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Causes Of Sudden Loss Of Vision in India: Diagnosis And Treatment

With inputs from Dr. Pragnya Rao - General Physician

Updated on: November 2023

With inputs from Dr. Pragnya Rao - General Physician

Updated on: November 2023

Reviewed by Dr Raja Indana

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Table of contents

A sudden vision loss in both eyes can definitely be scary. Imagine that one minute you’re able to see everything around you clearly and the next minute, everything is blurry or hazy and you realise that rubbing your eyes is not making it go away. A partial visibility, a loss of peripheral vision or central vision are also forms of sudden vision loss in both eyes. While a sudden loss of vision may be temporary it is important to get it diagnosed quickly to avoid permanent damage to the eye. A speedy diagnosis will also help determine underlying health conditions or any internal or external factors that could have contributed to the sudden vision-loss. So who does it predominantly affect? Read on to find out some of the causes, diagnosis and treatments of sudden loss of vision including the people groups who might be at risk.

Can COVID-19 lead to vision loss?

While several factors can be held responsible for a sudden vision loss, there is not much clinical evidence that demonstrates if COVID-19 may cause a sudden blindness.

Symptoms of COVID-19 vary from person to person. Some people might be asymptomatic, while others can show mild symptoms of COVID-19, such as

Fever
dry cough
tiredness

Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell are the prominent Symptoms of COVID in the second wave which many people are battling with. Also, cases of a mysterious infection ‘black fungus’, medically referred to as ‘mucormycosis’, affecting COVID patients is rising across states in India and causing many more complications. This infection has been seen to primarily affect diabetic patients as a result of an excessive steroid medication used to combat COVID-19. In severe cases, doctors have had to operate on the jaw bone, and eyes of mucormycosis patients in order to prevent the fungus from spreading to the brain.

Early detection in the past and even now has always helped in preventing serious complications therefore it is advised to seek medical care at the earliest if you are facing any of the above mentioned symptoms to prevent further infections from arising as a result.

While the COVID-19 pandemic may make it hard for many to receive medical help for eye-related symptoms, through the MFine app, we offer online doctor consultations where you can speak with our expert doctors through instant chat or video calls to discuss symptoms and treatment plans for your condition no matter where you are. Additionally, our COVID-19 Care page offers a large repository of information and tests one can undertake to protect themselves better during this second wave.

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Dr. Latha AnilOphthalmologist
23+ years exp

mfine SELECT
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Dr. Hema Mansukhlal MerOphthalmologist
22+ years exp

mfine SELECT
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Dr. Y Jayapal ReddyOphthalmologist
41+ years exp

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Dr. Rohit SreenathOphthalmologist
15+ years exp

RxDx Healthcare
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Chapter 1: What Is Sudden Blindness in Both Eyes/ One Eye?

Sudden blindness refers to a medical condition in which a person suddenly experiences difficulty in seeing. As the condition develops, people may start experiencing blurry vision or sudden loss of peripheral or central vision.
People often confuse sudden blindness in both eyes with complete blindness, but both the conditions are very different from each other. However, if the issue is not addressed in time, sudden blindness may progress, leading to a complete loss of vision.

Sudden blindness may persist for varying durations. For some affected individuals, sudden blindness may ease within a few seconds; for others, it may be hours before their eyesight returns.

The process of vision involves light passing into the eye and then the retina transmitting the image to the brain in the form of electrical impulses. Problems in any part of the process may lead to the onset of vision loss. Certain medical conditions such as migraines, retinal vasospasm, closed-angle glaucoma may also lead to a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes.

FAQs:

Q1. What is sudden blindness?

Sudden blindness refers to a condition characterized by blurry vision or loss of peripheral or central vision.

Q2. What are the causes of sudden blindness?

Several factors can be held responsible for the development of sudden blindness. However, the root causes of sudden loss of vision may include:

External light sources do not reach your retina.
The retina is unable to sense light.
The brain is unable to interpret the impulses sent from the retina

Q3. What are the characteristics of sudden vision loss?

Some of the main characteristics of sudden vision loss include:

Sudden blindness in one or both eyes.
Temporary loss of peripheral vision in one eye / both eyes
Temporary loss of central vision in one or both eyes.
Sudden onset of blurry vision.

Q4. Is sudden sight loss temporary or permanent?

Sudden vision loss can persist for seconds in some individuals, whereas in others, it can last for hours! However, if not treated on time, this condition may progress into complete blindness.

Q5. How is sudden blindness different from complete blindness?

Sudden blindness in both eyes is often associated with blurry vision or partial vision loss in one or both eyes. However, complete blindness, on the other hand, means that you lose your ability of sight indefinitely. Seeking treatment immediately can help restore your vision in both scenarios.

Q6. What are the symptoms of sudden blindness in adults?

