Is it possible to go blind in one eye

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Speech Bubble Icon. Share Icon. Facebook Icon. LinkedIn Icon. Pinterest Icon. Pocket Icon. Share Link Icon. Copied to clipboard. Table of Contents. Vision loss questionnaire Use our free symptom checker to find out what's causing your vision loss. Symptoms of loss of vision in one eye Very often a temporary loss of vision in one or both eyes is not caused by a problem in the eye itself, but by an illness of the heart, circulatory system, or nervous system.

Common characteristics of vision loss in one eye If you're experiencing loss of vision in one eye, it's likely to also experience the following: A headache in addition to vision loss: As well as severe weakness on the same side of the body.

Sudden and painless loss of vision in one eye: Sometimes upon waking up in the morning Difficulty seeing after a head injury Difficulty adjusting to dim light Trouble focusing Painful sensitivity to light Dry, burning, swollen , or encrusted eyes Change in eye color Blurred vision: Or seeing double images Seeing halos around objects Blank spots in the field of vision Duration of symptoms Loss of vision symptoms may: Happen suddenly and unexpectedly Come on gradually but grow increasingly worse Resolve within an hour or less in some cases Who is most often affected by loss of vision in one eye symptoms The following individuals are more likely to experience symptoms.

Women under 40 Anyone with diabetes or high blood pressure Anyone with a family history of migraine headaches Anyone with circulatory problems: Such as hardening of the arteries or inflammation of the blood vessels Men taking Viagra: As well as anyone on high doses of blood pressure medication Is loss of vision in one eye serious?

The severity of your vision loss is ultimately dependent on the cause. Serious: Any loss of vision, even with few or no other symptoms, should be seen by your medical provider as soon as possible. More serious: Loss of vision in one eye, along with weakness throughout the same side of the body and a severe headache , is a medical emergency and must be treated immediately. Causes of loss of vision in one eye Abnormal, very high systemic blood pressure This can lead to increased pressure within the eye itself and cause interference with proper vision.

Abnormally low blood pressure within the eye Low blood pressure within the eye can result in the following phenomenon as well as vision loss. This will eventually result in tissue death and permanent loss of vision. Abnormally low blood pressure may be caused by an anti-hypertensive medication that is too strong and makes blood pressure drop too low especially while sleeping, so that the person wakes up with vision loss in one eye.

Viagra may also be a risk for this as it can lower blood pressure. Blood vessel spasm: A blood vessel spasm cuts off most of the blood supply to the eye and makes the pressure within the eye drop. This causes brief attacks of blurring and dimming of the field of vision, sometimes with blank spots in it.

This usually lasts less than an hour and then the vision returns to normal. It may strike every few months and usually affects the same eye every time. Injury Injury to the eye can result in vision loss. Direct trauma to the eye itself: This will result in vision loss. Vision loss will also result from trauma to the surrounding bony structures and tissues, with resulting damage and destruction that interferes with vision.

A foreign body may or may not be involved. Head trauma: Vision loss can happen after any head trauma, due to damage to the nerves running from the brain to the eyes.

This can happen with a closed head injury or after a traumatic brain injury. Disease Diseases of the eyes can result in vision loss, such as the following. Cataracts: These are related to aging and may affect one eye more than the other. Rice and Dr. Whitaker hope to start a support group for adults who have lost vision in one eye. Duke Header Image Link. Stories and news about treatment advances that improve your health and quality of life. Monocular Vision Adjustment Takes Time.

Visual Training Activities Help. Retraining Speeds Recovery, Improves Confidence. Share: Facebook Twitter. Ready for an appointment? It is possible to help retrain your working eye so it gets used to being in charge of the entirety of your vision. People living with one eye also face social challenges—many stemming from being self-conscious about their monocular vision, as well as the fear or anxiety over interacting with other people. It's also possible for them to experience psychosocial difficulties with basic skills like making and maintaining eye contact, grasping objects, pouring drinks, and shaking hands.

In some cases, this can lead to social anxiety and withdrawal from social situations. One thing that can help with the social aspect of living with one eye is joining support groups and communities for those going through the same thing—either online or in person. If you've experienced the loss of an eye due to injury or illness, know that there are many different prosthetic options available, if you decide to go that route.

Understandably, people may feel uncomfortable in social situations if they have an empty eye socket, so a prosthesis may help increase self-confidence and self-esteem. Other than walking without falling, there are many other everyday tasks that people living with one eye need to get used to doing.

Not only is it possible to drive with one eye assuming that you have good vision in your remaining eye it's also legal in many states. Though there isn't a federal law dictating whether people with monocular vision can drive, it is up to each state to determine these regulations. Getting used to living with one eye is a major adjustment. If it takes a while to process the initial shock and trauma, understand that that's normal in situations like these.

And while life with monocular vision will have certain limitations, most are ones you can work on and work through to ensure that you maintain a similar quality of life. Finally, don't neglect your mental and emotional health. Seek out a support group or talk to trusted family members or friends if you're struggling.

You may also find it beneficial to speak with a mental health professional—at least while you're still processing the loss. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

The process of adjusting to vision loss. Updated January 9, Qualifying for disability benefits with vision loss. Treating temporary loss of vision in one eye starts with the identification of the underlying medical condition.

For example, if blood clots triggered the blind eye, healthcare providers concerned about the possibility of a stroke may recommend:. The risk for temporary vision loss due to reduced blood flow is higher for people who have a history of:. Loss of vision in one eye is often the result of reduced blood flow to the eye from the heart. A healthcare provider can identify the condition affecting your eye and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

If you experience sudden blindness in one eye, seek emergency medical assistance. In many cases, prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent permanent blindness. Here is a detailed review of 8 nutrients that can help maintain proper eye function, protect your eyes from damage and fight the negative effects of….

Can eye exercises help improve your vision? Here are techniques you can try.