Sight-loss conditions: symptoms, support and registration

1. Understand what the eye condition may mean

A cataract is clouding of the lens inside the eye. It can make vision cloudy or blurred, colours seem less bright and lights cause glare. Cataracts often develop slowly; surgery may be discussed when sight affects daily life. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects central vision, which is important for reading and recognising faces. Dry AMD usually changes gradually. Wet AMD can cause faster changes and may be treated with injections, so a new distortion or central blur needs prompt assessment.

2. Know how glaucoma and diabetic eye disease differ

Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, often because pressure inside the eye is too high. The common chronic form may not cause noticeable symptoms early, which is why routine eye examinations matter. Acute glaucoma is different and can cause severe eye pain, a red eye, blurred sight or nausea; this needs urgent care. Diabetic retinopathy affects blood vessels at the back of the eye. It may have no early symptoms, so attend retinal screening when invited and tell the diabetes team if appointments are difficult to arrange.

3. Act promptly when sight changes suddenly

Sudden loss of vision, a new shadow or curtain, new flashes or floaters, sudden distortion, a painful red eye or double vision should not be left for a routine appointment. Use the urgent route in the help message below and describe when the change began, whether one or both eyes are affected, and any pain or injury. Do not drive yourself if your sight is suddenly unreliable. A same-day assessment can identify problems where treatment is time-sensitive; if the first service cannot assess you, ask where to go next.

4. Ask about low-vision and rehabilitation services

An eye clinic, optometrist or GP can refer you to local sensory services when sight loss affects daily life. A specialist worker may help you use remaining vision, practise safe routes, adjust lighting and contrast, label medicines, use magnification or learn accessible phone and computer settings. The right support is individual: glare reduction may help one person while brighter, even light helps another. Ask for a home visit or accessible information if travel, print or communication is difficult. Registration is not required before asking for practical support.

5. Understand certification and voluntary registration

An ophthalmologist decides whether sight meets the certification criteria by considering visual acuity and field of vision, alongside the person’s circumstances. In England and Wales the form is the Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI); in Northern Ireland it is form A655; in Scotland it is the CVI Scotland form. With the person’s consent, the certificate is sent to local social services, which can offer registration as sight impaired or severely sight impaired. Registration is voluntary. It can help services identify needs and may support access to rehabilitation, concessions or tax allowances, but each benefit has separate rules.

6. Check driving safety and keep support personal

If you drive, you must meet the legal eyesight standard and tell DVLA if a condition affects your driving. The ordinary car standard includes reading a number plate at the required distance in good daylight, with glasses or contact lenses if needed, and meeting visual-acuity and field-of-vision requirements. Northern Ireland licensing is handled by DVA. Do not rely on a registration category alone to decide whether driving is safe. Ask an optometrist or eye specialist about your own condition, and tell family what help you want rather than allowing others to take over automatically.

Common questions