Vision Problems
Alternate Names : Blurred Vision, Decreased Vision, Diminished Eyesight, Impaired Vision, Vision Impairment
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What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.
Medical history questions documenting the vision abnormalities in detail may include: - Time pattern
- When did this begin?
- Did it occur suddenly or gradually?
- Does it occur only occasionally? How often?
- How long does it last?
- When does it occur? Evening? Morning?
- Quality
- Is the vision blurred or is there double vision?
- Are there blind spots?
- Are there areas that look black and missing?
- Is side vision missing?
- Are halos (circles of light) seen around shiny objects or lights?
- Are flashing lights or zigzag lines seen?
- Is extreme sensitivity to light present?
- Do stationary things seem to be moving?
- Are colors missing?
- Is it difficult to differentiate colors?
- Is there pain?
- Is there drainage from the eye(s)?
- Are the eyes crossed?
- Does one of the eyes "drift"? Do both?
- Location
- Is the problem in one eye or both eyes?
- Aggravating factors
- Have you had any of the following in the last few weeks to months?
- Relieving factors
- Is your vision better after you rest?
- Is it better with corrective lenses?
- Other
- What other symptoms are also present?
- Additional important information
- What medications are being taken?
- Is there a family history of diabetes?
- Have you had a previous head injury?
- Do you have any allergies?
- Has there been a loss of eyelashes?
- Is there a family history of eye disease?
The physical examination will include an eye examination. The health care provider will check vision, eye movements, pupils, back of the eye, and eye pressure when indicated. An overall medical evaluation will be done if indicated.
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include: Intervention:
Surgery will be recommended for some conditions (such as cataracts or muscle problems). Diabetics must control their blood-sugar level. Other treatments depend on the cause.
After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to vision abnormalities, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.
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