Treatment of retinal blindness

A scotoma is a condition that affects a person's vision, and can be caused by different disorders that affect the eye. In this lesson, you will learn about the symptoms and treatment of scotomas.
Vision Disturbance
Phil has been experiencing some vision changes recently, and makes an appointment to see his doctor. His doctor asks him to explain what type of changes have been occurring. Phil indicates that he feels like he has a blind spot in his left eye. He states there is just a blank area in a section of his vision where he cannot see anything. He and his doctor work together to figure out what is going on.

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What Is a Scotoma?
Phil's doctor believes he is experiencing a condition called a scotoma. A scotoma is an area of impaired vision in a person's normal visual field. Scotomas can occur in the center of the visual field, or around the periphery.

What Are the Symptoms of A Scotoma?
Depending on the area of the eye that is impaired, individuals may experience spots in their vision that are darker or lighter than normal. They may also experience a flickering light, or a blurred spot. Some people may also have trouble reading or seeing certain colors, or experience a glare with sunlight or headlights at night. Some people feel as though they are just missing a piece of an image like a blind spot.

What Treatment Options Are Available?
Individuals should always consult their doctor if they are experiencing a scotoma, as it is often in relation to another underlying condition that needs to be managed.

Depending on the cause of the scotoma, and where the visual impairment is occurring, different treatment options are available. If the scotoma is on the periphery of a person's visual field, oftentimes no treatment is needed. If the scotoma is in the center of the visual field, there are certain aids that may help a person see better.