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Vision loss

Vision loss affects how well you see. The causes of vision loss can often be treated, but sometimes it may be permanent. Get your sight checked if you have symptoms.

Symptoms of vision loss

The main symptom of vision loss is not being able to see properly.

It can gradually get worse over time or happen suddenly. It can affect 1 or both eyes.

Symptoms of vision loss can include:

  • changes to your vision
  • difficulty reading, watching TV, or seeing peoples' faces clearly
  • your eyes being uncomfortable in or sensitive to bright light
  • difficulty seeing at night and in low light

You can have vision loss at any age, but it's more common as you get older.

Information:

Vision loss in children

Vision loss in children is rare, but any problems will usually be found during routine eye tests for children.

Speak to your health visitor or GP if you're worried about your child's vision.

Non-urgent advice: See an optician if:

  • you think you may have vision loss

Early diagnosis and treatment may help stop your vision getting worse.

Find an NHS sight test

Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

  • you have changes in your vision, such as blurred vision, double vision, or seeing flashing lights or shapes
  • you have a dark shadow moving across your vision
  • you have pain in 1 or both eyes
  • your eye is red and painful
  • your eyes feel painful or uncomfortable in bright light

You can call 111 or get help from NHS 111 online.

Immediate action required: Go to A&E or call 999 if you:

  • suddenly cannot see from 1 or both eyes
  • suddenly have severe eye pain
Find your nearest A&E
Information:

Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring any medicines you take with you.

Causes of vision loss

There are lots of possible causes of vision loss. Some are common and can be treated, but some conditions may cause permanent vision loss.

Your symptoms may give you an idea what could be causing it.

Common causes of vision loss
Symptoms Possible cause

Blurred or cloudy vision, seeing a glowing ring (halo) around lights, colours looking less bright

Cataracts in adults

Dots, lines, flashes, darkness, or shadows appearing in your vision, often starts suddenly

Detached retina (retinal detachment)

Distorted area in the middle of your vision, difficulty reading, difficulty seeing peoples’ faces

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

Gradual worsening of your sight and you have diabetes

Diabetic retinopathy

Blurred vision, severe eye pain, red eye

Glaucoma

Treatments for vision loss

Treatment for vision loss depends on what’s causing it.

If the optician or GP thinks your vision loss is caused by a condition, you’ll usually be referred to an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) for further tests.

The ophthalmologist will discuss any available treatments with you that may improve your vision or may help stop it getting worse. Treatments may include medicines or surgery.

Some conditions can cause permanent vision loss that cannot be treated.

If you have long-term vision loss, the ophthalmologist or GP should refer you to local services that can support you with adapting to living with impaired vision.

Help and support with vision loss

Everyone experiences vision loss differently.

If you have permanent vision loss, support you may need can include:

  • advice and help with adapting your home to help with things like cooking and washing
  • help using low vision aids and assistive technology to help you with things like reading, using phones, and using the internet
  • help with travelling and using transport
  • advice and help with getting benefits
  • help with adapting your workplace, or finding jobs
  • support with learning at school, college or university
  • talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or counselling

Registering as sight impaired

If you've been assessed by an ophthalmologist who says you have severe sight impairment (blind) or you're sight impaired (partially sighted), you can register as sight impaired with your local authority.

This can help you access low vision support and services in your area, and means you can apply for benefits.

Information:

More information

Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)

Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is a national charity that offers information and support for anyone affected by vision loss.

Page last reviewed: 28 August 2025
Next review due: 28 August 2028