What are the key indicators of potential vision loss. How can you identify early signs of blindness. When should you seek immediate medical attention for eye problems. What vision changes warrant a prompt visit to an eye care professional.

Understanding Vision Loss: A Global Perspective

Vision loss is a significant global health concern affecting millions worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 250 million people worldwide experience visual impairment. Alarmingly, up to 80% of these cases could have been prevented with timely intervention and proper eye care.

This staggering statistic underscores the critical importance of regular eye examinations and prompt medical attention when experiencing vision changes. Many eye conditions, such as glaucoma, can progress silently in their early stages, making routine check-ups essential for early detection and treatment.

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams

Regular eye exams play a crucial role in maintaining optimal vision health. These examinations can detect potential issues before they become severe, allowing for early intervention and better outcomes. How often should you have your eyes checked?

• Adults aged 20-39: Every 2-4 years
• Adults aged 40-64: Every 2-3 years
• Adults 65 and older: Annually
• Those with existing eye conditions or risk factors: As recommended by an eye care professional

Floaters, Gray Shadows, and Flashing Lights: Potential Red Flags

While occasional floaters are generally harmless, a sudden increase in their number, accompanied by gray shadows or flashing lights in your vision, could indicate a serious condition called retinal detachment. This occurs when the layer of nerves at the back of the eye separates from its normal position.

Understanding Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. What factors increase the risk of retinal detachment?

• Blunt trauma to the eye
• Diabetes
• Severe nearsightedness
• Previous eye surgery
• Family history of retinal detachment

If left untreated, retinal detachment can lead to permanent vision loss or blindness. Prompt surgical intervention is often necessary to reattach the retina and preserve vision.

Eye Pain: When Discomfort Signals Danger

While many eye conditions are painless, persistent or severe eye pain should never be ignored. Eye pain can be a symptom of various conditions, ranging from minor irritations to serious medical emergencies.

Common Causes of Eye Pain

What conditions can cause significant eye pain?

1. Corneal abrasions or scratches
2. Acute angle-closure glaucoma
3. Optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve)
4. Uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye)
5. Orbital cellulitis (infection of the tissues around the eye)
6. Chemical burns or foreign bodies in the eye

Any eye pain accompanied by vision changes, redness, or sensitivity to light warrants immediate medical attention. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent potential complications and preserve vision.

Sudden Vision Loss: A Medical Emergency

Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate attention. This symptom can be indicative of various underlying conditions, some of which can lead to permanent vision loss if not addressed promptly.

Potential Causes of Sudden Vision Loss

What conditions can trigger sudden vision loss?

• Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
• Retinal vein or artery occlusion
• Acute angle-closure glaucoma
• Optic neuritis
• Retinal detachment
• Vitreous hemorrhage
• Stroke affecting the visual cortex

In the case of wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels under the retina can leak fluid or blood, causing rapid vision loss. Similarly, a blockage in the retinal blood vessels (occlusion) can lead to sudden vision impairment. Prompt medical intervention is crucial in these cases to minimize permanent damage and preserve remaining vision.

Blurry Vision: More Than Just an Inconvenience

While occasional blurry vision may be attributed to fatigue or eye strain, persistent or recurrent blurriness can be a sign of underlying eye conditions. Even if the blurriness clears up on its own, it’s essential to have it evaluated by an eye care professional.

Conditions Associated with Blurry Vision

What eye conditions can manifest as blurry vision?

1. Refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism)
2. Cataracts
3. Glaucoma
4. Diabetic retinopathy
5. Age-related macular degeneration
6. Keratoconus
7. Dry eye syndrome

It’s worth noting that blurry vision in one eye could also be a symptom of a more serious systemic condition, such as a stroke. If you experience sudden blurry vision, especially if it’s accompanied by other neurological symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Eye Injuries: Assessing the Severity

Eye injuries can range from minor irritations to severe trauma that threatens vision. It’s crucial to take all eye injuries seriously and seek professional evaluation, especially if symptoms persist or worsen.

Types of Eye Injuries

What are some common types of eye injuries?

• Corneal abrasions
• Chemical burns
• Blunt trauma
• Penetrating injuries
• Foreign bodies in the eye
• Ultraviolet (UV) damage

Any eye injury accompanied by persistent pain, redness, or vision changes should be evaluated by an eye care professional or in an emergency room. Proper first aid and timely medical attention can significantly improve outcomes and prevent long-term vision problems.

