What are the common causes of long-term vision changes?

Dear A S Durga Prasad ji

Having reduced or unclear vision for more than three years should not be ignored. The right treatment depends on the cause. Common causes include an incorrect glasses power, cataract, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, retinal problems or other eye conditions. A proper eye examination is needed to identify the exact reason. 

What you should do now

Please consult an ophthalmologist (eye specialist) and have both eyes checked. The doctor may check:

• Your eyesight and glasses power

• Eye pressure

• The front and back of the eyes

• Retina and optic nerve

• Cataract

• Any signs of glaucoma

• Diabetes-related eye problems, if you have diabetes

Depending on the findings, the doctor may recommend tests such as a dilated eye examination, OCT, visual-field test or other scans.

Treatment depends on the cause

• Weak or changed glasses power: Properly prescribed glasses or contact lenses may improve vision.

• Cataract: If the cloudy lens is affecting your daily activities, cataract surgery may be recommended. Surgery replaces the cloudy lens with an artificial lens. 

• Glaucoma: Treatment may include eye drops, laser treatment or surgery. Early treatment can help prevent further vision loss. 

• Diabetic eye disease: Controlling blood sugar and receiving the treatment recommended by the eye specialist can help protect vision. Diabetic retinopathy can cause sight loss if it is not treated. 

• Retinal or other eye problems: Treatment depends on the specific condition and may involve medicines, injections, laser treatment or surgery.

Precautions and things you can do

• Do not use eye drops, especially steroid drops, without an eye doctor's advice.

• Do not rub or press your eyes.

• Wear your prescribed glasses regularly.

• Keep diabetes and blood pressure under proper control if you have these conditions.

• Avoid smoking and tobacco.

• Protect your eyes from excessive sunlight with suitable UV-protective sunglasses.

• Take regular breaks during prolonged screen use.

• Keep your follow-up appointments and use prescribed eye medicines regularly.

Seek urgent medical care if

Your vision suddenly becomes worse, you suddenly lose vision, develop severe eye pain, a very red painful eye, new flashes of light, a sudden increase in floaters, or a dark curtain/shadow appears across your vision. These symptoms can indicate an urgent eye problem.

Since your vision problem has been present for more than three years, please arrange a complete eye check-up rather than continuing with old glasses or self-medication. If you share your city and state, We can help you identify a suitable eye hospital or ophthalmologist.

Wishing you and your family good health always.
Warm regards,
Team HexaHealth