The truth is, you can’t know for sure without consulting a medical professional. Only an eye doctor can determine the cause of your symptoms, assess your vision, and provide a clear diagnosis.

Table of Content:

1. Blindness Isn't Always Obvious

2. What You Might Be Feeling?

3. Early Signs to Watch Out For

4. When to Act?

5. What to Do Next?

6. A Word of Reassurance

7. Final Thoughts

   
   

I know how frightening the time between noticing changes in your vision and getting answers from a doctor can be—I’ve been there. As a legally blind woman who began losing her vision at 19 due to a progressive condition, I’ve faced this uncertainty more than once. While nothing here should substitute medical advice, I want to share my perspective and guide you through what to look out for and what steps to take.

Blindness Isn’t Always Obvious

Unlike visible conditions like swelling or rashes, changes in vision are often internal and subjective. Only you can notice the early signs, and this can make the experience confusing and isolating.

I remember the first time my vision started to fade—I hesitated to tell anyone. I doubted myself, thinking it was just temporary or something I could brush off. If I had spoken up sooner, I might have preserved more of my sight. That’s why I’m here to encourage you to take action as soon as you notice any changes.

What You Might Be Feeling?

Before diving into symptoms, let’s acknowledge the emotional whirlwind you might be experiencing. Questions like, "Is this even serious?" or "Am I overreacting?" might be running through your mind. You might feel:

1. Confused: It’s hard to describe what you’re feeling—pain, irritation, or subtle changes in vision. Maybe it’ll go away on its own?

2. Worried About Overreacting: If you’re young and dependent on family, you might think, "Why worry them unnecessarily?" Or perhaps you’re afraid they’ll dismiss your concerns.

3. Unsure What to Say to a Doctor: Describing vision changes, especially if they’re intermittent, can feel overwhelming.

   
   

Trust me, I’ve been through all of this. My advice? Speak up anyway. Share your concerns with a trusted loved one or go directly to a doctor. It’s better to address it early than to regret waiting too long.

Early Signs to Watch Out For

If you’re wondering whether your symptoms warrant a visit to the doctor, here are some potential early signs of vision loss to look out for:

1. Loss of Peripheral Vision: You might notice darkness or blind spots around the edges of your vision. This can result in bumping into objects that aren’t directly in front of you.

2. Blurry Vision: Things appear less clear than they used to, and you may instinctively rub your eyes or clean your glasses. If this persists, resist the urge to self-diagnose and see a doctor.

3. Photo Sensitivity: Bright light feels overwhelming, like a camera flash constantly in your face. Prolonged exposure to light may cause eye pain or headaches.

4. Difficulty Seeing in Dim Light: Struggling to make out shapes in low-light settings or high-contrast environments can be a red flag.

5. Patchy Vision: You might see blurry patches scattered across your field of vision, disrupting your overall clarity.

6. Eye Pain or Headaches: Persistent pain or frequent headaches may accompany other vision changes.

When to Act?

You don’t need to experience these signs constantly to be concerned. Even if they happen sporadically or only once, it’s worth getting checked. Recurrent symptoms, no matter how minor, should never be ignored.

What to Do Next?

1. Don’t Panic: Stressing about your symptoms won’t help and might even exacerbate them. In my experience, stress has occasionally worsened my vision. Try to stay calm and focus on taking the next steps.

2. Observe and Note Changes: Keep track of what you’re experiencing—when it happens, how long it lasts, and how it affects your daily life.

3. Talk to Someone: Share your concerns with a family member or close friend. They can support you emotionally and help you take action.

4. See a Doctor: Schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Early detection can make all the difference in preserving vision.

A Word of Reassurance

The good news? Statistically, less than 3% of the world’s population is blind or moderately to severely visually impaired (MSVI). In most cases, your symptoms may not lead to blindness, but it’s crucial to find out sooner rather than later.

And even if you do find yourself on the spectrum of vision loss, remember: it’s not the end of the world. Many blind individuals, including myself, live fulfilling lives, achieve their goals, and find joy despite their vision challenges. There are countless tools, resources, and communities ready to support you.

Final Thoughts

You’re not alone in this. Your family, friends, and the medical system are there to help. All you need to focus on right now is observing your symptoms, sharing your concerns, and seeking professional advice.

Remember, this article is based on personal experience and is not a substitute for medical guidance. If you’re worried about your vision, don’t wait—reach out to a doctor today. Your future self will thank you.