What are the treatments for the condition?

Treatment is directed at the cause. Medicines are often used to control diabetes or glaucoma. Retinal detachment, cataracts, some types of glaucoma, and brain tumors can be treated with surgery. Eye infections may need to be treated with antibiotics. Nearsightedness is usually treated with glasses or contact lenses.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Side effects depend on the treatments used. All medicines may have side effects. For example, those used to control diabetes may cause liver damage or allergic reactions. Surgery carries a risk of bleeding, infection, or loss of vision. Contact lenses may irritate the eyes or result in eye infections.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

Treatment varies according to the cause of the vision change. After a person gets glasses, no further treatment may be needed aside from periodic checkups. People who have diabetes or glaucoma usually need close monitoring and treatment for life. Macular degeneration often causes vision to get worse over time, so treatment may change.

How is the condition monitored?

The doctor should be told about any changes in vision or the responses to treatments. Repeat eye exams are advised for many causes of vision changes. Children with a lazy eye may need close monitoring along with surgery, special glasses, or a patch over one eye.