Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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Visual impairment and blindness

Low vision means sight remains limited even with ordinary glasses or treatment; blindness has different degrees. Causes and options vary greatly. Sudden loss of sight, a dark curtain, a painful red eye or loss of neurological function needs immediate assessment.

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Low vision means sight remains limited even with ordinary glasses or treatment; blindness has different degrees. Causes and options vary greatly. Sudden loss of sight, a dark curtain, a painful red eye or loss of neurological function needs immediate assessment.

  • Blurred or distorted vision, difficulty reading, recognising faces or seeing details.
  • Loss of peripheral vision or a central dark or blank area.
  • Use prescribed glasses and eye medicines, and do not stop eye drops without advice.
  • Provide even lighting, strong contrast, larger text and clear walking routes.
  • Call the same day for sudden reduced vision, a dark curtain, new flashes or many new floaters.
  • For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.

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Further reading

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Reduced vision in adultsReduced vision in adults can result from a focusing error, cataract or eye disease, but sometimes from a retinal problem or stroke. Gradually blurred vision needs investigation; sudden sight loss, flashes with a curtain or sight loss with neurological deficits is urgent.
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Retinitis pigmentosaRetinitis pigmentosa is a group of inherited retinal conditions in which night vision and the peripheral visual field gradually decline. The rate varies greatly. Sudden flashes, many new floaters, a dark curtain or rapid loss of vision are not part of ordinary gradual RP and are eye emergencies.
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Raised intracranial pressureRaised intracranial pressure means the pressure inside the skull is too high. Causes can include bleeding, swelling, infection, a build-up of fluid or idiopathic intracranial hypertension. A headache with visual symptoms, double vision, vomiting or papilloedema needs prompt assessment. Sudden loss of neurological function or reduced consciousness is an acute emergency.