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Vision loss or blindness

Also called: Vision loss, low vision, blindness, sudden vision loss

Losing sight, slowly or suddenly. Sudden vision loss is an emergency. Low-vision aids help people live independently.

Sudden lossEmergency
Common causesCataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetes

Overview

Cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease cause most vision loss in adults.

Sudden vision loss can be from a stroke, retinal detachment, or blocked blood vessel and is an emergency.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Losing vision
  • Blurry vision

Less common

  • Trouble reading
  • Glare

Look up a symptom: Blurry vision · Losing side (peripheral) vision

When to get medical care

Call 911Sudden vision loss, a curtain over vision, or flashes.
Get care todayVision change with eye pain.
See a doctor soonGradual vision loss.

Causes

Eye diseases.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Older age
  • Diabetes

Possible complications

Diagnosis

An eye exam.

Treatment

Use help.

Self-care

  • Get low-vision aids
  • Improve lighting
  • Use large print and talking devices
  • Improve lighting at home
  • Remove trip hazards

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

  • Regular eye exams
  • Control diabetes and blood pressure

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to an ophthalmologist (eye doctor and surgeon) or an optometrist.

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • Older adults: Low-vision services help people stay independent.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Help is available.

Low-vision help keeps many people independent.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

  • What low-vision aids could help me?
  • Is there a vision rehab program near me?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Vision loss or blindness

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.