100
FAMILY ILLNESS
Disturbed / impaired vision
Visual disturbances might include blurred vision or seeing double. You may also see flashing lights or floating spots. These disturbances may be caused by a problem in one or both eyes or by damage to the areas in the brain that process visual information. If your vision deteriorates suddenly, you should consult your doctor immediately.
START
Do you have pain in the affected eye?
Pain
No pain
ACTION
GO TO ANOTHER CHART Eye pain or irritation, p. 98
ACTION
DIAL 911 OR CALL EMS
! You may have damaged the part of the brain that is responsible for vision.
Have you injured your head in the past 48 hours?
Recent head injury
No head injury
Do you have diabetes?
Yes
No
ACTION
SEE YOUR DOCTOR WITHIN 24 HOURS Damage to blood vessels in the retina due to diabetes or high blood sugar levels can lead to blurred vision.
How long has your vision been disturbed or impaired?
Less than 24 hours
24 hours or longer
How old are you?
50 or over
Under 50
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR A cataract( clouding of the lens of the eye) can cause blurred vision in older people.
What kind of visual disturbance or impairment have you been experiencing?
Blurred vision
Increasing difficulty in focusing on nearby objects
Other disturbance