Fading details in the center of your field of vision can come from many sources. In some cases, it can impair driving, but many treatments are available.

People with central vision loss experience difficulty seeing detail in the center of their field of vision. Often, people with this type of vision loss will see dark spots or blurry spots. These spots can grow as the condition progresses.

Central vision loss can be caused by injuries or health conditions that affect a section of the eye called the macula.

There are multiple injuries and conditions that can lead to central vision loss. Common causes of central vision loss include:

  • Macular degeneration: Macular degeneration leads to damage in the macula. Age-related macular degeneration (ADM) is the most common cause of central vision loss.
  • Macular edema: Macular edema causes fluid buildup around the macula.
  • Macular holes: A macular hole is a small tear or gap in the macula.
  • Macular telangiectasia: This condition causes new blood vessels to develop around the macula.
  • Glaucoma: Glaucoma is typically linked to peripheral vision, but it can sometimes also lead to central vision loss in advanced stages.
  • Brain tumors: Brain tumor growth can put pressure on the optic nerve, which can sometimes cause central vision loss, along with other visual field deficits.
  • Epiretinal membrane growth: This growth occurs on the surface of the retina and causes blurry central vision.

Often, the first symptom of central vision loss is a small dark spot in the center of your field of vision. This spot can grow as the condition progresses. Additional symptoms can include:

  • distorted vision
  • a change in how you see colors, including a dulling or bleaching of colors
  • blank spots in your field of vision

Not everyone will experience every symptom of central vision loss or will experience symptoms in the same order. For instance, some people might only experience blank spots in their field of vision.

It’s a good idea to talk with your primary healthcare professional or an optometrist if you experience any change in your vision.

Can you drive with central vision loss?

It depends. The exact regulations for driving vary by state. However, most states require that drivers have at least 20/40 vision in one eye. In many cases, you can use aids, such as glasses or contact lenses, to meet this requirement.

Central vision loss can affect your ability to drive and pass the vision portion of a driver’s license renewal. It can depend on how severe your central vision loss is and how fast the condition is progressing.

It’s best to speak with your doctor before you make any driving-related decisions. They can help you determine if driving with your central vision loss is safe.

Since central vision loss has several possible causes, there are a range of treatments that might help. Typically, treatment depends on the underlying condition. Some may be able to restore some portion of your vision, while others may prevent further deterioration.

Common treatments include:

  • Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections: Anti-VEGF injections are used to treat age-related macular degeneration. It stops the growth of blood vessels and can slow down vision loss.
  • Steroid injections or eye drops: Steroids can help treat macular edema by reducing inflammation.
  • Diabetic management: When central vision loss is linked to diabetic retinopathy, managing blood sugar levels can help treat vision loss.
  • Repair surgery: Holes in the macula can sometimes be repaired surgically.
  • Lens surgery: Lens surgery is a newer treatment option for some people experiencing central vision loss. Surgical procedures can remove the eyes’ natural lens and replace it with an artificial lens. However, these procedures aren’t yet widely available.

How do you get central vision loss diagnosed?

An eye doctor can diagnose central vision loss. During your appointment, a doctor might use a test called an Amslr Grid. This test uses graph paper with a dot in the center. People experiencing central vision loss will see these lines as wavy or distorted.

If the Amsler grid shows central vision loss, your eye doctor might suggest additional tests. Typically, these will be to look for an underlying condition. This might include testing for AMD or macular edema.

Central vision loss leads to symptoms such as dark or blank spots in vision. It can be caused by several underlying conditions, including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and macular edema.

Treatment for central vision loss depends on the underlying condition and can include anti-VEGF eye drops, steroids, diabetic management, or surgery.