Common symptoms of sudden blindness in adults are:

Inability to differentiate between shapes in surroundings.
Tunnel vision, a condition where peripheral vision is hampered while the central vision is fine.
Cloudy vision
Discomfort in the eye, accompanied by any kind of discharge.

Q7. What is an eye stroke?

An eye stroke is commonly known as anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. It is a dangerous condition that may occur as a result of reduced blood flow to the tissues in front of the optic nerve.

Summary:
Sudden blindness may be caused due to several external and internal factors. External factors impacting the vision may include issues with the image formation in the retina and its transmission to the brain. Internal factors may include underlying conditions such as migraines, retinal vasospasm, blood clots and more.

Book an online consultation with an Ophthalmologist on Mfine, if you have sudden loss of vision!

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Chapter 2: Reasons for Sudden Blindness

There are several causes of sudden loss of vision. Certain conditions can cause either sudden partial blindness (in which you can detect light and shapes) or sudden complete blindness (when you cannot detect light and cannot see anything). Many of these factors are temporary and can be resolved through timely medical intervention. Some conditions, however, are more serious and are potentially irreversible.

Causes of Sudden Loss of Vision: Partial Blindness

The are several factors that trigger the onset of sudden vision loss in one or both eyes. Here are some of the causes of sudden loss of vision: :

Migraines (reversible)- These throbbing headaches have time and again reported to cause acute painful vision loss in one or both eyes. They are one of the major causes of temporary blindness in both eyes. The loss of vision caused by migraines is characterized by sensing flashlights or seeing blind spots.
Retinal Migraine (reversible)- A type of migraine called retinal migraine is sometimes associated with the onset of sudden blindness in one eye. This is called an ‘aura’ and usually affects only one eye. This also causes acute painful vision loss. Once it occurs, the affected individual may lose sight in one of their eyes for about 20 minutes. This can occur right before or even during a migraine.
Closed-Angle Glaucoma (reversible)- Yet another leading cause of sudden blindness/ temporary blindness in both eyes is closed-angle glaucoma. This condition is mostly associated with loss of vision in just one eye due to excessive pressure caused by a bulging iris. The pressure from the iris prevents drainage of the eye fluid, which, in turn, can lead to a host of different problems like pain in the eye and loss of vision. Permanent vision loss is a possibility if closed-angle glaucoma isn’t diagnosed and treated on time.
Retinal Vasospasm (reversible)- This condition negatively impacts the flow of blood to the retina. As a result, it may cause a temporary partial loss of vision. Retinal vasospasm causes the blood vessels in your retina to tighten.
Severe Preeclampsia (reversible) – Sudden vision loss or changes in the vision occur in very serious cases of preeclampsia. Sudden loss of vision can be a sign of something more serious like swelling of the brain or an issue with the central nervous system.

If you experience sudden vision loss during your pregnancy (especially if you have already been diagnosed with preeclampsia), make sure you get medical help immediately.

Giant Cell Arteritis (potentially irreversible)- Another common cause of temporary vision loss is giant cell arteritis. This condition is a common cause of loss of vision in adults over 50 years of age. If this condition is left untreated, it is known to cause permanent or chronic sudden blindness.
Retinal Detachment (potentially irreversible) – Retinal detachment is a condition in which the retina moves away from its normal position. When this happens, blood flow to the retinal tissues is blocked, thus, if the condition isn’t treated immediately, it can result in permanent blindness. There are a number of causes of retinal detachment. In diabetic patients, the creation of scar tissue can cause the retina to detach. In some cases, fluid accumulation due to injury can lead to retinal detachment.

Causes of Sudden Loss of Vision: Complete Blindness

Vitreous Haemorrhage (reversible) – Sudden blindness can also be caused by vitreous hemorrhage where blood leakage occurs. This leakage blocks light and doesn’t allow it to enter the eye, making it difficult for the affected individual to see anything.
Retinal Vein Occlusion (potentially irreversible) – When the flow of blood to the vein is blocked due to a blood clot or any other factor, it is known as retinal vein occlusion. The blockage of blood supply to the retina can starve the tissues of oxygen and nutrients and is a very serious condition. If left untreated for too long, it can result in permanent blindness.

The conditions mentioned above were some of the most common causes of sudden vision loss. Let us now have a look at some rare causes that may contribute to the onset of sudden blindness. They include:

Epileptic Seizures (reversible) – While seizures are commonly associated with physical seizures, you may be surprised to know that epileptic seizures can also contribute to sudden blindness in rare cases. About 10 % of people suffering from this condition can have their occipital lobe impacted. This impact can cause loss of vision during or after the seizure.
Uhthoff Phenomenon (reversible) – This is another rare cause of sudden vision loss. It often affects those who have multiple sclerosis. Some individuals may experience an increase in their body temperature due to multiple sclerosis, causing them to become temporarily blind in one or both eyes.

