Veiled vision suggests a curtain, veil, or film partly obscuring sight. It can indicate retinal detachment or opacities in the cornea, lens, or vitreous.
Serious Causes
A descending grey curtain or shadow is a classic symptom of retinal detachment, often preceded by flashes and floaters. Dense vitreous haemorrhage or inflammatory haze can also create a veiling effect across the field.
- Retinal detachment is an emergency that can permanently impair vision
- Corneal scars or advanced cataracts may cause more static veiling
- Transient veils might arise from migraine aura or transient ischemia
- Symptoms may be monocular even when perceived as in front of both eyes
Urgent Evaluation
Any new veil, especially with light flashes, floaters, or field loss, requires prompt dilated retinal examination. Imaging clarifies the extent of detachment or opacity.
- Early surgery for detachment offers the best chance of visual recovery
- Systemic causes of vascular events should be investigated in haemorrhagic veils
- Long-standing veils from cataract or scars may be addressed electively
- Patients should avoid driving until the cause is clarified
