synfältdefekter

Synfältdefekter, also known as visual field defects, refer to areas within the visual field where vision is reduced or absent. The visual field is the entire area that a person can see when their eyes are fixed in one direction. These defects can manifest in various ways, from subtle blind spots to complete loss of vision in certain portions of the visual field.

The causes of synfältdefekter are diverse and often relate to underlying conditions affecting the eye or the brain's visual pathways. Common causes include glaucoma, a condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the optic nerve, leading to peripheral vision loss. Optic nerve damage from other causes, such as optic neuritis or tumors, can also result in synfältdefekter. Diseases affecting the retina, like age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy, can cause central vision loss or scotomas (blind spots). Furthermore, strokes or brain injuries affecting the visual cortex or optic pathways can lead to specific patterns of visual field loss, such as hemianopia, where half of the visual field is lost.

Symptoms of synfältdefekter can vary depending on the location and severity of the defect. Individuals might experience difficulty seeing objects in their peripheral vision, leading to bumping into things or missing visual cues. Some may notice blind spots in their central vision, affecting tasks like reading or recognizing faces. Diagnosis typically involves a visual field test, such as perimetry, which maps out the sensitivity of different points in the visual field. Treatment aims to address the underlying cause and may involve medication, surgery, or visual rehabilitation strategies to help individuals adapt to their vision loss.