Temporary Vision Loss: Common Causes And Treatments
Vision loss, especially when sudden, is frightening. Most types of vision loss typically have gradual progressions, however, certain causes may come on suddenly. If you experience a sudden loss of vision, especially if accompanied by other signs and symptoms such as a severe headache, eye pain, neck pain, facial or eye drooping, or numbness and tingling in your arms, seek emergency medical attention. Here are some common and benign causes of temporary vision loss and what you can do about them:
Sinus Inflammation
If you develop a sinus infection or if you have allergies, then your sinuses may be inflamed. Sinus inflammation can put pressure on your facial nerves, leading to eye pain, blurred vision, and temporary loss of visual function. Sinus congestion rarely causes complete vision loss, but it can decrease your visual acuity, causing partial vision loss.
For help in restoring optimal visual function, see your primary care physician or allergist. They may prescribe inhaled nasal steroids or decongestant medications to decrease the swelling of your nasal passages. Once sinus inflammation has receded, pressure will be relieved on the nerves that are associated with vision. In addition, both viral and bacterial upper respiratory infections can lead to conjunctivitis, which may also cause temporary loss of vision as a result of corneal inflammation.
Medications
Temporary loss of vision may also be the result of taking certain medications. Many over-the-counter and prescription medications list vision problems as potential side effects. Medications such as antihistamines, which are used to treat allergy symptoms and allergic reactions can cause blurred or double vision, resulting in partial vision loss. Similarly, beta-blockers, drugs used in the management of cardiac arrhythmias and high blood pressure, can also cause a partial loss of vision.
If your medications cause visual changes, your doctor may either recommend a dosage reduction or may discontinue the medication and replace it with one that is less likely to cause visual deficits. If you take beta-blockers or other medications to manage heart problems or high blood pressure, do not stop taking them without talking to your physician. Doing so may raise your risk for a serious cardiovascular event.
If you lose your vision as a result of a sinus infection or your medications, see your doctor right away. If they determine that your vision problems are unrelated to your nasal congestion or medications, you will be referred to an optometrist for further evaluation and treatment.