Bad eyesight, also known as a visual impairment, can be caused by a variety of factors. The most common causes of poor eyesight are refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. These conditions happen when the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing correctly on the retina. Refractive errors can also be caused by aging, and can develop gradually over time.
Other common causes of poor vision include cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Cataracts are caused by a clouding of the eye's lens which can affect vision. Glaucoma is caused by an increase in pressure in the eye which can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. Macular degeneration is caused by damage to the macula, the part of the eye responsible for sharp central vision.
In some cases, poor eyesight can be caused by a medical condition or injury. Diabetes can lead to diabetic retinopathy, a condition where the blood vessels in the retina become damaged. Trauma to the eye can also cause vision loss, either permanently or temporarily.
Finally, some vision problems can be caused by lifestyle choices. Smoking increases your risk of developing cataracts, and long-term exposure to UV light can damage the eyes and lead to age-related macular degeneration. Wearing protective eyewear and avoiding looking directly at the sun can reduce your risk of developing these conditions.