Contact Lens Discomfort: When to Be Concerned

While most contact lens wearers experience no issues, discomfort or pain while wearing lenses can indicate a problem. Proper lens care and adherence to wearing schedules are crucial for maintaining eye health and preventing complications.

Red Flags for Contact Lens Wearers

What symptoms should prompt contact lens wearers to seek medical attention?

1. Persistent pain or discomfort
2. Redness that doesn’t subside
3. Increased sensitivity to light
4. Blurred or decreased vision
5. Discharge or excessive tearing
6. Feeling of something stuck in the eye

These symptoms could indicate serious conditions such as corneal ulcers, infections, or allergic reactions. Removing the lenses and seeking prompt medical evaluation is essential to prevent potential vision-threatening complications.

Age-Related Vision Changes: Normal vs. Concerning

As we age, certain changes in our vision are normal and expected. However, it’s crucial to distinguish between typical age-related changes and those that may indicate a more serious condition.

Common Age-Related Vision Changes

What vision changes are typically associated with aging?

• Presbyopia (difficulty focusing on close objects)
• Decreased contrast sensitivity
• Reduced pupil size
• Increased need for light
• Mild dry eye symptoms

While these changes are generally considered normal, they can still impact quality of life and may require corrective measures such as reading glasses or adjustments to lighting conditions.

Age-Related Eye Conditions Requiring Attention

What age-related eye conditions warrant medical evaluation?

1. Cataracts
2. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
3. Glaucoma
4. Diabetic retinopathy
5. Dry eye syndrome

These conditions can significantly impact vision and quality of life if left untreated. Regular eye exams become increasingly important as we age to detect and manage these conditions early.

Preventive Measures: Safeguarding Your Vision

While some vision problems are unavoidable, many can be prevented or their progression slowed through proactive measures. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits and prioritizing eye care can go a long way in maintaining good vision throughout life.

Strategies for Maintaining Eye Health

How can you protect your vision and reduce the risk of eye problems?

• Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams
• Wear UV-protective sunglasses outdoors
• Maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E
• Stay physically active to promote overall health
• Quit smoking or avoid starting
• Control chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension
• Practice good hygiene when handling contact lenses
• Use proper eye protection during sports or hazardous activities
• Take regular breaks when using digital devices (20-20-20 rule)

By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing vision problems and maintain healthy eyes throughout your life.

The Role of Nutrition in Eye Health

A balanced diet plays a crucial role in maintaining good eye health. Certain nutrients have been shown to support various aspects of eye function and may help prevent or slow the progression of certain eye conditions.

What nutrients are particularly beneficial for eye health?

1. Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, flaxseed, and walnuts)
2. Lutein and zeaxanthin (found in leafy greens and colorful fruits)
3. Vitamin C (found in citrus fruits, berries, and bell peppers)
4. Vitamin E (found in nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils)
5. Zinc (found in oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds)
6. Beta-carotene (found in carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach)

While a healthy diet can’t guarantee perfect vision, it can certainly contribute to overall eye health and potentially reduce the risk of certain age-related eye conditions.

When to Seek Emergency Eye Care

Recognizing the signs of a true eye emergency is crucial for preserving vision and preventing permanent damage. Some situations require immediate medical attention, even if it means a trip to the emergency room.

Signs of an Eye Emergency

What symptoms warrant immediate medical attention?

• Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes
• Severe eye pain
• Chemical exposure to the eye
• Penetrating eye injury
• Sudden onset of flashes, floaters, or a curtain-like shadow in vision
• Sudden double vision
• Severe redness accompanied by pain or vision changes

In these situations, every minute counts. Delaying treatment could result in permanent vision loss or other serious complications. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to eye health.

What to Do in an Eye Emergency

How should you respond to an eye emergency?

1. Seek immediate medical attention
2. Avoid rubbing or applying pressure to the affected eye
3. If a chemical splash occurred, rinse the eye with clean water for at least 15 minutes
4. For penetrating injuries, do not attempt to remove any objects
5. Cover the affected eye with a clean, protective shield if available
6. Avoid applying any medications or ointments unless directed by a medical professional

Remember, prompt action in an eye emergency can make a significant difference in the outcome and potentially save your vision.

The Future of Vision Care: Emerging Technologies and Treatments

The field of ophthalmology is constantly evolving, with new technologies and treatments emerging to address various eye conditions and improve vision care. These advancements offer hope for better outcomes and quality of life for those with eye problems.

