[Health Column] Causes and Emergency Responses You Need to Know When You Lose Your Eyesight

 

Hello, I am Tae-hyung Lim, the Chief Director of Clear Seoul Ophthalmology. 😊

 

There are cases where patients visit the clinic with symptoms of a sudden decline in vision, such as saying, "I can't see in one eye." While blurred vision can sometimes be caused by eye strain or temporary dryness, Cases where vision rapidly deteriorates or part or all of the field of vision disappears within a short period of time There may be causes that require emergency verification, such as retinal vascular disease, retinal detachment, optic nerve disease, or cerebrovascular disease.

 

In particular, since the time available for treatment of sudden vision loss may be limited depending on the cause, if symptoms appear, rather than watching the progress on your own Getting prompt medical attention at an ophthalmology or emergency room This is important.

 

today What causes to suspect when you suddenly lose your sight, and how to deal with it I will summarize it for you.

 

1️⃣ What symptoms does vision loss refer to?

Symptoms include sudden blurring of vision or partial or complete loss of sight, and the suspected causes vary depending on the pattern.

 

Vision loss refers to symptoms where the field of vision rapidly becomes blurred or partial or complete vision is lost over a period ranging from a few seconds to minutes, or up to several hours. In some cases, one eye may suddenly lose all vision, or part of the field of vision may be obscured, or it may feel as if a black shadow or curtain has fallen in front of the eyes.

 

especially If you suddenly experience a lot of floaters, see flashing lights, or have one side of your vision obscured like a curtain You should suspect a retinal tear or retinal detachment. Retinal detachment is an emergency condition where the risk of permanent vision loss increases the longer treatment is delayed.

 

On the other hand, if one eye suddenly loses vision severely without pain, blood flow abnormalities such as retinal artery occlusion must be checked, and if one side of the visual field simultaneously loses vision accompanied by slurred speech or weakness in one arm or leg You must go to the emergency room immediately, considering the possibility of cerebrovascular disease.

 

 

2️⃣ What are the main causes of sudden vision loss?

There are various causes, including retinal vascular occlusion, vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment, optic nerve disease, and cerebrovascular disease.

 

There are various causes that can lead to vision loss, including retinal artery occlusion, retinal vein occlusion, vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment, optic nerve disease, and cerebrovascular disease.

 

Retinal artery occlusion It is a condition in which sudden and severe vision loss occurs due to a blockage of blood flow to the retina, and it is an ophthalmological emergency that requires assessment of the risk of stroke. Retinal vein occlusion As blood does not drain smoothly, retinal hemorrhage or macular edema may occur, which can lead to a decline in vision.

 

also Retinal detachment Typical symptoms include floaters, photopsia, and vision obscuring like a curtain, requiring prompt ophthalmological consultation. In addition, conditions such as optic neuritis or ischemic optic neuropathy may occur. optic nerve If a problem occurs, vision may decline rapidly, and the part of the brain responsible for vision stroke If this occurs, part of your field of vision may be obscured even if there is no particular abnormality in the eye itself.

 

3️⃣ How should you cope if you lose your sight?

Seek ophthalmological emergency care as soon as possible, and if symptoms suggestive of a stroke are present, go to the emergency room.

 

Since the timing of treatment can affect the prognosis of vision loss depending on the cause, you should seek emergency ophthalmological care as soon as possible, or go to the emergency room if accompanied by symptoms suspected of being cerebrovascular disease.

 

If one side of the face droops, the arms and legs lose strength, speech becomes slurred, or sudden dizziness and balance problems occur You should not think of it solely as a vision problem, but consider the possibility of a stroke.

 

In addition, avoid rubbing your eyes vigorously, using eye drops arbitrarily, or applying compresses when the cause is unknown, and Using emergency transport or receiving assistance from a guardian rather than driving yourself This is safe.

 

 

4️⃣ What tests does the hospital use to identify the cause?

After confirming the pattern of symptoms, the condition of the retina and optic nerve is examined using methods such as intraocular pressure, pupillary response, and dilated fundus examination.

 

When you visit a hospital due to vision loss, the first step is to determine the extent of the decline, whether it affects one or both eyes, which parts of your field of vision are obscured, and whether symptoms such as floaters, flashes of light, or pain are present. Subsequently, Measurement of intraocular pressure, pupillary response test, and fundus examination through pupil dilation You can check the condition of the retina and optic nerve by performing the back.

 

 

If retinal detachment is confirmed, laser treatment or surgery may be necessary depending on the condition and extent of the retina. If retinal artery occlusion is suspected, it may be necessary to evaluate not only the eye problem but also the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease.

 

In other words, because sudden vision loss is not a symptom defined as a single disease, Identifying the exact cause and then determining the appropriate treatment This is important.

 

 

🗣️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Is it okay if it gets blurry for a moment and then becomes visible again?

A. While blurred vision can be caused by eye strain or temporary dryness, if your vision disappears and returns for a few seconds to minutes, it may be due to retinal or cerebrovascular problems. Even if the symptoms were brief, if you experience a sudden decline in vision, it is advisable to seek medical attention to identify the cause.

 

Q2. If I lose my sight, should I go to an ophthalmology clinic or the emergency room?

A. As a general rule, you should seek emergency ophthalmological care as soon as possible. However, if drooping of one side of the face, weakness in the arms and legs, slurred speech, and sudden dizziness occur together, you should go to the emergency room considering the possibility of a stroke.

 

Q3. I suddenly have more floaters. Is it because of my age?

A. If you experience a sudden increase in floaters unlike usual, see flashing lights, or have part of your vision obscured, it could be a sign of a retinal tear or detachment. It is advisable not to dismiss this as a simple sign of aging and to seek ophthalmological care promptly.

 

Q4. Is it okay to use eye drops or apply a compress before going to the hospital?

A. It is advisable to avoid rubbing your eyes vigorously, using eye drops arbitrarily, or applying compresses when the cause is unknown. Remember the time when symptoms started, and travel with the assistance of a guardian rather than driving yourself.

 

🎯 Conclusion

Since vision loss can occur in anyone, it is important to manage both eye and overall health if you have risk factors. Furthermore, if you experience changes such as a sudden increase in floaters, seeing flashes of light, or partial obstruction of your vision, it is advisable not to dismiss them as mere signs of aging.

 

Since vision can be difficult to recover once damaged, when sudden vision loss occurs, rather than waiting with the thought that "it will get better after a while," Remember when symptoms started and visit a medical institution as soon as possible. This is important.

 

Identifying the exact cause early and starting appropriate treatment is The most important first step to protecting your eyesight no see.

 

 

 

📚 The medical content of this column was written based on medical information from the Korean Ophthalmological Society.