FAQs:

Q1. What is Amaurosis Fugax?

Amaurosis Fugax is a medical condition that causes an individual to lose eyesight in one or both the eyes due to a lack of blood flow. It is often caused by underlying conditions such as blood clots or lack of blood flow to the blood vessels present in the eye. The Amaurosis fugax differential diagnosis may help in identifying damage and blockages of the blood vessels in the eye that causes sudden loss of vision in one eye.

Q2. Can migraines cause a temporary partial loss of vision in one eye?

Yes, migraines are the number one cause of sudden vision loss in one or both eyes for many. It usually leads to temporary loss of vision in one eye that is characterized by sensing flashlights or sighting blind spots. Blindness triggered by migraines can occur right before or even during a migraine.

Q3. What are the causes of sudden vision loss in child?

The causes of sudden vision loss in children is similar to that in adults. Migraines, blood clots, retinal vein occlusion, and seizures are associated with loss of vision in children just like in adults. Additionally, poor nutrition, inadequate prenatal care, premature birth, and a family history of sudden blindness can also trigger a sudden vision loss.

Q4. How do individuals battling epileptic seizures develop sudden vision loss?

About 10% of the individuals suffering from epileptic seizures develop problems within the occipital lobe. These issues are known to result in sudden blindness in some of the affected people. The onset of sudden vision loss may occur during or after a seizure.

Q5. What is the most common cause of sudden vision loss?

The most common cause of sudden blindness is a migraine headache. These throbbing headaches are reported to cause vision loss in one or both eyes. They are one of the main causes of temporary partial vision loss. The loss of vision caused by migraines is characterized by sensing flashlights or seeing blind spots. Other common causes of sudden vision loss include giant cell arteritis, retinal vasospasm, closed-angle glaucoma, and vitreous hemorrhage.

Q6. How do blood clots cause sudden blindness?

The formation of a blood clot can cause sudden temporary loss of vision in one eye or both eyes. If the required treatment is not availed in time, this condition may result in permanent loss of vision. The clot can either develop in the retinal artery or any other blood vessel, which goes on to cloud your vision and eventually leads to complete loss of vision.

Q7. What is vitreous hemorrhage?

Vitreous hemorrhage is a condition where blood leakage occurs in the eye. This leakage causes blockage of light and doesn’t allow it to enter the cornea, making it difficult for the affected individual to see clearly.

Summary:
Sudden vision loss may have several underlying causes such as various health conditions (migraines, Giant Cell Arteries, Closed Angle Glaucoma, Vitreous Hemorrhage, etc. Loss of vision may also be attributed to reduced blood flow, blood clots in arteries, and more.

Get tested by consulting a top ophthalmologist on MFine to know the causes of sudden loss of vision!

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Chapter 3: Diagnosis of Sudden Vision Loss

”

Important:

“If you are experiencing a migraine or dizziness, a momentary loss of or blurred vision is normal. However, if your vision doesn’t return within a few seconds, then you should immediately consult with an ophthalmologist. A thorough eye examination to determine the cause of loss of vision becomes an urgent need and then a course of treatment can be accordingly worked out. Prompt medical attention can help avoid any permanent damage to a patient’s vision.”
– Dr. Pragnya Rao, General Physician

The onset of sudden blindness must be immediately followed by prompt diagnosis and treatment to avoid further complications. To prescribe the right treatment, your physician may first advise undergoing any of the following diagnostic analysis.

Retinal examination:

During a retinal examination, your ophthalmologist will examine your retina and the blood supply to it to identify any underlying issues. This type of examination is usually done using an ophthalmoscope after your pupils have been dilated. While there could be several causes of sudden loss of vision, If the reason behind your sudden vision loss is due to an issue with the retina, then this procedure can identify it.

Intraocular pressure:

An examination of intraocular pressure evaluates the fluid pressure within the eye. This procedure is usually performed to identify or confirm a diagnosis of glaucoma in a patient.

Ultrasound assessment:

Ultrasonography may be prescribed for analyzing the functioning of your eyes. This will provide an extremely detailed view of your eye and socket. A

Gadolinium-enhanced MRI:

This diagnostic analysis may be performed for detecting the possible cause of sudden blindness. This method uses
gadolinium to improve the clarity of images produced by Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Biomicroscopy Test:

Your physician might prescribe this test to inspect the general health of your eyes. It is also known as a Slit Lamp examination. In this procedure, the ophthalmologist might use eye drops to dilate your pupils or drops containing a yellow dye which can help them identify abnormalities in the cornea. After

References

An individual’s risk of developing sudden blindness can increase due to certain factors.

The risk factors for sudden blindness can be categorized into external and internal, depending on how they affect the individual.

