Transient Loss of Vision

What is Transient Loss of Vision?

Temporary loss of vision can be a frightening experience. Patients often fear that it may become permanent, while doctors need to determine whether a serious health condition is causing it. The reasons for this vision loss can vary. They may indicate serious diseases such as problems with the carotid artery or blood clots in the heart. However, it could be something simpler, like a typical migraine headache. Proper examination of patients with this symptom is essential to figure out and address the exact cause.

Temporary vision loss is an unexpected and short-term loss of sharpness of vision in one or both eyes. When several parts of the vision are affected, it can be referred to as temporary visual darkness. This condition can be pretty alarming for patients and presents a unique diagnostic challenge for doctors. To diagnose and manage this effectively, it’s critical to understand the potential causes, linked body structures, how the condition progresses, and its spreading patterns. Temporary vision loss can occur in different scenarios and is often a symptom of underlying bodywide or eye-associated conditions. The loss of vision usually lasts from a few seconds to minutes and may come and go. It is often described as a grey or black curtain falling over the visual field and can sometimes be accompanied by bright flashes or patterned shapes.

Temporary vision loss can result from any disruptions along the visual pathway, which may include:

• Eye: The retina, the macula of the retina, the central retinal artery, the vein, and the optic nerve head.
• Optic nerve: This nerve carries visual information from the retina to the brain and can be affected by inadequate blood supply, inflammation, and pressure.
• Optic chiasm and tracts: These transmit information from the eyes to the part of the brain (thalamus’s lateral geniculate nucleus) that processes visual information.
• Visual cortex: This part of the brain interprets the visual information received.

Common causes of temporary vision loss can be grouped based on the system or mechanism involved, including vascular (related to blood vessels), ocular (related to the eye), neurological, or mechanical.

Temporary vision loss can present in various ways:

• Monocular vs. binocular: Loss of vision in one eye suggests problems in the retina or optic nerve, while loss in both eyes suggests issues beyond the optic chiasm.
• Duration and frequency: Short, repetitive episodes typically point to a cause related to the blood vessels or mechanical pressure, while longer-lasting vision loss is likely associated with inflammation or diseases that damage the protective covering of nerve fibers.
• Associated symptoms: Pain, headache, or systemic symptoms can guide the diagnosis process.

Early identification and treatment of the underlying causes are crucial to prevent permanent vision loss and associated health problems. Temporary vision loss requires thorough evaluation to rule out potentially life-threatening conditions.

What Causes Transient Loss of Vision?

“Transient vision loss” refers to moments of reversible vision loss that last less than a day. It can happen in one or both eyes. In the case where only one eye is affected – that’s usually due to damage in the areas of your eyes or optic nerve – the cord that transfers visual information from your eyes to your brain. Common reasons include conditions related to blood vessels, spasm of blood vessels, retinal migraine, specific type of glaucoma, and swollen optic disc. There’s a specific term for when this happens due to poor blood flow; it’s called “Amaurosis fugax”.

In contrast, vision loss in both eyes can occur due to issues in areas beyond the part where the optic nerves cross over (chiasm) or because both eyes or optic nerves are affected. Conditions like occipital epilepsy, complex migraines, swollen optic discs, and low blood supply can cause vision loss in both eyes.

Various causes can relate to the eyes, blood vessels, nervous system, and other body systems. Understanding these is essential for proper care and preventing lasting vision damage. Here are some examples:

Eye-related Causes:
– Amaurosis fugax: This condition is when vision loss in one eye happens temporarily due to blocked blood flow to the retina, usually because of a clot from the heart or carotid artery.
– Papilledema: High pressure in the skull can cause the optic disc to swell, leading to brief vision loss.
– Optic neuritis: Inflamed optic nerve can cause sudden, temporary vision loss, often followed by eye pain during movement. It’s often seen with multiple sclerosis.
– Retinal artery occlusion: Sudden blockage of the central or branch retinal artery can cause temporary or permanent vision loss.

