You Missed Your Blind Spot
What is a blind spot?
A blind spot is an optical phenomenon that occurs when light rays coming into the eye are unable to focus on the retina of the eye. An example of this would be looking at a picture on your wall while holding something small in front of your eyes. If you move back, there’s an area where you can no longer see it. This is your blind spot. You have two in each eye, one for each eye! That’s why if someone pokes one of your eyes while covering up their own eyes, you won’t notice it! It doesn’t hurt because they’re poking into your blind spots! Pretty cool huh?
How can I find my Blind Spots?
There are two ways to find out what kind of vision problems you may have due to having these blind spots: 1.) Optometrists/Ophthalmologists use special equipment called perimetry which measures how wide and how far away from your head you will need objects to be seen clearly by both eyes together. 2.) The Amblyoscope works by blocking off one eye at a time and then putting dots or lines in front of different points on the other side that move with certain frequencies (I bought some cool-looking glasses for this purpose).
What are the problems associated with having a Blind Spot?
The most common problem is Macular Degeneration, which is caused by deterioration of the macula, or center part of your retina. This can cause blind spots to appear in the central vision of one or both eyes. There are other less severe conditions associated with having a blind spot as well, but for now let’s focus on macular degeneration. Macular degeneration will not always lead to blindness, but there’s no way to tell how severe it will get until it begins affecting your vision! Some people have no symptoms whatsoever and others experience severe visual impairment! The most common symptom is blurry vision that comes and goes. Sometimes it may seem like you have a detatched retina. Because of this, the best thing to do is to see your eye doctor immediately!
How can I prevent having a Blind Spot?
The only way to tell if you have a blind spot is to go get tested by an optometrist or ophthalmologist! If you’re blind spots are severe, there’s no way around it. You’ll need surgery or other corrective measures. The good news is that they can fix them! If your blind spots are minor and because of age-related macular degeneration, you can get monthly injections in both eyes called Avastin which will help prevent further visual impairment. It’s very important that you don’t put off getting tested if at all possible for several reasons: 1.) Macular Degeneration cannot be reversed; however, treatments are available for those with moderate vision loss; 2.) Macular Degeneration does not always lead to complete blindness; 3.) Macular Degeneration has no symptoms until the disease progresses significantly; 4.) It puts one at risk for falling due to dizziness secondary to impaired vision (the person who suffers from macular degeneration often feels like they’re walking on water); 5.) People with macular degeneration often experience depression secondary due to loss of independence and lifestyle changes (i.e. no longer able to drive, read books, cook, travel); 6.) Macular Degeneration can lead to more serious conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts.
How do I know if I have Macular Degeneration? How do I know if it’s getting worse? What are my symptoms?
Macular degeneration is usually diagnosed by an eye doctor using a special test called a visual field test. This test will tell you how much vision is being lost in the central part of your vision (i.e. I am studying optometry right now, so I’m going to use the terms Macula and Central Vision). Macular degeneration can progress slowly or quickly. You may have a family history of macular degeneration, but that doesn’t mean you will get it! In fact, one of my grandmothers had it and didn’t have any symptoms at all! Only when she was in her 80’s did she begin having problems with vision loss. Luckily for her, there were treatments available for her at that time. If you think you might have macular degeneration or another related condition because of any changes in your vision call your eye care professional immediately! Many times these changes are reversible if caught early enough! If they aren’t, treatment is available to help minimize the damage done by the disease (i.e.
I hope I have been able to shed some light on this subject as well as keep you informed as to what’s going on with your vision. If you notice any changes in your vision, don’t hesitate to go see an eye care professional immediately! Thanks for reading my post, and if you like what I wrote, please share it!