Scotoma is a dark area in the field of vision that can indicate a serious problem and cannot be treated in most cases. It can be caused by brain damage, demyelinating diseases, vascular blockages, and toxins. Treatment can keep the spot from getting bigger and address the underlying issue. Eye exercises may help cope with the condition, but vision treatment systems are of dubious value. A scintillating scotoma, associated with migraines, flashes and may move around the eye.
A scotoma is an area of darkness in the field of vision. In a simple example, someone might notice a black spot in the corner of the eye that blocks peripheral vision. This condition cannot be treated in most cases, but it is still important to see an eye doctor if a scotoma appears, as it can indicate a serious problem. Treatment can be used to keep the spot from getting bigger and to address the underlying issue that has led to the development of the scotoma.
These marks can appear anywhere in the visual field. Along the periphery of vision, they can be irritating but not debilitating. However, scotomas in the middle of the visual field can cause serious problems. People may have trouble with basic tasks like reading or driving, for example, due to darkness. Usually the spot only appears in one eye, but in some cases this disorder has been seen in both eyes.
Many different conditions can lead to this disorder, including brain damage from a stroke, tumor, or traumatic brain injury. Demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis, along with damage to the optic nerve, can also lead to a scotoma, as can vascular blockages, damage to the retina, and the introduction of toxins into the body. People usually notice visual darkness because it changes their vision dramatically, even if it’s just out of the corner of their eye.
When a scotoma is diagnosed, a doctor can figure out what the underlying cause is and develop a treatment. Sometimes, treatment will fix the spot, assuming the eye hasn’t been permanently damaged. In other cases, the condition will remain, but getting the underlying cause under control is still important for overall health and preventing further damage.
Some people find that eye exercises help them cope with the condition, getting them used to using their eyes in unusual ways to compensate for the loss of vision. Some companies even market vision treatment systems that will supposedly cure scotomas. These companies have usually not been evaluated by regulatory agencies and their products are of dubious value.
A special type of mark known as a scintillating scotoma is associated with migraines. In this case, the mark flashes, rather than just being dark, and may move around the eye, develop a zig-zag pattern, or create arcs of light. The appearance of visual field disturbances can serve as a warning to migraine sufferers that a headache is on the way.
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