Title: Transient Blindness | Encyclopedia.com
Headings: Transient Blindness
Transient Blindness
Transient blindness
Definition
Description
Demographics
Causes and symptoms
Blood vessel blockage
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR
Damage to the eye
Nerve damage
Symptoms
Diagnosis
KEY TERMS
Treatment
Nutrition/Dietetic concerns
Prognosis
Prevention
Caregiver concerns
Resources
OTHER
ORGANIZATIONS

Content: Nerve damage
The optic nerve carries information from the retina to the brain, where the information is processed to create an image. Any event that damages the optic nerve or interferes with nerve impulse transmission can cause transient or permanent blindness. These events include inflammation of the optic nerve, compression of the optic nerve, temporary reduction in blood flow to the optic nerve, multiple sclerosis (nerve impulses are disrupted due to degeneration of the myelin sheath surrounding the nerve), tumors that infringe on the optic nerve, psychoactive drug use, and migraine headaches . Symptoms
About one-fourth of patients describe their transient vision loss as a dark curtain descending across their field of vision, while the majority describe it as a dimming, fogging, or blurring of vision. The sensation of a dark curtain obscuring the field of vision also characterizes a retinal detachment. Loss of vision due to a retinal detachment is not temporary. Individuals with sudden vision loss should seek immediate medical care. A retinal detachment is a medical emergency that can result in permanent blindness if not treated promptly. Diagnosis
Diagnosing the cause of transient vision loss is difficult because by the time the patient sees a physician vision has often returned. Diagnosis begins with a thorough eye examination .