If poor vision suddenly occurs without pain and the eye looks very normal on the outside, this is often the cause of a vein blockage in the eye or a retinal detachment. These are all emergencies and should be seen by a doctor quickly.
Closure of an artery in one eye
When an artery in the eye is blocked, the patient suddenly no longer sees anything with that eye. This is because the retina no longer receives oxygen. Great urgency is required because damage and blindness to the eye are likely to occur if the patient is not treated by an ophthalmologist within six hours. The cause of a blockage of the artery is usually a small blood clot from other veins that become stuck near the eye. There is nothing visible to the eye. It looks normal, is not red and does not cause pain. This condition is rare and occurs more often in patients over forty years of age.
Retinal detachment
When the retina of the eye detaches and tears, the patient feels like a curtain or veil is being drawn over his eye. The patient still sees to some extent with that eye. Flashes of light or spider webs are often seen before a retinal detachment, especially in the dark. This is because the retina is being pulled. Retinal detachment is rare and mainly occurs above the age of twenty. If patients have negative spectacle lenses, have undergone cataract surgery or have had a blow to the eye, they are more at risk of retinal detachment. In the event of a retinal detachment, the patient must be seen urgently by a general practitioner and referred to an ophthalmologist.
Closure of a vein in the eye.
Closure of a vein in the eye is similar to the occlusion of an artery, only more gradual. The patient’s vision gradually deteriorates. This can sometimes take hours or days. There is no pain and nothing can be seen in the eye. It mainly occurs in patients who are over forty years old or who have diabetes. The patient must be seen urgently by a general practitioner and referred to an ophthalmologist. The chance of recovery is small.
Vitreous hemorrhage
A vitreous hemorrhage causes a very sudden deterioration of vision in one eye. The patient often sees wisps or clouds floating by. It occurs more often in patients over the age of fifty, people with diabetes, high blood pressure or when taking blood thinners. The patient needs to be seen urgently. Treatment largely consists of limiting strenuous physical activity such as lifting and bending. It usually heals completely within three to six months as the blood dissolves on its own. If this does not happen, surgery is sometimes necessary.