A 33-year-old member asked:
What diseases may cause permanent, irreversible blindness?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Sheron Marshallanswered
Ophthalmology 26 years experience
Depends: Top causes of permanent, irreversible blindness in the us include diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and macular degeneration. Other causes in other parts of the world include infections, like trachoma. The american academy of ophthalmology recommends routine eye exams starting at age 40 in part to detect any of the above diseases before vision loss is permanent.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Michael Coluccielloanswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 36 years experience
Many: Retinal detachment, macular degeneration, retinal vascular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 48-year-old member asked:
What disease can cause permanent blindness?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Tim Conradanswered
Ophthalmology 35 years experience
Many, many diseases: The most common diseases that blind people in the U.S. Are diabetes, glaucoma and macular degeneration. There are many others. If you are concerned about this, see an ophthalmologist on a regular basis.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
What diseases can cause permanent blindness?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Jan Lei Iwataanswered
Ophthalmology 27 years experience
Usually chronic ds: mainly diabetes and macular degeneration is common outside of childhood blindness, corneal opacities, glaucoma, trachoma, and onchocerciasis. There are other causes that are progressive in nature, and in other countries out of the US it can be cataracts that aren't treated. In the US, it's a reversible cause of blindness if it can have it surgically treated.
3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Apr 24, 2015
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $39!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.