Common Causes of Blindness & How to Prevent Them


Enlarge Text: A+A-

October is World Blindness Awareness Month. Call our Fort Collins eye doctor today.An estimated 39 million people across the world are blind, and 246 million suffer from vision loss according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Fortunately, 80 percent of these cases can be cured or prevented. If you’re over the age of 50, you are more likely to lose your vision. Our eye doctor in Fort Collins can identify the early signs and symptoms of these common eye conditions during your eye exam:


Cataracts cause your natural eye lens to become clouded over time, making it increasingly difficult to see clearly. Your vision will become dull, blurred and dim. Cataract surgery can prevent you from suffering permanent vision loss or blindness.


Glaucoma involves an increased pressure in your eye as the eye’s drainage system becomes blocked. This eye condition can affect all ages, and you won’t notice any problems until your vision starts to change. Glaucoma has no cure, and early detection is crucial to preventing irreversible damage to your vision. Treatment ranges from prescription eye drops to eye surgery in order to relieve the mounting pressure.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

As the name suggests, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) mainly affects those over 65. Depending on which form of AMD you have (wet or dry), your vision will either degrade over a long period of time or within a few weeks. The Kirk Eye Center offers an array of treatments for AMD.

Corneal Opacities

Corneal opacities are often brought on by an eye injury, infection or disease. They cause your cornea to cloud or scar and decrease your field of vision. Taking the proper precautions when playing sports and while working with dangerous equipment or chemicals can help prevent corneal opacities. Treatment varies depending on the reason behind your vision loss.

Diabetic Retinopathy

This condition arises when a diabetic doesn’t keep their blood sugar levels in check, causing damage to retinal blood vessels. The best way to treat diabetic retinopathy is to prevent it through proper blood sugar control and regular eye exams. Treatments range from injected medications to laser retina treatment.

Schedule your eye exam at Kirk Eye Center in Fort Collins today at 970-669-1107. Our experienced eye doctor serves patients throughout Northern Colorado including Fort Collins, Loveland and Windsor.