Transient vision loss is temporary vision loss lasting less than 24 hours. It usually comes on abruptly and may occur with other symptoms like headache, dizziness, weakness, or eye pain.
Transient vision loss can occur in one or both eyes due to problems with your eyes, brain, or the structures that relay information between them.
It’s essential to get prompt medical attention any time you or somebody you’re with notices sudden vision loss, since it can be a sign of a life threatening condition like an impending stroke. Although some causes, like migraine, usually don’t lead to serious complications, medical evaluation is still necessary to rule out more serious conditions.
Let’s examine the potential causes of transient vision loss, as well as treatment options and potential complications.
Transient vision loss vs. amaurosis fugax
Amaurosis fugax is sudden vision loss in one eye due to loss of blood supply to your retina, while transient vision loss is a more general term that refers to any temporary loss of vision. Although there’s a slight difference in their definitions, the term “amaurosis fugax” is often used
Amaurosis fugax is a warning sign of an imminent stroke. It’s usually caused by a blockage in the internal carotid artery, which supplies your brain. Amaurosis fugax vision loss usually affects one eye and resolves within minutes to an hour.
Transient vision loss can develop from disruptions anywhere along your
- eye and retina
- optic nerve
- optic chiasm and tracts
- part of your brain called your lateral geniculate nucleus
- part of your brain called your visual cortex
A
The most common cause associated with blood flow disruption is an embolism in the internal carotid artery in your neck.
Other
| Causes | Types |
|---|---|
| Eye causes | • Papilledema: Papilledema is increased pressure in your skull that puts pressure on your optic disc. • Optic neuritis: Optic neuritis is inflammation of your optic nerve. • Retinal artery occlusion: Retinal artery occlusion is when blood flow is blocked in the artery that supplies your retina, often by a blood clot. • Retinal vein occlusion: Retinal vein occlusion is a blockage in a vein that takes blood away from your retina. |
| Vascular causes | • Transient ischemic attack (TIA): A TIA is also called a mini-stroke. • Giant cell arteritis: Giant cell arteritis is an inflammatory disease of the blood vessels that causes loss of blood supply to your optic nerve. |
| Neurological causes | • Migraine aura: Migraine aura often causes transient vision loss and other symptoms like flashing lights or zigzags. • Seizures: Seizures are bursts of electrical information in your brain. • Brains tumor: Tumors may press on your visual structures and cause vision loss. |
| Mechanical causes | • Elevated eye pressure: Conditions like acute angle-closure glaucoma can lead to high pressure in your eye and vision loss. • Certain activities: Certain activities like weightlifting with the Valsalva maneuver can decrease blood supply to your retina. |
| Other causes | • low blood pressure • cardiac arrhythmias • anemia • some diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure • some medications |
Transient vision loss can cause visual acuity loss in one or both eyes. Some people describe it like a shutter coming down over their eyes.
You might have other associated symptoms depending on the underlying cause. Some of the symptoms you might experience include:
Vision loss in one eye often suggests a problem with eye structures, such as your retina or optic nerve. Vision loss on both sides
Transient vision loss can be a warning sign of some life threatening conditions like a stroke. Many conditions that cause transient vision loss can also cause complications like permanent disability or permanent vision loss.
Medical emergencyIt’s important to get immediate medical attention if you have sudden vision loss without a known cause. People with some conditions like loss of blood supply to their retina have a high risk of having a stroke, especially within 48 hours. Visit an urgent care clinic or emergency room as soon as possible.
Transient vision loss isn’t a medical diagnosis but a symptom of other medical conditions. When looking for the underlying cause, a doctor will consider factors like:
- the duration and timing of your symptoms
- whether you have other symptoms like headache or eye pain
- your medical history, including cardiovascular disease risk factors
- your family medical history
- your current medications
They might perform a physical exam that includes:
- comprehensive eye exam
- neurological examination
- cardiovascular examination
Other tests you might receive include:
- brain MRI
- optical coherence imaging (OCT)
- blood vessel imaging of the head and neck
- blood tests
- heart rhythm monitoring (electrocardiogram)
- echocardiogram
The best treatment for transient vision loss depends on the underlying cause.
| Treatment | Conditions |
|---|---|
| antiplatelet medications like aspirin or clopidogrel (Plavix, others) | TIA or retinal artery occlusion |
| anticoagulation medications like warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) or dabigatran (Pradaxa) | atrial fibrillation or blood clot in your heart arteries |
| lipid-lowering medications | high blood pressure, stroke, hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis |
| anti-inflammatory medications | conditions like giant cell arteritis |
| surgeries like carotid endarterectomy | blockage in your carotid artery |
You may be able to prevent some causes of transient vision loss. For example, you can take steps to
- maintaining a moderate weight
- exercising regularly
- avoiding or quitting smoking (this can be difficult, but a doctor can build a cessation plan that works for you)
- limiting alcohol
- controlling underlying medical conditions, such as high blood pressure
- having your cholesterol checked
Transient vision loss is temporary vision loss that lasts less than 24 hours. It has many potential causes, such as a loss of blood supply to your retina or migraine.
It’s important to get medical attention right away if you notice sudden changes to your vision. Some people who develop sudden vision loss, such as those with a blockage in their carotid artery, are at an immediate risk of developing a potentially life threatening stroke.