Blood vessel-related Causes:
– Transient ischemic attack: These mini strokes can cause temporary visual loss and often signal a coming stroke.
– Giant cell arteritis: This is when the blood vessels become inflamed, which can cause temporary vision loss. Timely diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent permanent vision loss.

Nervous system-related Causes:
– Migraine with aura: Migraines can cause visual hallucinations, including temporary vision loss or flashing lights.
– Seizures: Seizures in the occipital lobe area of the brain can manifest as temporary vision loss.
– Intracranial tumors: Brain tumors affecting the visual pathway can cause temporary vision loss.

Mechanical Causes:
– Elevated eye pressure: Conditions like a certain type of glaucoma can cause brief vision loss due to an abrupt increase in eye pressure.
– Positional factors: Certain head positions or activities that increase chest pressure can cause brief vision loss.

Systemic Causes:
– Hypotension: Low blood pressure, especially while standing up quickly, can decrease blood flow to the brain and eyes, causing transient vision loss.
– Cardiac arrhythmias: Irregular heart rhythm can reduce blood flow to the brain, causing temporary vision loss.
– Anemia: High degree of anemia can reduce oxygen supply to the retina and optic nerve, causing temporary vision problems.

Other miscellaneous causes can include the side effects of certain medications, or systemic diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure.

Promptly identifying and treating the root cause is key to prevent lasting vision damage and other serious problems. It’s necessary to get an all-inclusive health evaluation, including a thorough medical history and appropriate testing, to accurately diagnose and manage episodes of transient vision loss.

Risk Factors and Frequency for Transient Loss of Vision

Transient Vision Loss (TVL) is a symptom with multiple causes, most notably retinal ischemia. It is crucial to pay attention to this condition as it can be linked to a 2% risk of recurrent stroke within a year and an even higher risk of 16% within three years for particular cases. The age, sex, and location of a patient can all influence the way TVL manifests, and understanding these patterns can improve strategies for diagnosis and treatment.

In the United States, TVL commonly correlates with vascular and neurological conditions. Its frequency varies based on the specific cause:

• Amaurosis fugax, characterized by temporary vision loss due to retinal ischemia, mainly affects individuals over 50, and is slightly more common in men due to their increased vascular risk factors.
• Migraines, which can cause visual auras, occur in roughly 12% of the population with a higher prevalence in women. They typically start in adolescence or early adulthood, peaking in individuals aged 30 to 39.
• Optic neuritis, an inflammation of the optic nerve, is more common in women and in individuals aged 20 to 40. This condition, which is often associated with multiple sclerosis, occurs in about 5 out of every 100,000 people each year.

Around the world, the occurrence of TVL largely mirrors that in the United States, though variations depend on the prevalence of underlying conditions and healthcare access:

• Amaurosis fugax and other ischemic causes of TVL are prevalent worldwide, especially in regions with high rates of cardiovascular disease. Countries with aging populations like Japan and many European nations tend to report higher incidences.
• Migraines, a significant cause of TVL globally, affect about 1 billion people. Prevalence varies by region, with higher rates reported in Europe and North America compared to Africa and Asia.
• Conditions like optic neuritis can vary globally due to differing rates of multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases. Higher rates of optic neuritis are reported in northern Europe and North America compared to Asia and Africa.

TVL can happen at any age but is more often reported in middle-aged and older adults due to the higher occurrence of vascular diseases in these age groups. However, conditions like migraines and optic neuritis are more frequent in younger populations. The sex distribution also varies, with migraines being more common in women while ischemic events like amaurosis fugax are slightly more common in men.

TVL can substantially impact a person’s quality of life and is often a warning signal of more serious underlying conditions, making a complete medical examination necessary. It’s impact is greater in regions with limited healthcare access, leading to delayed diagnosis, higher complication rates and permanent vision loss. Preventive measures and early detection of vascular and neurological diseases are crucial for reducing the global burden of TVL.

