Download Sudden loss of vision

Sudden loss of vision
Recommend
 Consult MO urgently. Sudden loss of vision is an ophthalmological emergency
Background
 Sudden vision loss may be transient or persistent [1]
 Transient vision loss maybe due to TIA [1]
1.
2.
May present with:

Abrupt loss of vision

Some patients may present with blurred vision, other symptoms such as floaters or flashing lights,
haloes (may indicate incipient retinal damage)

The visual loss may be partial e.g. in retinal detachment the visual loss may be in the upper or
lower field of vision
Immediate management:
Assess eye and consult MO urgently

3.
Clinical assessment:

Obtain a complete patient history
 past eye history / past visual acuities
 medications
 vision loss sudden or over hours to days?

Perform standard clinical observations + BGL

Examine both eyes
 starting with visual acuities
 note if any pain associated with vision loss
 floaters or flashing lights?
 check red eye reflex – loss of reflex may indicate retinal detachment [1]
 vision loss in one eye or both?
4.
Management:

Consult MO who will
 advise urgent evacuation / hospitalisation for Ophthalmologist / Neurologist review if acute
physical cause likely (eg. detached retina, vitreous haemorrhage, retinal artery occlusion,
retinal vein thrombosis / suspected TIA or other medical conditions)
5.
Follow up:
 If not evacuated/hospitalised, see next MO clinic
6.
Referral / Consultation:
 Consult MO on all occasions of sudden loss of vision
 Consult MO if symptoms of progressive or potential visual loss such as blurring, floaters flashing
lights or if sudden field defects