{"id":91596471242,"date":"2022-04-21T13:18:37","date_gmt":"2022-04-21T11:18:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/neue-augen.de\/blog\/nicht-kategorisiert\/visual-disturbances-causes-symptoms-and-risks-explained-by-dr-med-banyai\/"},"modified":"2026-07-14T14:08:35","modified_gmt":"2026-07-14T12:08:35","slug":"visual-disturbances-causes-symptoms-and-risks-explained-by-dr-med-banyai","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/neue-augen.de\/en\/blog\/common\/visual-disturbances-causes-symptoms-and-risks-explained-by-dr-med-banyai\/","title":{"rendered":"Visual disturbances – Causes, symptoms and risks explained by Dr. med. B\u00e1nyai"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In ophthalmology, changes in optical perception are referred to as visual<\/strong> disturbances. These include, for example, reduced visual acuity, visual field restrictions, eye fibrillation or double vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The causes are different and range from eye diseases<\/strong> to neurological disorders to brain tumors. In addition, after a long time, physical problems<\/strong> such as stress or migraines trigger various visual disturbances. Even severe tension in the neck, which originates from the cervical spine, can lead to a change in perception. Obesity and diabetes mellitus<\/strong> can also be triggers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. med. Daniel B\u00e1nyai deals with visual disturbances on a daily basis at the laser eye sites in Karlsruhe and Stuttgart. In this blog article, you will learn important information about visual disorders directly from the ophthalmologist, how to treat them and what you can do to prevent them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Laser eye aptitude test<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Visual disturbances Symptoms – What types are there?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Visual disturbances are associated with various symptoms, such as flashes of light, colorful spikes, flickering or fog in front of the eyes. Some sufferers see flying mosquitoes, double images or suffer from visual field defects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Example image of a visual disorder<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Visual<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Doctors understand a visual impairment to mean all changes in our vision<\/strong>. They can develop gradually or appear suddenly. Children’s eyesight is particularly prone to disturbances. Changes can occur in one eye or in both eyes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes vision problems are harmless<\/strong>, but most of the time they are a sign of a serious condition<\/strong> that needs immediate treatment. The BVA (Professional Association of Ophthalmologists in Germany) stated that 60 percent of visual impairments in children are detected and treated too late. Therefore, a regular check-up with the ophthalmologist is recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As different as the symptoms are, so different are the causes of visual disturbances<\/strong>. Circulatory problems or stress usually cause temporary visual disturbances. Vision can also change during pregnancy. Sudden visual disturbances often result from a migraine<\/strong> and can be accompanied by severe headaches<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nausea or dizziness<\/strong> are also common side effects of visual disturbances. Severe neck tension in the area of the cervical spine or side effects of medication are also<\/strong> causes of altered perception. In the event of a stroke or retinal detachment, a doctor should be contacted immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Retinal detachment – learn more!<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1. Night blindness<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

People with night blindness (nyctalopia)<\/strong> do not see much or nothing at all in the dark. They find it difficult to orient themselves. This is due to a malfunction of the light sense cells in the retina<\/strong>. Behind night blindness can also be an inherited eye disease (retinitis pigmentosa). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This disease is a genetic defect<\/strong> that gradually worsens vision. If night blindness develops over time, retinal detachment<\/strong> may be behind it. If diabetics suffer from proliferative retinopathy, they are usually nocturnal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Flashes of light, zigzag lines, flicker<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some people with impaired vision see colourful spikes, flashes of light<\/strong> or perceive a flicker in<\/strong> their eyes. These light phenomena are called \u201cphotopsia\u201d and are common accompaniments to migraines or epilepsy. Such light phenomena can also occur with an eye migraine. Headaches and other symptoms such as eye fibrillation, flashes of light or visual field impairments are typical for an eye migraine<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sudden visual disturbances usually disappear on their own<\/strong>. If not, you should see an ophthalmologist immediately. This is because the retina can become detached or the vitreous body can lift off. This can lead to complete blindness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Double vision (diplopia)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Double images are not just side effects if you have drunk too much alcohol. Rather, they are a consequence of eye <\/strong>diseases or other diseases. A disorder of the eye muscles, certain cranial nerves or the autoimmune disease “multiple sclerosis” can be causes. Corneal curvature<\/a><\/strong> or cataract <\/strong> can also cause double vision in one eye<\/strong> (monocular diplopia).