Eye Conditions

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)

Some changes in vision are normal as we grow older. This section of our website can help you understand these vision changes, alert you to abnormal changes in vision, and give you information about the primary causes of vision loss for adults, including cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.

Woman in eye doctors office with a cover on one eye and an eye chart in the background

What is Legal Blindness?

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)“Legal blindness” is a definition used by the United States government to determine eligibility for vocational training, rehabilitation, schooling, disability benefits, low vision devices, and tax exemption programs. It’s not a functional low-vision definition and doesn’t tell us much about what a person can and cannot see. Having low vision means that even with regular […]

How Diabetes Affects Your Vision: What You Need to Know

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)Diabetes mellitus (usually referred to as diabetes) is a chronic carbohydrate metabolism disorder resulting from inadequate production or utilization of the hormone insulin. When a person has diabetes, their pancreas either doesn’t make enough insulin or their body cannot use it effectively. Diabetes is an illness that makes […]

Glossary of Eye Conditions

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish) Use our glossary as a quick reference to learn about different eye conditions and common terms used when describing them. The glossary is alphabetized to make it easier for you to find the information you need. A – B – C – D – E – F […]

Eye Health

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)Eye Health and Changes in Your Vision Some vision changes are normal as we grow older. This section of our website discusses these vision changes, explains the parts of the eye and how the eye works, alerts you to symptoms of possible vision problems, and provides you with […]

What is a Macular Hole?

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)The macula is the central part of the retina, a thin membrane that lines the back wall of the eye. The macula is responsible for your distance, color, and reading vision. The very central part of the macula is called the fovea, which is the location responsible for detailed vision. This is […]

Distant view of a city. Example of vision with glaucoma. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases which result in damage to the optic nerve and vision loss.

Glaucoma and Vision Loss

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish) Are you experiencing problems with your peripheral or side vision? Do you have to turn your head to see what’s to your immediate right or left? Do you have blurred vision, nausea, and headaches? Do you see “halos” around bright lights? Do you have a family history […]

Eye monitoring and treatment healthcare. Biometric scan of male eye close up.

Cataracts

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)Has your vision gradually become hazy or dim, without noticeable eye pain? Do colors appear dull or less vibrant than they used to? It might be cataracts. A cataract is a progressive cloudiness, hardening, and yellowing of the normally transparent lens of the eye. Introduction to Cataracts A […]

Simulated vision: tunnel vision depicting children's faces surrounded by a dark background

What is Retinitis Pigmentosa?

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the most common of a large group of progressive retinal degenerations or dystrophies [i.e., degenerative disorders]. There is considerable overlap among the various types. It usually refers to a group of hereditary conditions involving one or several retina layers, causing progressive degeneration. What Causes […]

Photo of forest with large gray dot in the center.

Wet & Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)Are you experiencing blurring or a blind spot in the center of your vision? Are you seeing blurry areas on a printed page? Do some straight lines appear wavy? Are there dark spaces or areas in the center of your vision? It might be age-related macular degeneration. Age-related […]