Let us first have a look at the external factors that are a driving force of the causes of sudden loss of vision:

An Eye Surgery- Those who have undergone an ocular surgery are possibly at higher risk of developing sudden vision loss than the others.
Occupational Hazards – Individuals who are exposed to sharp or pointed objects at their workplace are at higher risk of incurring eye injuries that may lead to temporary or permanent blindness.
Poor Hygiene Practices – Individuals with poor hygiene are at greater risk of contracting eye infections making them more susceptible to having eye problems such as sudden loss of vision.
Lack Of Prenatal Care – Poor nutrition and care during pregnancy can increase the baby’s risk of developing sudden blindness. During pregnancy, the health of the baby is directly impacted by the lifestyle of the mother.
Smoking – Smokers are at greater risk of being affected by sudden blindness as compared to non-smokers.

Some Internal risk factors can also be held responsible for the development of sudden vision loss. Some of them have been mentioned below:

- Diabetes – Diabetes is a condition that leads to the onset of various other ailments in the body. Diabetic people are at greater risk of suffering from sudden blindness and other eye-related problems as compared to non-diabetics.
- Cerebrovascular Or Cardiovascular Diseases – People suffering from cardiovascular problems may develop blood clots that may hamper their vision. Such people with cerebrovascular or cardiovascular ailments are more susceptible to developing eye-related ailments and sudden blindness.

Stroke – Individuals who have previously had a stroke are also at greater risk of losing their vision.
Pre-Existing Eye Diseases – People who are already combating eye diseases or eye disorders are at a higher risk of developing sudden blindness.
Poor Nutrition – Those who do not eat a well-balanced nutritious diet tend to develop disorders that can impact their eyesight and eventually lead to loss of vision.
Premature Birth – Babies born prematurely have been observed to be at a higher risk of developing sudden blindness.
Family History – A person with a family history of partial or complete blindness, is at higher risk of developing the same condition at some point in his/her life.
Advancing Age – Older adults tend to be at high risk of being affected by the sudden loss of vision. Thus, an individual’s eyesight is ought to deteriorate with advancing age, which becomes a contributing factor to the development of sudden vision deterioration.

Internal and external factors play a significant role in increasing an individual’s risk of developing sudden blindness. Hence, if you can relate to any of the above factors, better watch out for even the minutest signs of vision loss and immediately avail treatment. It is imperative to get the correct diagnosis for temporary sight loss in one eye by consulting an eye doctor.

FAQs:

Q1. Can an individual’s work environment contribute to loss of vision?

Yes, if an individual’s job involves working with or getting exposed to sharp objects or toxic chemicals, their chances of developing sudden blindness increase significantly.

Q2. Can diabetes cause temporary loss of vision in one or both eyes?

As diabetes progresses, it may damage eyes causing conditions such as diabetic retinopathy macular
edema, cataract etc. All these conditions may cause temporary loss of vision in one or both eyes. If diabetes is left untreated, it can also lead to permanent loss of vision.

Q3. Does genetics play a role in the onset of sudden blindness?

Like in many other health conditions, genetics plays a significant role in the development of sudden blindness. Thus, if your parents have a history of sudden or complete blindness in the past, your chances of developing it are also quite high.

Q4. What factors cause sudden, painful unilateral vision loss?

Health conditions like stroke, migraines, and eye diseases like cataracts, acute onset glaucoma and closed-angle glaucoma are common causes associated with unilateral vision loss or sudden loss of vision in one eye. A blood clot or reduced blood flow to the eyes are also often observed to cause sudden unilateral vision loss. It is imperative to get the correct diagnosis for temporary sight loss in one eye by consulting an eye doctor.

Q5. Why are older adults at higher risk of developing sudden vision loss?

Advancing age causes all the functions in one’s body to slow down and deteriorate. Thus, an individual’s eyesight is also ought to deteriorate with advancing age, which becomes a contributing factor to the development of sudden vision deterioration.

Q6. Does your diet play a role in the onset of sudden blindness?

A healthy and well-balanced diet is crucial for all the organs in your body. A diet that lacks significant nutrients can lead to various health disorders, including poor vision.

Q7. What follows sudden sight loss in one eye?

Individuals who face a sudden sight loss in one eye tend to lose a part of their side vision. Initially, they may experience problems with depth perception. Studies indicate that adults who end up losing vision in one eye may also experience a decrease in their ability to accurately judge distances and track movements.

Summary:
The risk of developing sudden blindness may increase due to several factors such as eye surgery, poor hygiene practices, smoking, genetics, age, etc. If a person notices any symptoms related to vision loss, an ophthalmologist must be immediately consulted, Any delays in addressing the issue may lead to increased complications.

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mfine SELECT
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RxDx Healthcare
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