Innovative Approaches in Vision Care

What are some promising developments in the field of eye care?

• Gene therapy for inherited retinal diseases
• Stem cell treatments for retinal regeneration
• Artificial intelligence for early detection of eye diseases
• Advanced intraocular lenses for cataract surgery
• Minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS)
• Bionic eyes and retinal implants for certain types of blindness
• 3D-printed corneas for transplantation

While many of these technologies are still in development or early stages of implementation, they represent the potential for significant improvements in vision care and treatment options for various eye conditions.

The Role of Telemedicine in Eye Care

Telemedicine is increasingly playing a role in eye care, offering new ways to access professional services and monitor eye health. How is telemedicine changing the landscape of vision care?

1. Remote consultations for non-emergency eye issues
2. Virtual vision tests for prescription updates
3. Home monitoring devices for chronic eye conditions
4. AI-powered screening tools for early detection of eye diseases
5. Enhanced access to eye care for underserved populations

While telemedicine cannot replace all in-person eye care, it offers valuable supplementary services and can improve access to eye care professionals, especially in rural or underserved areas.

As we look to the future of vision care, it’s clear that advancements in technology and treatment approaches will continue to shape the field. However, the fundamental principles of maintaining good eye health through regular check-ups, prompt attention to vision changes, and healthy lifestyle choices remain as important as ever. By staying informed about your eye health and being proactive in seeking care when needed, you can play an active role in preserving your vision for years to come.

9 Vision Loss Symptoms That Could Be Signs You’re Going Blind

Throughout our lives, we will experience mild vision changes that may be rather inconvenient and even painful but aren’t signs of going blind or other serious vision issues.

Dry eyes and eye strain are common problems that may resolve on their own and don’t mean that we are losing vision. 

However, in some cases, flashing lights, eye pain, and even seemingly harmful things like floaters can be signs of more serious problems, signaling that you need a prompt visit to your eye health expert. In those cases, visiting Dr. Steven Stetson and his team of eye care professionals should be your top priority.

That being said, problems like sudden vision changes, losing vision, and eye pain shouldn’t be ignored as they can be signs you’re going blind.

Vision Loss by the Numbers

On a global scale, around 250 million people have to deal with visual impairment, according to the WHO’s (World Health Organization) data. What’s more troubling is the fact that around 80% of these cases could have been prevented if attended timely.

This is why visiting your doctor for eye exams regularly is so crucial. Even before experiencing minor vision changes, checkups can be imperative in diagnosing progressing eye problems like glaucoma. This is a rather common vision problem that only produces a few minor symptoms in its earliest stages.

On the other hand, visiting the doctor should be mandatory in the case of sudden vision changes and eye pain. On that end, here’s a list of symptoms you should ignore because, in some cases, they might be signs you’re going blind.

1. Floaters, Gray Shadows in Your Vision, and Flashing Lights

While floaters aren’t apparent symptoms that signal you’re losing vision, if there are a lot of them, accompanied by a sudden onset of a gray curtain in your vision field with flashing lights, you should see your doctor right away. These symptoms can signal a rather serious condition, the detachment of your retina. This happens when the layer of nerves in the backside of your eye detaches. This nerve layer is responsible for sending images to your brain, enabling you to see. 

Blunt trauma, as well as conditions like diabetes and nearsightedness all increase the risk of retinal detachment. Once it happens, it should be addressed with surgery as fast as possible, as the condition can cause blindness.

That being said, if you ever experience the above-mentioned vision changes, visit your eye expert as soon as possible.

2. Eye Pain

In most cases, eye diseases are painless, but there are conditions that can cause pain. Especially after suffering a serious eye injury, pain and vision changes shouldn’t be ignored and must be reported to a doctor as quickly as possible. On the other hand, other conditions like dry eyes, glaucoma, eye cancer, and a scratched cornea can all cause eye pain.

3. Losing Vision in of Your Eyes

When you’re suddenly losing vision, the underlying problems can be many. For instance, sudden vision loss can be caused by AMD or age-related macular degeneration. This is the leading vision loss cause in people over the age of 65 in the country. If you’ve heard about macular degeneration already, then you know that the symptoms are gradual in most cases. However, vision loss can also happen suddenly. When the eye’s blood vessels leak blood or fluid under the retina, it can damage the nerves that enable you to see.

