Vision changes and eye symptoms can be uncomfortable and alarming. It’s important to recognize when you or a loved one is experiencing an eye emergency that requires a trip to an emergency room (ER).
What Is Sudden Vision Loss?
Sudden vision loss is simply the loss of part or all of your normal visual field and can affect one or both eyes. It can happen over the course of a few seconds, minutes, or days.
Many different conditions or injuries can cause sudden vision loss. Regardless of the cause, it’s vital to seek medical care immediately to initiate treatment and minimize complications.
Sudden vs. Gradual Vision Loss
How can you differentiate between sudden and gradual vision loss? The answer is all about time. Whereas sudden vision loss happens in a few days or less, gradual vision loss typically takes place over the course of months or years.
Key Symptoms That May Lead to Vision Loss
What are some signs and symptoms that can tell you to seek medical help for an eye emergency? Though these can vary and depend on the underlying problem, there are some red flags you can look for.
Sudden Vision Loss Symptoms
- Eye pain.
- Sudden vision changes in one or both eyes.
- Seeing halo shapes around lights.
- Swelling around your eyes.
- Light sensitivity.
- Difficulty keeping your eye open or looking around.
- Having pus, blood, or other fluid come from your eyes.
Other symptoms can accompany urgent vision changes, such as:
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Headache.
- Fever.
If you experience any of these or other concerning symptoms, or if a chemical or foreign object got into your eye, seek help at an ER right away.
When To Go to the ER for Sudden Vision Loss
If you experience the loss of a part or the entirety of your vision with or without the above symptoms, you need to get to an emergency room (ER) immediately. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are crucial in eye emergencies, and you need a trained professional to provide the help you need.
Causes of Sudden Vision Loss
There are many different causes of sudden vision changes. A spontaneous change in your vision typically involves a disruption in how your eyes send signals to your brain. Causes can affect your nerves, brain, or eyes.
Let’s explore some reasons for sudden vision loss:
- Eye Injuries
Eye injuries fall on a spectrum from minor to severe. Anything from a minor scratch to a puncture or burn can cause damage to the sensitive tissues of your eye, including your cornea (the clear covering over the surface of your eye) and other structures. Some injuries can be temporary, while others may require surgery or result in permanent damage. - Acute Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition involving abnormally high pressure inside the eye. When pressure becomes too high, symptoms such as eye pain, blurred vision, halos around lights, and vision loss can occur. If untreated, glaucoma can cause permanent vision damage. If you experience symptoms that suggest this eye emergency, seek help at an ER right away. - Retinal Detachment
Your retina is a layer of tissue at the back of your eye that plays a central role in your vision. This eye emergency involves the detachment of this tissue from other supporting tissues. Symptoms can include increased floaters, a shadow in your vision, or seeing flashing lights. Retinal detachment is a medical emergency–get help in an ER right away for these symptoms. - Migraine
A type of migraine known as an ocular migraine can cause visual changes, such as flickering lights, blind spots, patterns, or floating lines. Other symptoms may include headaches and sensitivity to light or sound.
Emergency Care for Sudden Vision Loss at Prestige ER
Treatment for sudden vision loss will depend on the cause of your eye problem and your health history. An experienced medical provider will be able to differentiate between mild and severe eye issues.
When you visit Prestige ER, a trained provider will assess your symptoms, discuss your medical history, diagnose the cause of your vision loss or eye symptoms, and start treatment.
At Prestige ER, we offer on-site diagnostic equipment and lab services, enabling our providers to rapidly and accurately diagnose your eye problem, along with a wide range of other medical emergencies.
For rapid, personalized care and a wide range of emergency services, find a location near you.
