Why Did My Vision Suddenly Change?

Vision changes as people age, and some ocular tissues become weaker. While this can be normal, vision changes can also signify a severe eye health problem. Sudden blurry vision can indicate a stroke, detached retina, or TIA (transient ischemic attack). If you experience sudden vision change, it is essential to get urgent medical attention to prevent permanent vision loss. 

Sudden Vision Loss 

Vision loss may occur suddenly or over several days, affecting one or both eyes. The vision may become blurry or foggy or may diminish entirely. The symptoms can be temporary or permanent, depending on the condition. 

 

It is a result of increased eye pressure that causes optic nerve dysfunction, which can lead to vision loss. Causes of sudden vision loss include glaucoma and wet macular degeneration, diabetes, brain injuries, tumors, or a stroke. Emergency treatment can help to prevent vision loss or limit the effects of the condition. 

Sudden Eye Pain 

The cornea, or front part of the eye, has a large number of pain receptors. Anything that affects the eye surface can cause pain. Sudden eye pain can be due to injury or a symptom of various eye diseases. 

 

Common causes of eye pain include blunt force impact, scratches to the eye surface, infections, or chemical irritants. Prolonged contact lens wear can lead to eye pain. Eye inflammation due to an immune system response or allergy can lead to eye pain. Eye pain can also be a sign of a tumor. If not treated, it can lead to permanent vision loss. 

Sudden Double Vision 

One of the most common problems is double vision. It occurs when the eyes fail to work together as a team when focusing on an object. If you see two images instead of one clear image, it is due to diplopia or double vision. 

 

Double vision usually occurs due to structural abnormalities of the ocular nerves or eye muscles. Conditions that can cause double vision include diabetes, high blood pressure, myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis, and Graves’ disease. Double vision may also be a sign of a brain tumor.  

Floaters in the Eye 

Sometimes, vision changes appear as small spots or specks moving across the field of vision. Known as floaters, they occur when jelly-like vitreous tissue floats across the visual path. Most people get used to them and often ignore them, which can be dangerous. 

If the vitreous detaches or pulls away from the retina, it can cause a tear or retinal detachment. If not treated, this can lead to vision loss. If you experience increasing floaters or persistent flashing lights, you need emergency care. 

When You Need Emergency Care 

Slow vision changes may not require emergency treatment, but if you experience sudden vision changes, you need emergency care. Sudden changes are usually a result of a single event. Prompt treatment or medical emergencies can help to prevent vision loss or permanent damage. 

A problem with the cornea, retina, or optic nerve can lead to sudden vision changes. If you experience sudden unexplained changes in your vision, contact your eye doctor immediately. Getting to an emergency room as soon as possible can help to save your eyesight. 

For more on why your vision suddenly changed, visit Studio Optix at our office in New York, New York. Call (212) 765-4444 to book an appointment today. 

​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​