Thursday 02/April/2026 – 05:07 PM
The results of a study showed that vision loss with age can affect the cognitive functions of the brain if left untreated for a long time. The researchers found that people with untreated visual impairment are 47% more likely to develop dementia. They noted that the data was observational, and that it only showed an association without proving causation.
According to what was published in the Hindustan Times, the findings relate to untreated and uncorrected vision loss, the type that gradually reduces a person’s ability to read, drive, socialize and move around.
The relationship between vision and perception
Neurologists have explained that there are three ways in which vision damage affects cognition, which are as follows:
Sensory deprivation: Reduced visual input means increased cognitive load on everyday tasks, and over time, neural reserve erodes.
Later-stage isolation: Untreated vision loss leads to reduced driving, socializing, reading and exercise, all of which are independent risk factors for dementia.
Comorbidities: The retina is brain tissue, and the amyloid and tau changes seen in Alzheimer’s disease may appear in the retina first.
Does hereditary visual impairment affect brain health?
According to health experts, it is becoming increasingly common for children to wear glasses as a result of their poor vision. Neurologists also report that people who are born with vision loss or develop it early often build remarkable cognitive flexibility over time, as the brain adapts and other sensory and cognitive systems strengthen.