When there’s a rapid fluid buildup in the eye, the pressure can damage the optic nerve. Also, a type of glaucoma can also lead to sudden vision changes, i.e., vision loss. At the same time, there are several other conditions that may lead to vision loss.

4. Blurry Vision

In most cases, blurry vision isn’t among the signs you’re going blind. However, in rarer cases, even when the blur clears up, it can signal several eye problems, like age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, a torn retina, uveitis, and more. Also, losing vision in one of your eyes can signal other problems, like suffering a stroke. When vision loss happens to only one eye, it could mean that the carotid artery is blocked. The carotid artery is the largest blood supplier to the eyes, and the buildup can cut off the blood flow to the eyes.

5. Eye Injury

As we’ve talked about this before, eye injuries can lead to losing vision and sudden vision changes, depending on their severity.

On that end, more significant and severe injuries to the eyes should always be checked by a professional, especially if the pain persists for more than 20 minutes and it’s accompanied by redness.

6. Eye Discomfort when Wearing Contact Lenses

The majority of people who wear contacts don’t experience any problems, let alone vision loss symptoms. However, if wearers don’t follow the basics of proper lens maintenance, use, and care, they can contract serious infections. That being said, if you experience any vision loss symptoms, pain, discomfort, or redness because of wearing contacts, visit your ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

7. Constant Eye Discomfort

When you are experiencing persistent discomfort in your eyes or eye, this may be due to a small particle that might have entered the eye. This can happen when you’re working with a hammer, under a car, or performing other types of work. When this happens, never ignore it and visit a doctor as quickly as you can. An expert will have to evaluate your condition and take the necessary course of action. Foreign particles in your eyes can lead to vision changes, infection, and even more severe problems down the road. 

That being said, you should always wear protective eyewear while working.

8. Red Eyes

When it comes to red eyes, experts will usually say that it’s better to have both eyes affected by the problem than only one. When both of your eyes are red, chances are you’re dealing with pink eye or conjunctivitis, a self-healing, minor infection. However, when only one of the eyes is read, that could be a sign of more severe inflammation, more specifically scleritis. This is a condition that happens when the outer protective area of the eye gets inflamed. Uveitis can also cause redness in one eye only. This is when the middle coating of an eyeball becomes inflamed.

9. Complications from Eye Surgery

While complications following surgery are rare, they might happen. Blurry vision, redness, and eye pain after surgery should be immediately assessed by a professional. 

As a matter of fact, even if these problems go away, you should still tell them about your doctor to make sure everything’s fine.

The Importance of Regular Checkups

As you can see, being regular with your eye health appointments can go a long way in preserving your vision and in catching serious problems in their earliest stages, when they are the easiest to treat.  

Proper care and regular screenings are essential in keeping every aspect of your health in check. That being said, if you are looking for impeccable eye-care services, feel free to reach out to our experts.

Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors & More

Overview

Blindness is the inability to see anything, including light.

If you’re partially blind, you have limited vision. For example, you may have blurry vision or the inability to distinguish the shapes of objects. Complete blindness means you can’t see at all.

Legal blindness refers to vision that’s highly compromised. What a person with regular vision can see from 200 feet away, a legally blind person can see from only 20 feet away.

Seek medical attention right away if you suddenly lose the ability to see. Have someone bring you to the emergency room for treatment. Don’t wait for your vision to return.

Depending on the cause of your blindness, immediate treatment may increase your chances for restoring your vision. Treatment may involve surgery or medication.

If you’re completely blind, you see nothing. If you’re partially blind, you might experience the following symptoms:

• cloudy vision
• an inability to see shapes
• seeing only shadows
• poor night vision
• tunnel vision

Symptoms of blindness in infants

Your child’s visual system begins to develop in the womb. It doesn’t fully form until about 2 years of age.

By 6 to 8 weeks of age, your baby should be able to fix their gaze on an object and follow its movement. By 4 months of age, their eyes should be properly aligned and not turned inward or outward.

The symptoms of visual impairment in young children can include:

• constant eye rubbing
• an extreme sensitivity to light
• poor focusing
• chronic eye redness
• chronic tearing from their eyes
• a white instead of black pupil
• poor visual tracking, or trouble following an object with their eyes
• abnormal eye alignment or movement after 6 months of age

The following eye diseases and conditions can cause blindness:

• Glaucoma refers to different eye conditions that can damage your optic nerve, which carries visual information from your eyes to your brain.
• Macular degeneration destroys the part of your eye that enables you to see details. It usually affects older adults.
• Cataracts cause cloudy vision. They’re more common in older people.
• A lazy eye can make it difficult to see details. It may lead to vision loss.
• Optic neuritis is inflammation that can cause temporary or permanent vision loss.
• Retinitis pigmentosa refers to damage of the retina. It leads to blindness only in rare cases.
• Tumors that affect the retina or optic nerve can also cause blindness.

