escotomas

Escotomas are blind spots in the visual field. These areas of partial or complete vision loss can occur within the healthy visual field, meaning they are not at the edges. Escotomas can vary in size, shape, and intensity. Some may be small and go unnoticed, while others can be large and significantly impact vision.

There are two main types of escotomas: absolute and relative. An absolute escotoma is an area where no vision is present, while a relative escotoma is an area where vision is reduced but not completely absent. The location of an escotoma can affect the type of visual disturbance experienced. For example, an escotoma in the central visual field may cause difficulty with reading or recognizing faces.

Escotomas can be caused by a variety of conditions affecting the eye or the brain. Common causes include glaucoma, macular degeneration, optic neuritis, and damage to the visual pathways in the brain due to stroke or tumors. Migraine aura can also cause temporary escotomas, often described as shimmering or zigzagging lights.

Diagnosing an escotoma typically involves a visual field test, also known as perimetry. This test maps out the areas of vision and identifies any blind spots. Treatment for escotomas depends on the underlying cause. Managing the condition that is causing the escotoma, such as controlling intraocular pressure in glaucoma, is crucial. In some cases, low vision aids or compensatory strategies may be recommended to help individuals adapt to vision loss.