### Common Causes of Blindness in Adults Blindness in adults can be caused by several eye diseases. Here are some of the most common ones: 1. **Cataracts**: This occurs when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurry vision and light sensitivity. Risk factors include aging, diabetes, and high exposure to sunlight. Surgery can often restore vision. 2. **Glaucoma**: This disease damages the optic nerve, often due to high eye pressure. It can cause gradual vision loss, especially in peripheral vision. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and treatment. 3. **Refractive Errors**: These include myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. They can usually be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. 4. **Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)**: This affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. It can make activities like reading and recognizing faces difficult. While there is no cure, treatments can slow its progression. 5. **Diabetic Retinopathy**: High blood sugar levels from diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision problems and potentially blindness. Managing blood sugar and regular eye exams can help prevent this. ### Preventing Blindness Early detection, regular eye exams, and managing underlying health conditions like diabetes are key to preventing blindness. Treatments are available for many of these conditions, so consult your eye doctor for the best course of action.