Signs and Symptoms of Transient Loss of Vision

Transient Vision Loss (TVL) is a condition where a person experiences sudden, temporary episodes of vision loss. This loss can be partial or complete, affecting one or both eyes. Determining the cause of this involves understanding various factors:

• When and how did the vision loss happen?
• What symptoms were present during the vision loss, such as headache, eye pain, nausea, or numbness?
• What activities or conditions led to the vision loss?
• What is the patient’s general medical history, particularly regarding their cardiovascular health, migraines, or recent infections?
• What current medications are they on, particularly any that might cause eye issues?
• Is there any family history of similar symptoms or relevant conditions?

A physical examination also helps pinpoint the possible causes of TVL. This includes checking each eye’s vision, pupil response, a detailed examination of the retina and optic nerve, a neurological examination, a cardiovascular examination, and an examination of the temporal arteries in older patients.

Emboli, an occlusion of the blood vessels leading to the eyes, is one cause of TVL, usually described as a curtain of darkness in one eye. Other causes may include retinal vein occlusion manifesting as a visual cloudiness, giant cell arteritis causing postural visual loss lasting 2 to 4 minutes, ocular ischemic syndrome with symptoms due to carotid artery disease, reduced cardiac output or systemic hypotension causing binocular visual loss, retinal migraines that cause reversible visual loss, or retinal vasospasms similar to migraines but without the headache. By gathering a comprehensive medical history and conducting an extensive physical examination, doctors can narrow down the potential causes of TVL and guide the appropriate management and diagnostic procedures.

Testing for Transient Loss of Vision

If you experience temporary loss of vision, several tests can help determine the cause. These may include a special type of ultrasound called a Carotid Doppler ultrasound, scans like a CT or MRI, a type of x-ray called angiography, and a heart test called an echocardiogram. These tests can help doctors find out if a clot (embolus) is causing the problem. You could also be checked for high blood pressure, diabetes, and high levels of fat in your blood (dyslipidemia). If there’s a chance you may have a condition called retinal vein occlusion, doctors will explore if your blood is too thick or clots too easily. If they suspect a condition called giant cell arteritis, you’ll need a blood test and a small sample of tissue taken from your temple area (temporal artery biopsy).

People with certain types of temporary vision loss are more likely to have a clot from the heart or the main artery in the neck (the carotid artery). The front part of your eye might show visible signs of problems, like overfilled blood vessels, inflammation, or abnormal blood vessel growth on the iris (the colored part of your eye). Tests to find out what’s causing the vision loss may include the following:

In the lab, they might do a complete blood count to check for conditions like anemia, infection, or inflammation. Tests for erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein can show whether there’s inflammation in the body, and blood sugar tests can rule out problems related to diabetes. A test known as a lipid profile helps identify high levels of blood fats, which can lead to problems with blood vessels. Additionally, they’ll check your blood’s ability to clot and look for signs of autoimmune conditions or factors affecting blood clotting.

Imaging helps the doctor visualize any abnormalities that might be causing your vision problems. They might do an MRI to look at your brain and the area around your eyes and to look for diseases affecting your eyes. A carotid Doppler ultrasound can determine if there’s narrowing of the carotid artery, which can affect vision. Doctors might use optical coherence tomography to see the different layers of your retina and look for conditions like retinal detachment or macular degeneration. Evaluation of the retina and its blood vessels (fundus fluorescein angiography) can show any blockages or leaks.

Other diagnostic tests include an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check for heart problems and an echocardiogram to see if there are any blood clots in your heart. If doctors suspect heart rhythm problems, they might recommend Holter monitoring, a test where you wear a monitor for a day or two to record your heart’s electrical activity.

Lastly, adherence to guidelines from key ophthalmology associations like the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the European Society of Ophthalmology (ESO) ensures you get a comprehensive evaluation leading to better outcomes. These guidelines recommend specific initial tests and imaging based on your symptoms, with further evaluations and referrals to specialists as needed.

