Sudden vision changes can indicate serious eye or neurological emergencies. They require prompt evaluation to protect sight and health.
Possible Causes
Retinal detachment, vascular occlusions, acute glaucoma, optic neuritis, stroke, and intra‑ocular haemorrhage are key causes of rapid loss or distortion. Transient episodes may arise from migraine aura or transient ischemic attacks.
- Symptoms include a curtain or shadow, sudden central blur, double vision, or field loss
- Painful red eyes suggest acute glaucoma or severe keratitis
- Painless monocular loss often reflects retinal or optic nerve events
- Binocular changes with other neurological signs suggest brain involvement
Action Needed
Any abrupt, unexplained change in vision should be treated as urgent. Early diagnosis greatly improves chances of visual recovery and may also be life‑saving.
- Emergency services should be contacted for sudden loss with stroke symptoms
- Eye casualty or urgent clinics assess acute ocular causes
- Do not drive after sudden visual change
- Document onset time as it guides treatment decisions for some conditions
