Failing Vision

Abstract

Failing vision means that the sight as measured by the standard test type is worsening. The patient may say “I can’t see so well doctor” or they may feel that their spectacles need changing. Some patients may not notice visual loss especially if it is in one eye. Sometimes more specific symptoms are given; the vision may be blurred, for example, in a patient with cataract, or objects may appear distorted or straight lines bent if there is disease of the macular region of the retina. Disease of the macular may also make objects look larger or smaller. Double vision is an important symptom since it can be the result of a cranial nerve palsy but if monocular it may be due to cataract. Patients quite often complain of floating black spots. If these move slowly with eye movement they may be due to some disturbance of the vitreous gel in the centre of the eye. If they are accompanied by seeing flashing lights the possibility of damage to the retina needs to be kept in mind.