Treatment Options for Transient Loss of Vision

In simple terms, managing episodes of transient vision loss (TVL) – temporary, often sudden, loss of vision – depends largely on identifying and addressing the cause. Here are some examples:

If TVL is due to a blood clot that has traveled to the eye, doctors treat this by managing the underlying health issue causing the clots. For instance, they may prescribe blood thinning medications (aka anticoagulation) if a patient has a heart condition leading to clot formation. They will also aim to properly manage this underlying heart condition.

In cases where a narrowed carotid artery (the main blood vessels in the neck that supply blood to the brain) is the cause, doctors may recommend blood-thinning medications (antiplatelet therapy), lowering overall risk factors that affect the circulatory system, or carotid endarterectomy (a surgical procedure to remove the plaque buildup narrowing the artery), or stenting (inserting a wire mesh tube into the artery to keep it open).

If the vision loss is due to an inflammation disease known as giant cell arteritis, treatment includes the use of medications to reduce inflammation (corticosteroid therapy).

Retinal vasospasm, caused by the narrowing of the blood vessels in the eye, could be treated with aspirin or medications that relax the muscle cells in the arterial walls (calcium channel blockers). A retinal migraine, which causes temporary blindness or visual disturbances, is treated with standard migraine medications.

Standard treatments are also used if the cause of TVL is angle-closure glaucoma, a condition that raises pressure inside the eye and can lead to blindness if not treated.

Specific interventions are often based on the unique root cause of vision loss for each patient. For example, these may include medications that:

• reduce the ability of the blood to form clots (like aspirin and clopidogrel) if the patient has had brief episodes of stroke-like symptoms (transient ischemic attacks) or blockages in the eye’s blood vessels (retinal artery occlusion)
• prevent blood clots (anticoagulation) if the patient has an irregular heart rhythm condition that can lead to clot formation (atrial fibrillation) or other conditions leading to blood clots from the heart
• lower blood pressure, as high blood pressure (hypertension) increases the risk of vascular events in the brain
• lower lipid (fat) levels in the blood when they are too high (hyperlipidemia) and contribute to fatty deposits (atherosclerosis), using cholesterol-lowering medications known as statins
• reduce inflammation for conditions like giant cell arteritis, using high-dose corticosteroids (like prednisone)

Surgeries may also be required, such as carotid endarterectomy to remove a build-up of fat in the carotid artery, or endovascular procedures like carotid artery stenting in patients with high surgical risks.

Other interventions might include injection into the eye (intravitreal injection) for blockage of eye veins (retinal vein occlusion) or swelling in the eye (macular edema). Eye drops or plugs might be used for dry eye conditions, and laser therapy might be recommended for retinal tears or diabetes-related eye disease.

For all these management strategies, guidelines provided by organizations like the American Academy of Ophthalmology (provides guidelines for diagnosing and managing eye conditions leading to TVL), American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (provides guidelines on managing risk factors, including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and blood clotting), and European Society of Cardiology are utilized.

Quickly recognizing and treating the underlying causes of TVL is crucial to prevent permanent loss of vision and other serious complications. Regular check-ups and adherence to approved therapeutic guidelines ensure the most effective management of this complex condition.

What else can Transient Loss of Vision be?

If you’re experiencing temporary vision loss, doctors may consider a range of conditions that could be causing this. These include:

• Blockage in the central retinal artery or vein
• Corneal abrasion (a scratch on the eye)
• Dry eye syndrome
• Giant cell arteritis (inflammation of the arteries)
• Migraine headaches with visual disturbances
• Multiple sclerosis
• Growths around the eye (orbital masses)
• Partial epilepsies
• Sickle cell disease
• Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (excessive pressure in the brain with no known cause)
• Amaurosis fugax (sudden, temporary vision loss)
• Transient ischemic attack (mini-stroke)
• Inflammation of the optic nerve (optic neuritis)
• Retinal detachment
• Papilledema (swelling of the optic disc)
• Vitreous hemorrhage (bleeding into the clear gel that fills the space between the lens and the retina)
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

