OpenHealth Q&A

Temporary Vision Loss in One Eye: What to Do?

I am a 36-year-old woman, standing at 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 140 pounds. Not long ago, I experienced a brief but alarming incident. While relaxing on my couch, I turned my head and simultaneously moved my eyes to the left. In that moment, I suddenly lost vision in my right eye for approximately 2 to 4 seconds, followed by a period of cloudiness that lasted between 10 to 30 seconds. The sensation was comparable to that of standing up too quickly, feeling a fleeting visual disturbance in only one eye. Shortly after this unsettling episode, I began to feel discomfort in my inner ear, reminiscent of the pressure felt during a sinus infection. I have been quite dehydrated due to a recent camping trip where I consumed mainly light beer, seltzers, and mushrooms. Furthermore, I only managed to get about four to five hours of sleep for the last two nights. Additionally, I smoked marijuana several times this evening before the vision issue arose. Normally, I have a tolerance and do not feel excessively high, but considering the hangover and overall physical state, I am questioning whether the ear pain and vision loss are merely effects of this. As someone who occasionally suffers from ocular migraines, I am generally healthy and maintain a moderately active lifestyle. I do not use hormonal birth control and have a history of subclinical hypothyroidism, ADHD, and various allergy problems. I also experience venous insufficiencies, leading to pooling blood in my legs, particularly in warm weather. My blood pressure tends to be low, which often results in lightheadedness and peculiar sensations in my head and eyes, although nothing this extreme has occurred before. There is a family history of stroke; my paternal grandmother had multiple strokes, and my father experienced a transient ischemic attack (TIA), though both were at an older age than I currently am. My cholesterol levels are somewhat elevated, affecting both good and bad types, but my diet is predominantly vegetarian and largely health-conscious, emphasizing home-cooked meals. While I do drink more alcohol than I ought to, it is not excessive binge drinking, and I have not encountered blackouts or vomiting. I have never smoked cigarettes, although I have been working to quit 2mg nicotine pouches that I have used for about two years. Additionally, I regularly smoke or vape marijuana most evenings, a habit I have maintained for about a year and a half. Unfortunately, I attempted to reach out to our local nurse hotline for guidance, but encountered some technical difficulties. At present, I feel somewhat stable (though anxiously aware of the sensations in my head and body, likely exacerbated by my hangover). I wish to know if I should simply monitor my condition tonight, with the plan to seek emergency assistance if I experience slurred speech or severe dizziness. I have informed my partner about my situation, so that he can assist me if any concerning symptoms arise. Would it be prudent to wait until the morning to contact my doctor for further insight?

Answers (1)

3/24/2025, 12:50:40 AM

OpenHealth AI

Based on your description, it’s understandable to feel concerned about your temporary vision loss and other symptoms. While this incident can often be benign, it’s crucial to prioritize your health and consider the context of your situation, including dehydration, lack of sleep, and a complicated medical history. Here’s what you should know and what steps to take next.

Explanation

The brief loss of vision you experienced could be linked to several factors including ocular migraines, dehydration, low blood pressure, or even anxiety. Given your background of occasional ocular migraines and low blood pressure, it’s possible that these contributed to your experience. However, the additional ear discomfort and your family history of transient ischemic attack (TIA) and stroke warrant careful attention.

Next Steps

1. Immediate Monitoring:

   • Since you feel stable now, continue to monitor your symptoms. Keep an eye out for any changes like worsening vision, slurred speech, weakness, or severe dizziness.
   • Ensure your partner is aware of potential warning signs and can assist you promptly if needed.

2. Hydration & Rest:

   • Rehydrate yourself with water and electrolyte-rich fluids to combat the dehydration you experienced. Avoid alcohol and caffeine for now as they can exacerbate dehydration and symptoms.
   • Aim for restful sleep tonight; lack of sleep can worsen many symptoms.

3. Calm and Observe:

   • Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to help ease anxiety which could be heightening your current feelings of discomfort.

4. Follow Up:

   • If you remain symptom-free overnight, it’s advisable to contact your healthcare provider in the morning for a follow-up and a thorough evaluation, especially given your family history and recent symptoms. They may suggest further examination or tests if necessary.

When to Seek Immediate Help

If you experience any of the following, please seek emergency care immediately:

• Slurred speech
• Severe dizziness or fainting
• Weakness or numbness in your face, arms, or legs
• Changes in consciousness or severe headaches

Remember that it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health. You are taking wise steps in monitoring yourself and seeking further guidance. Would you like more information on hydration tips or strategies for relaxation?