Moment of Vision Loss Lasting Less Than a Second
Age: 24, Weight: 130 lbs, No current medications, Medical history includes mild cerebral palsy, lymphedema, pancreatic cysts, and an arachnoid cyst. This morning, while assisting my child with a bath, I exited the bathroom to quickly fetch my glasses, which I hadn’t worn earlier. After putting them on, I leaned down to help her get out of the tub. At that precise moment, my vision went completely dark for a split second; so abruptly that I initially thought there might have been a brief power interruption. I then checked various appliances around the house, including the stove, to confirm if there had been any flickering lights, but everything was functioning normally. It became clear to me that the issue was related to my eyesight rather than a power failure. The incident occurred so swiftly that I struggled to process that my vision had actually vanished. I believe I could still make out my child's silhouette in the bathtub during that moment, but retrospectively I’m uncertain as it was merely a fraction of a second. Previously, during my pregnancy a few years ago, I experienced low blood pressure, which led to similar brief vision loss on one or two occasions. In those instances, I also felt faint, as if I might faint. In contrast, this time I had no accompanying symptoms: no significant dizziness (though I was likely anxious about what just transpired), no headache, or visual disturbances. Could there be a reason behind this occurrence? Should I reach out to my primary care physician regarding this episode?
Answers (1)
12/17/2025, 4:50:36 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about a sudden loss of vision, even if it was very brief. This could be caused by various factors, including changes in blood pressure or transient visual disturbances.
Explanation:
What you experienced for a moment could potentially be related to a few things. Some possible causes include:
-
Orthostatic Hypotension: This occurs when you stand up too quickly, causing brief drops in blood pressure, which may lead to temporary vision loss. Your history of low blood pressure during pregnancy suggests this might be relevant.
-
Visual Migraine: Sometimes, people experience temporary vision loss or disturbances due to changes in the brain's blood flow. These may not always be accompanied by headaches.
-
Eye-Related Issues: Things like light sensitivity or sudden changes in lighting, especially after removing and putting on glasses, could play a role, though typically this would not cause complete darkness.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep an eye on any recurrence of this episode or similar symptoms. Note the circumstances when they occur, such as your activity level or positions (sitting vs. standing).
-
Hydrate: Ensure you are drinking enough water, especially if dehydration might be a factor affecting your blood pressure.
-
Check Your Blood Pressure: If you have a blood pressure monitor, check your readings, especially after changing positions (e.g., from sitting to standing). This might give you insights into whether your blood pressure drops significantly at any point.
-
Relaxation Techniques: If anxiety about this episode arises, practicing deep breathing or mindfulness may help manage stress and support overall well-being.
-
Follow-Up: It is advisable to mention this episode to your primary care physician, especially given your medical history. They can help assess the situation more thoroughly and ensure that there isn't an underlying issue requiring attention. You should prioritize reaching out if you experience any recurrence or new symptoms like dizziness, faintness, or headaches.
Support:
It's perfectly normal to feel anxious about a sudden change in your health, but taking these steps can help you gain clarity and peace of mind. Please take care.
Related Questions
Is Eating an Old Starburst Safe?
Recently, I sampled a Starburst that I saved from last Halloween. I’m 9 years old, roughly 4 feet tall, and weigh about 80 pounds. The packaging looked perfectly intact, and the wrappers seemed fine too. The candy itself didn’t show any signs of spoilage, such as browning or mold. I also made sure to wash it before eating. Should I be concerned about this choice?
Seeking Advice for Ingrown Toenail Care
Hello, I'm a 17-year-old male dealing with an ingrown toenail issue. I underwent surgery to address it a few months back, and while it initially healed well, I've noticed it's not looking quite right again. My plan is to soak my foot nightly in a warm bath with Dettol for about 20 minutes over the next two weeks before consulting with a professional for further treatment and medication. I would really appreciate any additional suggestions or remedies you might have to help manage this situation.
Concerning My Husband's Persistent Discomfort Related to His Throat
My husband, who is 33 years old, frequently expresses distress over a sensation of constriction caused by his Adam’s apple. This discomfort has been a part of his life for as long as he can remember. He shared with me that at the age of 18, he sought medical advice for this issue, but the doctor's response was dismissive. As a woman, I find it challenging to fully grasp his experience since I lack insight into certain physiological aspects. He often describes feeling as though his throat is tightening. This is not a rare complaint for him; in fact, he brings it up nearly every day. A few months back, we visited the hospital to get a comprehensive understanding of his health, particularly because he is frequently labeled a hypochondriac, and while he does have a tendency for dramatics, my quick research online suggests that this might be a more common concern than we initially thought. I genuinely wish to offer him reassurance rooted in factual knowledge. If necessary, I can provide a visual reference of his Adam’s apple. Any guidance or advice would be immensely helpful.
Inquiry about Genetic Testing and Its Implications
Age 45, height 5'4", weight 240 lbs, Caucasian; has a background of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and obesity (achieved a weight loss of 74 pounds over the last two years); suffers from hypertension and elevated cholesterol levels; has endured various joint injuries due to an accident that required lumbar fusion from L3 to S1, along with reconstructive surgeries on the shoulder, ankle, and knee; experiences anxiety, depression, and migraines. I recently underwent comprehensive genome sequencing and discovered several significant abnormalities that require consultation with an endocrinologist. I am interested to know how healthcare providers react when patients present these types of findings. My intention is not to come across as demanding or to imply that I possess greater knowledge than my physician. However, after numerous tests and persistent efforts to seek answers over the years, I feel that we may have uncovered a genuine explanation for my symptoms, and I wish to ensure that my concerns are acknowledged and taken seriously.
Inquiry About Dental Procedures Before Major Surgery
Recently, my mother made a sudden decision to undergo a total dental extraction. She had her upper teeth removed approximately two weeks ago, and just yesterday, the lower ones were taken out. She is slated for a pre-operative assessment on Monday morning, ahead of a significant back surgery scheduled for Tuesday, which may last between eight to ten hours and necessitates intubation. I am curious about the likelihood that her doctor might postpone the surgery due to her recent dental procedure. This concern is heightened as we have booked a hotel and my husband has arranged to take two days off work for this event. Although I am still within the timeframe to cancel our hotel reservation, I am hesitant to do so if her surgery is still on track. To give a bit more context, my mother is a 54-year-old Caucasian woman, standing 5'6" and weighing 160 pounds. She does not consume alcohol, has been a potential smoker, and recently (a few months back) ceased using drugs (meth) as mandated by drug court. As far as I know, she isn’t currently prescribed any medications, apart from possibly antibiotics and Lortabs following her tooth extractions.