Sudden Loss of Vision

Acute visual loss (synonyms: sudden visual loss; ICD-10 H53.1: Subjective visual disorders, here: sudden visual loss) describes acute (sudden) loss of visual acuity.

Acute loss of visual acuity can be a symptom of various diseases. It may be accompanied by pain or be painless (see “Differential diagnoses”; see also distinction between painful and painless visual impairment).

Course and prognosis: Course and prognosis depend on the cause or the disease.
In case of current visual loss, an ophthalmologist should be consulted immediately (ophthalmological emergency!). If the cause is not recognized and treated in time, vision may be permanently damaged.