Poor Vision
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Try one of these related symptoms.
Blurry vision
Double vision
Eye strain
Blurry vision in one eye
Double vision in one eye
Cloudy vision
Eye fatigue
Loss of vision
Loss of peripheral vision in one eye
Loss of vision in one eye
Temporary loss of vision in one eye
Trouble focusing on words when reading
About the Symptom
Visual impairment refers to a loss of vision that cannot be corrected to normal vision, even when the person is wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses. It can range from low vision to total blindness.
When to See a Doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
- Poor vision
Possible Causes
Generally, Poor vision can be related to:
- Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO)
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a rare condition in which the immune system damages the spinal cord and the optic nerves.
- Macular Edema
Macular edema is the accumulation of fluid in the macula, the part of your retina responsible for central vision. It occurs when fluid leads to swelling in the macula, causing blurred vision and vision loss in severe cases. Common causes of macular edema include blockages in retinal arteries or veins and diabetes.
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration
An eye condition that causes a "hole in the center" when looking at things. It is caused by damage to the central retina (sensing layer of the eye). Causes include aging, smoking, and genetics.
- Pathologic Myopia
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Retinitis pigmentosa
- Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion
- Cataracts
Related Serious Diseases
Sometimes, Poor vision may be related to these serious diseases:
- Optic Neuritis (Optic Neuromyelitis, Ischemic Optic Neuropathy)
Optic neuritis happens when the optic nerve, which sends messages from your eye to your brain, becomes inflamed. This can affect eye movement and vision. Inflammation of the optic nerve can be caused by infections or immune system disorders like multiple sclerosis and lupus.
- Endophthalmitis
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Are you experiencing any vision problems?
- When did you first notice your vision problems?
- Which of the following best describes how your vision problems appeared?
- How is your vision problem now?
- Are you currently experiencing vision loss in one eye?
Reviewed By:
Ami Shah Vira, MD (Ophthalmology)
Dr. Shah Vira grew up in Arizona. She moved to Chicago to complete a combined engineering and medical program at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) and Chicago Medical School. She completed a highly competitive two year dual fellowship in Neuro-ophthalmology and Oculoplastic at the highly regarded Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Shah Vira specializes in surgical correction of the eyelids and eyebrows, eyelid malposition and tumors, excessive tearing, and conditions involving the orbit.
Masashi Mimura, MD (Ophthalmology)
Dr. Mimura Graduated from the Osaka Medical College and obtained his ophthalmologist certification in 2007. He opened an outpatient clinic for oculoplastic and reconstructive surgery at Osaka Kaijo Hospital. Subsequently, he was appointed as the assistant professor at the Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka Medical College, in 2014. He then served an international fellowship at the Department of Ophthalmology/Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery, California State University, San Diego. Since then, he has been appointed as Lecturer in the Departments of Ophthalmology at Osaka Medical College and Toho University Medical Center Sakura Hospital. Dr. Mimura is currently the Director of Oculofacial Clinic Osaka, where he specializes in Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Content updated on Feb 6, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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FAQs
Q.
Is Poor Vision Genetic?
A.
Yes, some types of poor vision can be genetic, meaning they can run in families.
References:
Shiels A, Hejtmancik JF. Biology of Inherited Cataracts and Opportunities for Treatment. Annu Rev Vis Sci. 2019 Sep 15;5:123-149. doi: 10.1146/annurev-vision-091517-034346. PMID: 31525139; PMCID: PMC6791712.
Karali M, Testa F, Di Iorio V, Torella A, Zeuli R, Scarpato M, Romano F, Onore ME, Pizzo M, Melillo P, Brunetti-Pierri R, Passerini I, Pelo E, Cremers FPM, Esposito G, Nigro V, Simonelli F, Banfi S. Genetic epidemiology of inherited retinal diseases in a large patient cohort followed at a single center in Italy. Sci Rep. 2022 Dec 2;12(1):20815. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-24636-1. PMID: 36460718; PMCID: PMC9718770.
Q.
Can Poor Vision Cause Headaches?
A.
Yes, poor vision can sometimes cause headaches because your eyes work harder to see clearly, which can lead to strain and pain in your head.
References:
Vincent MB. Vision and migraine. Headache. 2015 Apr;55(4):595-9. doi: 10.1111/head.12531. Epub 2015 Mar 11. PMID: 25758366.
Nguyen E, Inger H, Jordan C, Rogers D. Ocular Causes for Headache. Semin Pediatr Neurol. 2021 Dec;40:100925. doi: 10.1016/j.spen.2021.100925. Epub 2021 Sep 5. PMID: 34749915.
Q.
What Is the Meaning of V
A.
Visual impairment means having a lower level of vision than what is considered normal, even with the use of corrective measures like glasses.
References:
GBD 2019 Blindness and Vision Impairment Collaborators; Vision Loss Expert Group of the Global Burden of Disease Study. Causes of blindness and vision impairment in 2020 and trends over 30 years, and prevalence of avoidable blindness in relation to VISION 2020: the Right to Sight: an analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study. Lancet Glob Health. 2021 Feb;9(2):e144-e160. doi: 10.1016/S2214-109X(20)30489-7. Epub 2020 Dec 1. Erratum in: Lancet Glob Health. 2021 Apr;9(4):e408. doi: 10.1016/S2214-109X(21)00050-4. PMID: 33275949; PMCID: PMC7820391.
Keel S, Cieza A. Rising to the challenge: estimates of the magnitude and causes of vision impairment and blindness. Lancet Glob Health. 2021 Feb;9(2):e100-e101. doi: 10.1016/S2214-109X(21)00008-5. PMID: 33482137; PMCID: PMC7816084.
Chung, Susana T. L.∗; Advances in vision impairment research. Optometry and Vision Science 101(6):p 287-289, June 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/OPX.0000000000002163
Q.
Can Poor Vision Cause Dizziness?
A.
Yes, poor vision can sometimes make you feel dizzy because your eyes send unclear messages to your brain, which can upset your balance.
References:
Armstrong D, Charlesworth E, Alderson AJ, Elliott DB. Is there a link between dizziness and vision? A systematic review. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2016 Jul;36(4):477-86. doi: 10.1111/opo.12299. Epub 2016 Jun 2. PMID: 27255594.
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Pascolini D, Mariotti SP. Global estimates of visual impairment: 2010. Br J Ophthalmol. 2012 May;96(5):614-8. doi: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2011-300539. Epub 2011 Dec 1. PMID: 22133988.
https://bjo.bmj.com/content/96/5/614