Blind Spots
Did you know that everyone has a blind spot? I sure didn’t! In fact, I was completely surprised to find out that having a blind spot is an actual physical and normal condition for everyone, all the time.
Apparently, it’s not just about driving and not seeing someone in the lane beside you. Nor is it a metaphor for lack of self-awareness!
What are blind spots, really?
According to my optometrist, on top of the optic nerve is a blind spot, or an area where the eye does not have receptors to respond to light. This is your blind spot.
The optic nerve is like a cord of nerves that stretch from your eyeball all the way to your brain. At the back of your eyeball, where the nerves attach is a layer of cells that detect light and that is the retina. What’s amazing is that the exact spot where this cord enters the back of your eye, sometimes called the nerve head, has no light detecting cells on it. Thus, everyone has a small gap in their vision at this exact point. And that is your true blind spot.
The truth is most of us aren’t even aware of our blind spots because our other eye helps the brain “see” what we are missing and, thus, helps compensate for any spots in your field of vision that aren’t seen with the other eye.
Blind spots are technically called scotomas. For the most part, as explained above, they are normal. But, sometimes they aren’t.
When to Get Your Eyes Checked
If you have blind spots that come and go, move around, or other symptoms when you see the blind spot, you’ll want to have your eye doctor exam them right away. Migraine headaches or staring into really bright lights can sometimes cause temporary blind spots. But, more serious eye diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and detached retina can also be associated with blind spots.
Your optometrist will likely want as much information as you can give them about any temporary or moving blind spots. So, write down where the blind spot is and what parts (left or right, upper or lower) of your visual field it is effecting while you are experiencing it.
If you are experiencing abnormal blind spots, then contact your optometrist at your closest America’s Best retailer right away. Even if they are normal or come and go, you’ll want your optometrist to check you for more serious eye problems.
