Vision Loss

Overview

Vision loss can come on suddenly or creep in unnoticed. Whether caused by an eye disorder such as retinal detachment or by a brain event such as stroke, losing sight demands fast, expert care.

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, Aylesbury you receive rapid triage, consultant-led diagnostics and a personalised treatment plan in one calm, private setting—without NHS waiting lists.

Why Speed Matters — Future Health Risks

• Permanent Blindness: retinal detachment or acute glaucoma can destroy vision within hours if untreated.
• Stroke-Related Disability: sudden loss on one side may signal an ocular or cerebral stroke.
• Falls And Injury: impaired depth perception increases fracture risk, especially in older adults.
• Driving And Work Limitations: untreated visual field loss can endanger yourself and others.
• Depression And Isolation: declining sight often triggers anxiety and social withdrawal.

Symptoms You Might Notice

• Dark curtain, shadow or flashing lights in one eye
• Sudden blurred or missing central vision
• Painless complete loss in one eye on waking
• Severe eye pain with halos around lights
• Gradual narrowing of side vision (tunnel vision)
• Double vision or wobbling images
• Frequent changes in glasses prescription

Common Causes And Risk Factors

• Retinal detachment or vitreous haemorrhage
• Age-related macular degeneration
• Acute closed-angle glaucoma
• Diabetic or hypertensive retinopathy
• Optic-nerve inflammation (optic neuritis)
• Stroke affecting the visual pathway
• Cataract, eye trauma or infection
• Family history of glaucoma or retinal disease
• Diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking and high myopia

When To Seek Medical Advice

Call 999 or attend the nearest emergency department if you experience:

• Sudden, painless loss of vision in one eye
• Flashing lights with a new dark shadow
• Severe eye pain with nausea and blurred vision

Book an urgent clinic appointment on 01296 678 800 if you notice:

• Gradually worsening central or side vision
• Distortion of straight lines or colours
• Frequent need to update glasses prescriptions

How We Diagnose And Monitor Vision Loss

1. Specialist Ophthalmology Consultation – visual-acuity check, dilated retinal exam and intra-ocular-pressure reading.
2. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – high-resolution cross-section of the retina for macular and nerve-fibre analysis.
3. Visual Field Testing – maps peripheral loss that may indicate glaucoma or stroke.
4. CT Or MRI Imaging – on-site CT Suite and rapid MRI referrals clarify optic-nerve or brain causes.
5. Laboratory Screening – blood glucose, inflammatory markers and cardiovascular risk profile.
6. Regular Surveillance – scheduled scans and field tests track treatment response and spot recurrence early.

Treatment And Continuing Support

• Urgent Retinal Surgery Or Laser – same-day referral for detachment, macular hole or retinal tear.
• Pressure-Lowering Drops Or Surgery – tailored glaucoma control.
• Anti-VEGF Injections – day-case therapy for wet macular degeneration or diabetic macular oedema.
• Stroke Intervention – rapid neurology input, blood-pressure control and antiplatelet medication.
• Diabetes Optimisation – endocrinology advice to stabilise sugar and protect the retina.
• Low-Vision Aids And Training – magnifiers, screen readers and adaptive-living coaching through our Rehabilitation Service.
• Psychological Support – counselling to manage anxiety and lifestyle changes associated with sight loss.

Why Choose The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?

• Fast access: most OCT and CT scans performed
• Consultant-delivered clinics in ophthalmology and neurology
• Integrated services: imaging, treatment initiation and rehabilitation under one roof
• Direct links to regional vitreoretinal and neuro-ophthalmology theatres when surgery is needed
• Private ensuite rooms, free onsite parking and easy connections from Oxford, Milton Keynes and London

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sudden Vision Loss Always An Emergency?
Yes. Even painless loss may stem from retinal or vascular events that threaten permanent blindness. Seek care immediately.

Can Lost Vision Be Recovered?
Sight often returns if underlying causes—such as retinal tears or optic-nerve inflammation—are treated quickly. Long-standing damage is harder to reverse, but low-vision aids and rehab maximise remaining sight.

How Often Should I Have Eye Checks?
Adults with no symptoms should have a full eye exam every two years; yearly if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of eye disease.

Protect Your Sight Today

Phone 01296 678 800 or enquire online to arrange your rapid vision-loss assessment and personalised care plan.