In some cases, vision loss can also be caused by specific drugs, glaucoma, ischemia (lack of blood flow) in the eye, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, epileptic seizures, optic neuropathy, migraines, certain genetic disorders, psychogenic vision loss (vision loss related to psychological factors), potential issues with the carotid artery, intracranial hypertension (high pressure in the brain), strokes or brain tumors causing a loss of half the field of vision (homonymous hemianopia), lesions in the optic nerve (eg, pituitary adenoma), certain systemic diseases affecting the optic nerve like sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, syphilis, Lyme disease, lupus, or Granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Cryptococcal meningitis, certain viral infections, or diseases such as HIV, diabetes, high blood pressure, sickle cell disease, or Behçet’s disease could also lead to changes in vision.

What to expect with Transient Loss of Vision

Sudden temporary vision loss can be quite scary, but it typically has a positive outcome if it’s due to a harmless condition like an ocular migraine. However, if this temporary vision loss is a symptom of a more serious condition, such as a transient ischemic attack (a brief stroke that lasts a few minutes to a few hours) or retinal artery occlusion (blockage of the blood supply to the eye), the success of treatment depends on quickly recognizing the problem and responding to it.

To clarify, here are some conditions and how they impact your vision:

Ocular migraine

In the short-term: Temporary vision loss usually goes away without any lasting effects. Over time, you might experience repeated episodes which can often be managed with lifestyle changes and medication.

In the long-term: If monitored and managed appropriately, the outlook is generally good. Between episodes of temporary vision loss, patients usually maintain full sight.

Amaurosis fugax (a condition where the blood supply to the eye is briefly interrupted)

In the short-term: This is often a warning sign of carotid artery disease (narrowing or obstruction of the arteries in the neck that supply blood to the brain) or other blood vessel diseases. Immediate evaluation and treatment are crucial to prevent more severe episodes.

In the long-term: The chances of recovery can improve significantly with the proper management of related risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and quitting smoking. The risk of stroke can be lessened with a procedure to clear the carotid arteries or medical management.

Transient ischemic attack

In the short-term: After an attack, the risk of having a stroke is elevated, particularly in the first few days. Immediate medical evaluation and intervention are critical.

In the long-term: By aggressively managing risk factors (e.g., medications that prevent blood clots, blood pressure medication, statins to lower cholesterol), the smaller the chances of future strokes. Regular check-ups to review treatment and adjustments are necessary.

Retinal artery occlusion

In the short-term: The outlook can be poor if treatment isn’t given quickly. The window for effective treatment, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy or ocular massage, is often just a few hours.

In the long-term: If immediate treatment is unsuccessful, the prospects for vision recovery are generally poor. It’s vital to prevent further blockages by managing heart conditions or a build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries.

Papilledema (swelling of the optic nerve due to increased pressure in or around the brain)

In the short-term: Immediate action to relieve the increased pressure in the brain is crucial. The outlook depends on the cause of this pressure increase like a brain tumor or idiopathic intracranial hypertension (a condition causing increased pressure in the brain without any apparent cause).

In the long-term: The chances of recovery can be good if the underlying condition is managed effectively. Regular monitoring of vision changes and brain pressure is necessary.

Optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve)

In the short-term: Some patients may completely recover with or without treatment, while others might continue to have vision problems.

In the long-term: There’s a chance of recurrence, mainly in patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The long-term outlook improves with early treatment and management of underlying conditions.

Various factors can influence the outlook for these conditions:

-Diagnosis and treatment: The earlier the condition is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome, especially for temporary vision loss caused by blood vessel conditions.

-Management of underlying medical conditions: Actively managing other prevalent illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol is significant.

-Patient compliance: The more you adhere to your treatment plan, make lifestyle changes, and keep regular check-ups, the better the long-term outlook.

The outcome of temporary vision loss depends heavily on what’s causing it and how promptly it’s treated. While some causes are harmless, others require immediate and aggressive attention to prevent significant complications. Regular check-ups and managing underlying risk factors are crucial to improving patient outcomes and preventing further episodes.

