5 common causes of blindness and how you can prevent it

The common causes of blindness cannot be corrected with eye glasses, contact lenses  or eye drops. Blindness is the lack of vision or the inability to see. When you begin to experience any of these symptoms; eye redness, double vision, intense eye pain or watery eyes know it is high time you see a doctor. 

Here are the common causes of blindness and how you can prevent it:

1. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damages the optic nerve in the back of the eye. This disease progresses slowly and it can lead to blindness. Glaucoma can happen to someone with high eye pressure and regular eye pressure. If there is a history of glaucoma in your family you’re at risk but regular eye check up between one to two years would make doctors detect it early.

2. Cataract

Cataract occurs when the lenses begin to cloud due to proteins in both eyes. It becomes hard for the lens to enable the eye to see clear images. Cataract is a common cause of blindness that can be quite threatening. You can develop it if you love smoking, taking alcohol, diabetic, aging or exposing your eyes to sunlight.

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3. Amblyopia 

Amblyopia affects just one eye. It usually springs up during childhood when the brain finds it difficult to interpret information from one of the eyes. As time goes on, the affected eye with amblyopia becomes weak while the eye with better sight becomes stronger. 

4. Diabetic retinopathy 

Diabetic patients are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. When you frequently have high blood sugar, it can damage the blood vessels all over your body which also includes the tiny vessels in your retina, the area that is sensitive to light. The retina can grow in an unusual way, causing blindness or loss of vision.

5. Macular degeneration 

Macular degeneration happens when the cells in the centre of your retina are damaged. There is dry and wet macular degeneration. The dry one happens when part of the retina known as macular breaks down. You may first experience distorted or blurred central vision. The dry macular is quite common but less severe. The wet macular occurs when straight lines begin to appear crooked.

How to prevent blindness

1. Regular examination of your eyes can help you prevent vision loss.

2. Ensure you consume nutritious foods; eat a balanced diet.

3. Try not to be obese. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and moderate weight.

4. Manage your blood sugar levels.

5. Avoid smoking, and if you do, stop it.