Gradual loss of vision.

BACKGROUND: With the increasing age of our population many of the causes of vision loss are becoming more frequent. Not all gradual loss of vision can be considered non urgent and those patients requiring early attention are highlighted. OBJECTIVE: This article discusses the tools available to the general practitioner for the assessment of visual loss as well as the common causes. DISCUSSION: Advances in cataract surgery with improved visual outcome, minimally invasive surgery and a reduction in surgical risk have made this operation the commonest performed in Australia. Blindness from chronic open angle glaucoma and diabetes can be mostly prevented by early diagnosis and compliance with treatment. Age related macular degeneration apart from a small subgroup, is still largely untreatable.