5 Common Causes of Blindness and How You Can Prevent Them

Prevention Tips:

• Routine eye screenings are critical—especially if you have a family history

• Use prescribed eye drops if diagnosed with high intraocular pressure

• Exercise regularly and avoid smoking to support overall eye health

• Manage chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension

2. Glaucoma

Known as the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure inside the eye. It develops slowly and often without noticeable symptoms until it’s too late. Glaucoma can happen to someone with high eye pressure and regular eye pressure. If there is a history of glaucoma in your family you’re at risk but regular eye check up between one to two years would make doctors detect it early.

Prevention Tips:

• Routine eye screenings are critical—especially if you have a family history

• Use prescribed eye drops if diagnosed with high intraocular pressure

• Exercise regularly and avoid smoking to support overall eye health

• Manage chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension

3. Diabetic Retinopathy

This condition affects people with diabetes. High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision impairment or blindness over time. When you frequently have high blood sugar, it can damage the blood vessels all over your body which also includes the tiny vessels in your retina, the area that is sensitive to light. The retina can grow in an unusual way, causing blindness or loss of vision.

Prevention Tips:

• Keep blood sugar under control

• Schedule annual dilated eye exams if you have diabetes

• Control blood pressure and cholesterol levels

• Report any vision changes to your doctor immediately

4. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD is a progressive eye disease that affects central vision. It’s most common in people over the age of 50 and can significantly impact daily activities like reading or recognizing faces. There is dry and wet macular degeneration. The dry one happens when part of the retina known as macular breaks down. You may first experience distorted or blurred central vision. The dry macular is quite common but less severe. The wet macular occurs when straight lines begin to appear crooked.

Prevention Tips:

• Stop smoking—it’s a major risk factor

• Eat an antioxidant-rich diet (think leafy greens, berries, and fish)

• Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly

• Wear UV-protective sunglasses

• Get your eyes checked annually after the age of 50

5. Eye Infections and Injuries

Sometimes, blindness can result from something as simple as an untreated infection or an accidental injury. Conditions like trachoma or severe conjunctivitis, if neglected, can cause irreversible damage.

Prevention Tips:

• Practice good hygiene—wash your hands before touching your eyes

• Avoid sharing personal items like towels or makeup

• Wear protective eyewear during risky tasks (e.g., construction work, using chemicals)

• Seek immediate medical help for eye injuries or infections

Final Thoughts

Your eyes are irreplaceable, and losing vision can drastically alter your lifestyle, independence, and mental health. Thankfully, most causes of blindness are preventable through early diagnosis, routine eye care, and making informed health choices.

So, whether you’re at risk or just aiming to maintain strong vision for years to come, treat your eyes like the treasures they are