Blind spots in your eyes are called scotomas and may appear dark, fuzzy, or blurry. Some people even see spots of light or flying colors in one area of their field of vision. While everyone on the planet has a minute blind spot, you should be concerned if one develops suddenly, does not go away, or grows larger.
An Interesting Way to Find Your Blind Spot
The optic nerve passes through a small opening at the back of your eyes called the optic disc. There are no light-detecting cells here, resulting in a blind spot in your vision. A lack of light-detecting cells sometimes causes us to miss a car that is coming when we change lanes.
You should test your left eye and right eye separately to find your normal blind spot. To test your eyes, follow these steps:
- Write an X on the left side of the paper.
- Approximately 5 1/2 inches away from the X, write an O.
- Make sure the X and O are perfectly horizontal to one another.
- Cover your left eye and hold the paper at arm’s length. You should see the X disappear.
What Does a Blind Spot Look Like?
The most common type is a central blind spot that develops in the center of your vision. These spots appear in various ways, including the following:
- A blurry spot in your vision
- A bright sparkle
- A dark spot
A noticeable blind spot can impede your vision and make it challenging to see in dim light.
Scotomas Can Be Dangerous
A spot in your vision that does not go away should be addressed. Unfortunately, the sudden development of abnormal blind spots can mean serious eye health issues, including the following:
- Retinal detachment
- Macular degeneration
- Transient ischemic attack
- Optic nerve multiple sclerosis
- Head injuries
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Brain tumor
- Glaucoma
- High blood pressure
Some of these conditions affect your eye health and your life. Even low blood flow to your eyes can be dangerous and should never be ignored.
Temporary blind spot issues may arise from non-dangerous problems, including hormonal fluctuations, migraines, or stress. Many people with migraines will develop flashing lights in their field of vision.
How Are Scotomas Diagnosed By Your Eye Doctor?
If you develop blind spots, especially with other symptoms, you should see the eye doctor immediately. The doctor will perform testing to check your light-sensitive cells.
Using a slit lamp, the doctor will view your eyes’ internal components, including where the blood vessels leave and where the nerve connects. This examination aims to determine if there are any signs of damage.
The doctor will perform a visual field test to measure your central vision and peripheral vision. Depending on your health circumstances, this testing may be carried out on large TV screens, computers, or other devices.
How Can Blind Spots Be Treated?
If you have permanent or fixed scotomas in your perfectly normal visual field, they usually cannot be fixed by wearing corrective lenses or undergoing surgery. Often, treating the underlying cause can prevent new spots from developing and may improve vision in the long run.
Less serious health circumstances cause some scotomas. The eye doctor will need to diagnose the cause before treatment can begin.
You may need to adjust your time spent at computer screens and avoid flickering light. By treating the underlying eye disease and using specific personal computer hardware, many people can begin to see more effectively when dealing with scotoma and a blind spot.
Some people find they can reduce glare by wearing special glasses when reading. Read printed material aloud and perform the eye exercises recommended by your doctor.
FAQ About Scotoma
Suddenly developing a blind spot can be frightening – the following offers answers to some of your possible questions about this eye disorder.
Why Do I suddenly have a blind spot? Could It Be My Optic Nerve?
You can suddenly develop a blind spot for multiple reasons, including nerve damage. If this issue develops, see your eye doctor right away.
Why Do I Sometimes Have Blind Spots in My Vision?
Your blind spot occurs in the part of the eye where the optic nerve connects. While developing decreased vision here and there is nothing to worry about, consistent problems should be addressed with your doctor.
Is a Blind Spot Harmful?
A blind spot can be harmful because it can indicate a serious eye condition, such as glaucoma or nerve damage.
Schedule Your Eye Exam
If you are concerned about your vision affecting your everyday activities, scheduling an eye exam is crucial. A complete dilated exam will allow the eye doctor to determine what is causing your blind spots to develop.
