of the vision field becomes obstructed, the individual loses eyesight in that one location, creating a blind spot. This is a serious medical concern that can signify any number of health problems.
Many individuals who are going blind will experience flashing lights in their vision. These lights can be bright or dull and may be seen in any number of colors. Light flashes can signal retinal detachment or tears that may ultimately cause blindness.
When an individual sees two visual images instead of one, the condition is referred to as diplopia. Double vision is common with several conditions, both of the eye and other parts of the body. Sinus problems, thyroid conditions, and drug or alcohol addiction can produce this effect, but it is also a symptom of impending vision loss.