Sudden loss of vision

Question 1

Ischaemic/vascular causes of sudden painless vision loss

Answer 1

1. Large artery disease (atherothrombosis, embolus, dissection)
2. Small artery occlusive disease (anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, temporal arteritis, CRAO)
3. Venous disease
   and hypoperfusion
4. ischaemic optic neuropathy is due to occlusion of the short posterior ciliary arteries, causing damage to the optic nerve

Question 2

Name the cause of sudden vision loss:

• incidence increases with age
• more common than CRAO
• causes: glaucoma, polycythaemia, hypertension
• severe retinal haemorrhages are usually seen on fundoscopy

Answer 2

CRVO

Question 3

Name the cause of sudden vision loss:

thromboembolism (from atherosclerosis) or arteritis (e.g. temporal arteritis)

RAPD and ‘cherry red’ spot on a pale retina

Answer 3

CRAO

Question 4

Name the cause of sudden vision loss:

causes: diabetes, bleeding disorders, anticoagulants
features may include sudden visual loss, dark spots

Answer 4

Vitreous haemorrhage

Question 5

Flashes of light (photopsia) - in the peripheral field of vision

Floaters, often on the temporal side of the central vision

Answer 5

Posterior vitreous detachment

Question 6

Dense shadow that starts peripherally progresses towards the central vision

A veil or curtain over the field of vision

Straight lines appear curved

Central visual loss

Answer 6

Retinal detachment