Possible Complications When Diagnosed with Transient Loss of Vision

Temporary loss of vision can be a sign of many different health issues, each with its own potential problems. It’s very important to understand these potential problems so that they can be treated in a timely manner.

These potential health issues include:

• Stroke and other brain-related events: Transient ischemic attacks, or TIAs, often come before strokes. About 10 to 15% of patients that have a TIA will have a stroke within 3 months. Getting immediate treatment is extremely important during the first 48 hours. Strokes can cause permanent vision loss, weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, and problems with thinking abilities.
• Permanent vision loss: Blockage in the retinal artery can cause permanent damage to the retina and vision loss if not treated in time. Repeated cases of optic neuritis, inflammation of the optic nerve, can cause continuous and lasting loss of vision, especially in patients with multiple sclerosis.
• Brain problems: If not treated, increased pressure inside the skull can lead to chronic papilledema, permanent damage to the optic nerve, and blindness. Brain tumors, too much fluid in the brain, or bleeding in the brain can also lead to papilledema.
• Systemic problems: Diseases like hardening of the carotid artery can cause temporary vision loss and an increased risk of heart attacks and other heart problems. Unmanaged high blood pressure or diabetes can make vascular issues worse, heightening the risk of temporary vision loss. These diseases can also cause other systemic problems, including damage to nerves and kidneys, and cardiovascular disease.
• Recurrent and chronic conditions: Eye migraines can return frequently and cause significant discomfort. They could also be a sign of other vascular issues that need treating. Inflammatory conditions like giant cell arteritis can cause repeated incidents of vision loss, and the long-term use of immune-suppressing medications for this has other risks and possible side effects.
• Psychosocial impact: Repeated or unknown causes of temporary vision loss can cause a lot of anxiety, fear, and affect the patient’s mental wellbeing and quality of life. Persistent worry about future episodes may cause the patient to limit their activities and social interactions, affecting their quality of life.
• Diagnostic and treatment-related complications: Medicines to treat the causes of temporary vision loss, like blood thinners for TIAs, or steroids for optic neuritis, may cause severe side effects, including bleeding risks and a weakened immune system. Surgical interventions also carry risks, like infection, bleeding, and complications from anesthesia.

Temporary vision loss needs a detailed evaluation to identify and manage the underlying causes. The possible complications range from permanent vision loss and stroke to system-wide cardiovascular events and psychological impacts. Detecting the issues early and treating them aggressively are important to prevent these complications and improve patient outcomes. It’s necessary to regularly check and manage all associated risk factors to reduce the occurrence of severe complications.

Recovery from Transient Loss of Vision

After any kind of operation, it is crucial for you to visit your doctor as scheduled. These check-ups let your doctor monitor your recovery progress and catch any potential issues that may come up. At these appointments, routine eye tests will also be conducted to keep track of any changes in your eyesight and to evaluate the effectiveness of your treatments.

Your doctor will also closely observe how well certain prescribed medications, such as anti-inflammatory steroids or blood thinners, are working for you. Depending on your response to these medications or if you’re experiencing side effects, your medication might be adjusted as needed. It is your responsibility to regularly take your medications in the right doses to help prevent your original condition from reoccurring or getting worse.

Doctors should also keep an eye out for any side effects from medications, including bleeding issues from blood thinners or weakened immune function from steroids. If needed, your treatment will be adjusted. In case you’ve recently had surgery, steps may be taken to prevent infections.

It is important for you and your family to understand why you’re experiencing vision loss, what treatments are being used, and what signs may indicate that the issue is reappearing. You could also be advised to make some lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, adopting healthier eating habits, or doing regular exercise, to manage any risk factors.

If vision loss has considerably impacted your quality of life, some options are available to help. These options include devices to assist your eyesight like magnifiers or special glasses, as well as training on how to move around and navigate areas safely. Physical therapy can also help improve your overall health, especially if vision loss is affecting your balance and coordination. Furthermore, changes can be suggested to your workplace or home to accommodate your vision changes.

