General Eye Conditions and Tests
What should I do if I suddenly lose vision?
Sudden loss of vision is a medical emergency. Do not wait to see whether it improves and do not put anything in the eye. Seek assessment immediately, the same day. Possible causes include blockage of a retinal artery or vein, retinal detachment, bleeding inside the eye, optic nerve damage and stroke, and several of them are time critical.
Act now, read later
If your vision has suddenly dropped, telephone Standard Eye Specialist Hospital on 0703 943 0326 or attend the nearest emergency service immediately. If loss of vision comes with weakness, numbness, slurred speech or a facial droop, treat it as a suspected stroke and seek emergency medical care without delay. Reading further can wait.
Painless sudden loss
- Blockage of the retinal artery, which is an emergency measured in hours
- Blockage of a retinal vein, causing blurring in one eye
- Retinal detachment, often after flashes, floaters and a spreading shadow
- Bleeding into the jelly of the eye, common in advanced diabetic eye disease
- Reduced blood supply to the optic nerve, often noticed on waking
- Stroke affecting the visual pathway, which typically affects the same side of vision in both eyes
Painful sudden loss
- Acute angle closure glaucoma, with severe pain, haloes, redness and vomiting
- Severe inflammation inside the eye
- Corneal infection or injury
- Giant cell arteritis, suggested by headache, scalp tenderness and jaw pain on chewing in someone over fifty, which needs emergency treatment to protect the other eye
What to bring
Bring your glasses, a list of your medicines including eye drops, and details of any diabetes, blood pressure or heart condition. Note the exact time the vision changed, since timing influences treatment decisions. Do not drive yourself.
When to seek urgent assessment
- Any sudden loss or marked reduction of vision, which needs assessment the same day
- Vision loss with weakness, numbness or slurred speech, which needs emergency care for suspected stroke
- Vision loss with severe headache, scalp tenderness or jaw pain on chewing
- Vision loss with severe eye pain, vomiting or haloes around lights
Frequently asked questions
- It came back after a few minutes. Can I ignore it?
- No. A temporary loss of vision can be a warning of a blocked artery or a stroke and needs prompt medical assessment even though vision has returned.
- Should I use any drops while waiting?
- No. Do not put anything in the eye unless instructed by a clinician, and do not use traditional remedies.
Concerned about these symptoms?
Arrange an eye examination with our consultant ophthalmologist in Garki, Abuja.
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