Visual Loss
Visual loss refers to a partial or complete decrease in the ability to see, affecting one or both eyes. It can occur suddenly or progressively, and may be transient or permanent, depending on the underlying cause.
Key Features
- Can be monocular (one eye) or binocular (both eyes)
- May involve central, peripheral, or global vision
- Origin may be ocular, retinal, optic nerve, or central (cortical)
Common Causes
| Level | Example Conditions |
|---|---|
| Ocular | Cataract, glaucoma, corneal opacities |
| Retinal | Retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy |
| Optic nerve | Optic neuritis, ischemic optic neuropathy |
| Central (brain) | Stroke, occipital lobe tumors, trauma |
Clinical Classification
- Sudden visual loss → retinal artery occlusion, optic neuritis
- Progressive visual loss → glaucoma, compressive optic neuropathy
- Transient visual loss (amaurosis fugax) → may suggest vascular origin