Several conditions can lead to visual impairment, including:
- Cataracts: Characterized by the clouding of the lens, histological examination reveals protein aggregation and lens fiber degeneration. - Glaucoma: Involves increased intraocular pressure, leading to optic nerve damage. Histology shows loss of retinal ganglion cells and optic nerve fibers. - Diabetic Retinopathy: Caused by diabetes, it results in damage to the retinal blood vessels. Histological findings include microaneurysms, hemorrhages, and neovascularization. - Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Involves degeneration of the macula, with histology showing drusen deposits and damage to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE).
