Vision, loss of

Inability to see. This may develop slowly or suddenly and may be temporary or permanent, depending on the cause. Vision loss may affect 1 or both eyes. It can cause complete blindness or may affect only peripheral, or only central, vision. Progressive loss of visual clarity is common with advancing age and may be due to a number of disorders (see vision, disorders of). Sudden loss of vision may be caused by disorders such as hyphaema, severe uveitis, vitreous haemorrhage, or retinal haemorrhage. Optic neuritis can reduce vision in 1 eye. Damage to the nerve connections between the eyes and brain, or to the visual area of the brain, can cause loss of peripheral vision and may be a result of embolism, ischaemia, tumour, inflammation, or injury.