Vision loss and blindness can occur even in the normal, healthy eyes of healthy people, although the likelihood is very low. Trauma, blows and accidents, illnesses, side effects of medications, and various toxic substances entering the body, as well as exposure to various harmful rays such as laser or ultraviolet light, are among the leading causes.
The main causes that can lead to sudden vision loss in healthy, normal eyes include:
- Intraocular haemorrhages,
- Retinal vascular occlusions,
- Retinal tears and retinal detachment,
- Disruption of the integrity of the eye following trauma and accidents,
- Macular burns (the centre of sharp vision) caused by laser, UV and looking at the sun,
- Foreign bodies entering the eye,
- Eye infections,
- Diseases of the brain and nervous system,
- Fluid accumulation in the macula due to stress and corticosteroid use (central serous chorioretinopathy),
In people with various systemic conditions, in certain occupational groups, and in people with hereditary eye diseases, sudden vision loss may occur even if they have fully functioning, healthy eyes.
For example, in diabetic patients, sudden intraocular haemorrhages; in patients with hypertension, vascular occlusions; in those with a family history of glaucoma (raised intraocular pressure), short-onset vision loss; and again, vascular occlusions due to high fat and cholesterol, or sudden vision loss due to nutritional impairment of the optic nerve from alcohol, tobacco, drug and similar substance use, may occur. However, if this sudden vision loss is detected early and treated, vision may be restored. Although the loss of vision may be very significant, with treatment it can be fully restored.
First and foremost, the eyes of people with systemic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease should be examined at regular intervals, even if they appear healthy. The importance of keeping these systemic conditions under control and of regular check-ups must be emphasised. Even at the slightest change in their eyes, patients should be carefully instructed what to do and where to apply, without losing time.
People with a family history of certain hereditary eye diseases should have regular eye examinations at the intervals deemed appropriate by their doctor.
Prepared by the Editorial Board of the Eye Foundation Hospitals.
