3 hrs ago

Temporary One-Eye Blurred Vision Can Require Urgent Evaluation

Vision that suddenly becomes blurry in only one eye can happen for simple reasons, such as dry eyes or irritation.

It can also be caused by a migraine or changes in blood sugar.

However, it may sometimes mean that blood is not flowing normally to the retina.

This is called amaurosis fugax, and it can be a warning sign of a more serious problem.

You cannot safely tell the difference at home.

If the blur comes with weakness, trouble speaking, a severe headache, eye pain, flashes or a dark curtain, get emergency help.

Even if the vision becomes normal again, a first unexplained episode should be checked.

An eye doctor may examine the retina, eye pressure, pupils and vision.

More tests may be needed if a blood-vessel or neurological cause is suspected.

Key facts

Main concern: Amaurosis fugax, or transient monocular visual loss caused by temporarily reduced retinal blood flow.
Possible benign causes: Dry eyes, eye strain, contact-lens irritation, fatigue, dehydration, low blood sugar and pressure on the eye while sleeping.
Other possible causes: Migraine, retinal conditions, optic nerve disorders, blood-pressure or blood-sugar changes, acute glaucoma and carotid artery narrowing.
Risk factors: Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking history and cardiovascular disease.
Eye warning signs: Flashes, a sudden increase in floaters, a dark curtain or shadow, severe eye pain, redness, vomiting or continuing vision loss.
Neurological warning signs: Weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking, confusion, severe dizziness, loss of balance or a sudden severe headache.
Potential evaluation: Eye examination, visual-field testing, retinal photographs, OCT, blood tests, blood-pressure and sugar checks, carotid Doppler, cardiac evaluation or brain imaging.

indianexpress.com · 3 hrs ago