Blindness is a potential complication if you have diabetes or have a stroke. Other common causes of blindness include:

• birth defects
• eye injuries
• complications from eye surgery

Causes of blindness in infants

The following conditions can impair vision or cause blindness in infants:

• infections, such as pink eye
• blocked tear ducts
• cataracts
• strabismus (crossed eyes)
• amblyopia (lazy eye)
• ptosis (droopy eyelid)
• congenital glaucoma
• retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), which occurs in premature babies when the blood vessels that supply their retina aren’t fully developed
• visual inattention, or delayed development of your child’s visual system

The following categories of people are at risk for blindness:

• people with eye diseases, such as macular degeneration and glaucoma
• people with diabetes
• people who have a stroke
• people undergoing eye surgery
• people who work with or near sharp objects or toxic chemicals
• premature babies

A thorough eye exam by an optometrist will help determine the cause of your blindness or partial loss of vision.

Your eye doctor will administer a series of tests that measure:

• the clarity of your vision
• the function of your eye muscles
• how your pupils react to light

They’ll examine the general health of your eyes using a slit lamp. It’s a low-power microscope paired with a high-intensity light.

Diagnosing blindness in infants

A pediatrician will screen your baby for eye problems shortly after birth. At 6 months of age, have an eye doctor or pediatrician check your child again for visual acuity, focus, and eye alignment.

The doctor will look at your baby’s eye structures and see whether they can follow a light or colorful object with their eyes.

Your child should be able to pay attention to visual stimuli by 6 to 8 weeks of age. If your child doesn’t react to light shining in their eyes or focus on colorful objects by 2 to 3 months of age, have their eyes examined right away.

Have your child’s eyes examined if you notice crossed eyes or any other symptoms of impaired vision.

In some cases of vision impairment, one or more of the following may help restore vision:

• eyeglasses
• contact lenses
• surgery
• medication

If you experience partial blindness that can’t be corrected, your doctor will provide guidance on how to function with limited vision. For example, you can use a magnifying glass to read, increase the text size on your computer, and use audio clocks and audiobooks.

Complete blindness requires approaching life in a new way and learning new skills. For example, you may need to learn how to:

• read Braille
• use a guide dog
• organize your home so you can easily find things and stay safe
• fold money in distinct ways to distinguish bill amounts

You can also consider getting some adaptive products, like a specialized smartphone, color identifier, and accessible cookware. There’s even adaptive sporting equipment, like sensory soccer balls.

A person’s long-term outlook for restoring vision and slowing vision loss is better when treatment is preventive and sought immediately.

Surgery can effectively treat cataracts. They don’t necessarily result in blindness. Early diagnosis and treatment are also important in cases of glaucoma and macular degeneration to help slow down or stop vision loss.

To detect eye diseases and help prevent vision loss, get regular eye examinations. If you receive a diagnosis of certain eye conditions, such as glaucoma, treatment with medication can help prevent blindness.

To help prevent vision loss, the American Optometric Association recommends you have your child’s eyes examined:

• at 6 months of age
• at 3 years of age
• every year between 6 and 17 years old

If you notice symptoms of vision loss between routine visits, make an appointment with their eye doctor immediately.

How to understand that vision is beginning to deteriorate?

Visual impairment is one of the most common problems our patients face. Many of them, at the first symptoms of visual impairment, attribute this to ordinary overwork and do not consider it necessary to visit an ophthalmologist. But in vain, because the sooner you can find the cause of vision loss, the more likely it is to stop the deterioration of vision and restore it.

Decreased vision can be dramatic – from instantaneous and appearing in just a few days, to gradual, which occurs over months, and sometimes many years. Deterioration can be observed in one eye or both at once. When vision gradually decreases in only one eye, a person may not notice this for a long time, which leads to the progression of the disease and often to irreversible changes.

5 symptoms that indicate a deterioration in vision:

The outlines of objects in front of your eyes lose their clear contour, forcing you to squint. Many patients believe that this is due to overwork, but in fact this symptom may be the first manifestation of the development of an eye disease.

