What does sudden blurred vision in one eye mean?
Share
Quick answer
Sudden blurred or lost vision in one eye is an emergency even if it improves after a few minutes. Go to the nearest emergency department or call Triple Zero (000), especially with facial drooping, arm weakness, trouble speaking, severe dizziness or a sudden severe headache.
Sudden blurred or lost vision in one eye is an emergency, even if it improves after a few minutes. It can arise from the eye, retina, optic nerve, circulation or nervous system, and the cause cannot be identified safely from symptoms alone.
When is sudden blurred vision an emergency?
Go to an emergency department or call Triple Zero (000) for sudden blurred or lost vision in one eye. This is especially important when it occurs with:
- severe or persistent loss of vision;
- facial drooping, arm weakness, numbness or trouble speaking;
- severe dizziness, loss of balance or a sudden severe headache;
- severe eye pain, marked redness, nausea or vomiting;
- a chemical splash, burn, penetrating injury or significant trauma; or
- recent eye surgery, laser treatment or an injection.
New flashes, a shower of floaters, a dark curtain or shadow, or missing side vision also need urgent assessment because they can be warning signs of a retinal tear or detachment.
What can cause blurred vision in only one eye?
Possible causes range from problems on the eye’s surface to retinal, optic-nerve or circulation conditions. Examples include a corneal injury or infection, inflammation inside the eye, retinal tear or detachment, retinal blood-vessel blockage, migraine and other neurological conditions. A change in glasses prescription usually develops more gradually and should not be assumed to explain sudden blur.
The presence or absence of pain does not establish the cause. Some sight-threatening retinal and vascular problems may be painless.
What details should you note before assessment?
Without delaying care, be ready to describe:
- the exact time the change began and whether it was instant or progressive;
- whether the blur affects the whole view, centre or side vision;
- whether there are flashes, floaters, distortion, double vision or a shadow;
- eye pain, redness, headache, nausea or light sensitivity;
- weakness, numbness, facial droop, speech difficulty or loss of balance;
- recent injury, illness, eye surgery or injection; and
- contact-lens wear and relevant medical conditions or medicines.
Covering each eye separately can help confirm which eye is affected, but do not repeatedly test your vision or wait to see whether it improves.
How is sudden blurred vision assessed?
The examination depends on the symptoms and may include vision, pupils, eye pressure, the corneal surface and a dilated retinal assessment. Neurological or vascular warning signs may require immediate hospital investigation.
Can City Optics assess sudden blurred vision?
Our optometrists provide eye disease screening for non-emergency visual concerns and ongoing care. You can use our booking options for those routine needs.
Do not wait for a City Optics appointment after sudden blurred or lost vision in one eye. Go to an emergency department or call Triple Zero (000), and follow our eye-emergency guidance. If flashes, floaters or a curtain are involved, follow the same emergency pathway and see our retinal-detachment warning signs.
Frequently asked questions
What if the blur clears after a few minutes?
Treat it as an emergency even if vision returns. Do not drive. Go to the nearest emergency department or call Triple Zero (000), particularly when the episode is new or accompanied by neurological symptoms.
Can dry eye cause blur in one eye?
Dryness can cause fluctuating blur, but it should not be assumed to explain a sudden or persistent one-eye change. Urgent causes must be excluded when the onset is sudden.
Should I remove my contact lens?
Remove it if it comes out easily and stop lens wear. A contact-lens wearer with pain, redness or a vision change needs urgent assessment.
Can I drive if the other eye sees clearly?
No. A sudden visual change can affect safety and may worsen. Arrange transport or emergency assistance.
This general information does not replace an individual eye examination or medical advice.
