Skotomeja

Skotomeja is a term used in ophthalmology to describe a blind spot or an area of reduced vision within the visual field. This is distinct from the physiological blind spot, which is a natural consequence of the optic disc where there are no photoreceptor cells. Pathological skotomeja can arise from various underlying conditions affecting the eye or the visual pathways in the brain.

Common causes of skotomeja include glaucoma, which damages the optic nerve, leading to gradual loss of peripheral vision. Retinal diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy or age-related macular degeneration, can also create scotomas by damaging the light-sensitive cells in the retina. Neurological conditions, including stroke, multiple sclerosis, or brain tumors, can affect the visual cortex or other parts of the brain responsible for processing visual information, resulting in scotomas.

The appearance and characteristics of a skotomeja can vary. It might be perceived as a complete absence of vision in a specific area, a blurry patch, or a flickering or shimmering region. The size, shape, and location of the scotoma depend on the underlying cause and the extent of damage. Diagnosis typically involves visual field testing, where a patient indicates when they see a light stimulus in different parts of their vision. Treatment aims to address the root cause of the scotoma, and while some scotomas can be improved or stabilized, others may be permanent.