Headache. This symptom is also often attributed to ordinary fatigue, although it may indicate the development of visual pathology. Typically, a headache can be caused by excessive visual stress, the lack of properly selected vision correction (glasses), and sometimes even indicate the development of other diseases, such as glaucoma.

Double vision is also a symptom that indicates visual impairment, and not just overwork. Diplopia (in common words – double vision) can occur both in one eye and in both at once. Usually, diplopia can indicate the presence of diseases such as astigmatism, disorders of the oculomotor system (strabismus), and can also be a symptom of diseases that affect the central nervous system and the eyes at the same time.

Burning sensation, sand in the eyes, sensation of the presence of a foreign body, lacrimation or, conversely, dryness. All of these symptoms are a common complaint and can occur in a wide range of ophthalmic conditions, from dry eye syndrome to severe inflammatory processes that can lead to deterioration and loss of vision.

Floating flies, spots, cobwebs before the eyes are also symptoms of visual impairment. The appearance of such flies is associated with changes in the structure of the vitreous body, which liquefies with age and does not adhere so tightly to the retina, resulting in the sensation of floating flies in the field of view.

If you notice a decrease in vision, you should immediately contact an ophthalmologist. The doctor will conduct an examination, diagnostics of vision and establish the cause of its deterioration. It is impossible to carry out an eye examination on your own, therefore we recommend contacting a specialist.

The appointment begins with a conversation with a doctor to discuss all complaints and data on the patient’s medical history and life, the second stage is all the necessary diagnostics using modern and high-precision equipment. The appointment with the doctor takes about half an hour and takes place in comfortable conditions for the patient.

We invite you to consultation with the doctors of Expert Ophthalmology Doctor of Medical Sciences Maria Znamenskaya. Ophthalmologists of the clinic will diagnose vision, establish a diagnosis and select the best method of treatment.

Sudden loss of vision – causes, examination and treatment, optometrist | Symptoms

T transient ischemic attack (transient blindness)
Signs: Blindness in one eye, usually lasting minutes to hours.

Blockage of the central retinal artery
Signs: Almost instant complete loss of vision in one eye. In patients with risk factors for atherosclerosis (high blood pressure, abnormal blood lipids or smoking).

Obstruction of the central retinal vein
Signs: In patients with risk factors for the development of the following diseases (diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, a tendency to increased blood clotting or sickle cell anemia).

Vitreous hemorrhage
Signs: People who see flies, filaments, or cobwebs in their field of vision (floaters) or who have risk factors for vitreous hemorrhage (diabetes, retinal perforation, sickle cell anemia, or eye trauma). Usually loss of the entire field of vision (not just one or more areas).

Giant cell (temporal) arteritis (inflammation of the large arteries of the head, neck and upper body)
Signs: Sometimes headache when combing hair or pain in the jaw or tongue when chewing, pain and stiffness of the large muscles of the arms and legs (polymyalgia rheumatica).

Ischemic optic neuropathy (damage to the optic nerve due to blockage of its blood vessels)
Signs: In patients with risk factors for such diseases (diabetes or high blood pressure) or in patients who have had episodes of very low blood pressure leading to fainting.

Macular hemorrhage (due to senile macular degeneration)
Signs: Usually in patients suffering from senile macular degeneration, or in patients with risk factors for diseases of the vascular system (high blood pressure, smoking, or abnormal levels of blood lipids).

Ocular migraine (migraine that causes visual impairment)
Signs: Irregular, flickering spots that slowly move across the field of view of one eye for 10 to 20 minutes. Sometimes blurring of central vision, headache after visual impairment. Often in young patients or in patients suffering from migraines.

Retinal detachment
Signs: Sudden spontaneous flashes of light that may look like lightning, spots or stars (photopsia) that happen from time to time. Loss of vision that occurs in one area, usually in the corners of the eye (peripheral vision). Loss of vision that spreads across the field of vision like a curtain. Occasionally occurs in patients with risk factors for retinal detachment (recent eye trauma, recent eye surgery, or high myopia).

Strokes or transient ischemic attacks
Signs: Usually loss of the same parts of the visual field in both eyes. In patients with risk factors for the development of such diseases (high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, abnormal blood lipid levels and smoking). Sometimes slurred speech, impaired eye movements, muscle weakness, and/or difficulty walking.

Angle-closure glaucoma
Signs: Severe pain and redness of the eye, headache, nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light.