Vision Care Services

Sudden Vision Changes

When your vision changes suddenly, call us today.

Vision that changes over hours or days, rather than years, can be a sign of a problem in the retina, the optic nerve or the blood vessels of the eye. Some causes are harmless and some need treatment the same day.

Our doctors use a dilated exam, Optomap imaging and other testing to find the cause and, when needed, get you to the right specialist quickly.

Call 911 if sudden vision loss comes with face drooping, arm or leg weakness, confusion or trouble speaking. These can be signs of a stroke.

Blurry or dim visionNew blur in one eye, a dark spot, or colors that look washed out.

Double or distorted visionSeeing two of everything, or straight lines that look wavy or bent.

Loss of visionA shadow, curtain or missing area in your vision, even if it comes back.

Possible causes

Retinal detachment. Flashes, floaters and retinal detachment.
Blocked blood vessel in the retina (retinal artery or vein occlusion), which is linked to high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease.
Wet macular degeneration, which can cause sudden distortion or a dark spot in central vision. Macular degeneration.
Acute angle-closure glaucoma: blurred vision with eye pain, halos, headache or nausea. Glaucoma.
Optic nerve inflammation (optic neuritis), often with pain when moving the eye.
Inflammation inside the eye. Uveitis and iritis.
Changes in blood sugar, which can temporarily change your prescription. Diabetic eye exams.
Migraine aura: shimmering zigzag lights that usually fade within an hour. A first-time aura should still be checked.

What to do

Cover one eye at a time to see which eye is affected.
Note when it started and whether it comes and goes.
Call us the same day, and do not drive if your vision is impaired.

Common questions

Is sudden blurry vision an emergency?

It can be. Sudden blur in one eye, a dark spot, distortion or a shadow in your vision should be checked the same day. Call 911 if it comes with stroke symptoms.

What causes sudden double vision?

Double vision can come from the eye itself, such as a cataract or dry eye, or from the nerves and muscles that move the eyes, which can be serious. Cover one eye: if the double vision goes away, the cause is likely in how the eyes work together, and it should be checked right away.

My vision went dark for a few minutes and came back. Should I worry?

Yes. Temporary vision loss can be a warning sign of a blood flow problem and should be evaluated the same day.

Can you check my eyes the same day?

Yes. Same-day medical visits are available at every Beyond 2020 Vision Specialists office. At our Odessa and East Lake offices, we make room for medical eye emergencies every day we are open.