Definition
There are many types of eye problems and visual disturbances. These include blurred vision, halos, blind spots, floaters, and other symptoms. Blurred vision is the loss of sharpness of vision and the inability to see small details. Blind spots (scotomas) are dark "holes" in the visual field in which nothing can be seen. For the most severe form of visual loss, see blindness.
Alternative Names
Vision impairment; Impaired vision; Blurred vision
Considerations
Changes in vision, blurriness, blind spots, halos around lights, or dimness of vision should always be evaluated by a medical professional. Such changes may represent an eye disease, aging, eye injury, or a condition like diabetes that affects many organs in your body.
Whatever the cause, vision changes should never be ignored. They can get worse and significantly impact the quality of your life. Professional help is always necessary. As you determine which professional to see, the following descriptions may help:
- Opticians dispense glasses and do not diagnose eye problems.
- Optometrists perform eye exams and may diagnose eye problems. They prescribe glasses and contact lenses. In some states they prescribe eye drops to treat diseases.
- Ophthalmologists are physicians who diagnose and treat diseases that affect the eyes.
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