Professional counseling or support groups are available to you if needed to help you cope with the emotional implications of your vision loss. Certain technologies, like screen-reading software or voice-activated tech, might also be provided to help you retain independence going about your daily activities. Training sessions could be offered to ensure you can effectively use these technologies.

To maintain overall eye health, it is suggested to follow a balanced diet full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. In some cases, dietary supplements may be recommended to address certain nutritional deficiencies that could be affecting your eyes.

Finally, to ensure you’re receiving well-rounded care, a team of healthcare professionals, including ophthalmologists, neurologists, physical therapists, mental health professionals and more will collaborate on your case. Regular communication among these professionals is crucial to provide effective care and adapt your treatment plan as needed. This integrated approach to care, combined with patient education and regular monitoring, can enhance your health outcomes and quality of life after experiencing vision loss.

Preventing Transient Loss of Vision

Getting regular health check-ups, managing ongoing health issues, embracing healthier habits, and learning more about their own health can help individuals prevent occasional vision loss. This also equips them with the skills to cope with this kind of situation if it happens.[5]

Regular health check-ups:

– Why it matters: Regular check-ups help spot and treat problems that could cause short-term vision loss; such issues include high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
– What you should do: Doctors encourage patients to have regular visits with their general physician and specialists when necessary.[116]

Blood pressure and cholesterol management:

– Why it matters: High blood pressure and cholesterol are major risks for issues like mini-strokes that can result in short-term vision loss.
– What you should do: Doctors should teach patients about how to control their blood pressure and cholesterol levels with a good diet, regular exercise, and by taking their prescribed medication.[117]

Diabetes control:

– Why it matters: If not cared for properly, diabetes can cause vision problems, including temporary vision loss.
– What you should do: Regular blood sugar checks, eye exams, and diabetes tests are crucial.[118]

Lifestyle choices:

– Why it matters: Healthier lifestyle choices can lower your risk of vision loss.
– What you should do: Doctors suggest a balanced diet, consistent exercise, stopping smoking, and only drinking alcohol in moderation.[119]

Protective eyewear:

– Why it matters: Eye injuries can result in temporary vision loss.
– What you should do: Patients should use protective glasses for activities that could risk injuring the eyes, like sports or certain jobs [120]

To decrease the occurrence and improve the results of dealing with temporary vision loss, doctors need to teach their patients how to prevent and manage it.

Recognizing signs:

– Why it matters: Spotting the symptoms early on can lead to quick medical treatment.
– What you should do: Patients should learn about the key signs of temporary vision loss, which could be a sudden dimming or complete lack of vision in one or both eyes, and understand that they must seek medical help immediately [121]

Medication adherence:

– Why it matters: Taking medicine as needed can prevent complications that may cause vision loss.
– What you should do: Doctors should encourage patients to take their medications as prescribed and talk about the possible risks of not doing so.[84]

Managing ongoing health issues:

– Why it matters: To stop complications, ongoing health issues like high blood pressure and diabetes need constant care.
– What you should do: Doctors can offer patients resources and support for maintaining their ongoing health issues, like consulting a dietitian, diabetes education, and encouraging them to join support groups.[122]

Regular eye exams:

– Why it matters: Regular eye check-ups can catch early signs of conditions that could lead to vision loss.
– What you should do: Patients, especially those with risk factors for eye disease, are encouraged to have regular eye exams.[123]

Preparation for emergencies:

– Why it matters: Knowing what to do in a crisis can help lessen the impact of temporary vision loss.
– What you should do: Patients should be informed on the steps to take if they suddenly lose their vision, like seeking immediate medical help and not driving themselves to the hospital.[124]

Support and resources:

– Why it matters: Patients may need extra support managing the emotional effects of vision loss.
– What you should do: Patients can be provided with details about support groups, counseling services, and resources to help them manage with vision loss.[125]