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Colour vision loss and colour blindness<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Color weakness and<\/strong> color blindness<\/strong> are forms of color vision<\/strong> deficiency. Mistakenly, these three terms are often used as synonyms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Special light-sensitive cells in the retina – the<\/strong> cones – are responsible for colour vision. Due to a malfunction of these cones<\/strong>, certain colours are more difficult to<\/strong> perceive in the event of colour weakness or are even confused in unfavourable lighting conditions. The most common form is the red-green weakness<\/strong>, which almost only men suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the case of color blindness<\/strong>, one or more cone types are missing, so that those affected no longer see certain colors at all<\/strong>. The worst form is complete color blindness, where you only see the world in gray<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes diseases such as cataracts<\/a>, Alzheimer’s or diabetes are the cause of color blindness. These diseases can weaken the function of the cones or cause them to fail completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Visual field defects (scotomas)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the case of visual field defects (scotomas), those affected perceive a restriction of the field of vision <\/strong>and a deterioration in visual acuity<\/strong>. If the edges are affected, this is referred to as tunnel vision<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can be triggered by diseases<\/strong> such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, optic nerve inflammation or retinal damage. Even with a stroke<\/strong>, visual field failures can occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Visual<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

6. Soot rain, veils and fog<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With a shower of soot, those affected see many small black dots<\/strong>, flashes of light<\/strong> or large black spots<\/strong> in front of their eyes. The cause of such vision problems may be a tear in the retina. In the event of a retinal tear<\/strong>, the vitreous body detaches from the retina and tears. Symptoms such as a veil or fog in front of the eye can be the result. In the event of such phenomena, go to a doctor immediately<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Blurred vision<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Do you see blurry, blurry, perceive the environment as if through a fog or veil? Blurred vision as a widespread visual disorder<\/strong> has different causes. It is likely that your eyes<\/strong> are overextended or you suffer from defective vision<\/a><\/strong> (nearsightedness<\/a>\/farsightedness<\/a>). A cataract or, in the worst case, a retinal detachment can also be reasons for this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Dots and small threads in the field of vision<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dots and small threads in front of the eye are called flying mosquitoes or, in French, “mouches volantes”. The reason for the visual disturbance is a clouding of the vitreous body<\/strong> and is usually harmless. However, if your vision is severely impaired, this could indicate a detachment of the vitreous body or a retinal detachment. In this case, an ophthalmologist should be contacted immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. See stars<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hopefully you only see stars at night. If you “see stars” during the day, you may have too low a blood pressure<\/strong>. Not enough oxygen-rich blood gets into the brain and blood pressure drops. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This means that the retina can no longer process the light stimuli properly and flashing dots appear in front of the eyes<\/strong>. There is a risk of fainting if blood pressure continues to fall. If you suffer from low blood pressure, it is best to have it clarified by a doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Blindness<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Blindness is either congenital or arises in the course of life. Vision is completely missing<\/strong> (amaurosis). Often, blindness follows macular degeneration, in which the retina is damaged. In addition, diseases, injuries or inflammation in the brain<\/strong> are the cause of blindness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Causes of visual impairment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The possible causes of visual impairment are manifold. Eye, internal or neurological conditions can cause vision problems<\/strong>. Head injuries, side effects of medication, or poisoning can affect vision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Less dramatic reasons for visual disturbances are overextended eyes<\/strong> or poor circulation<\/strong>. In old age, visual disturbances are even common, because older people increasingly suffer from various diseases and have to take medication. So you see, the types of vision problems are extremely complex and the cause requires close examination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visual disturbances – causes in the eye<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many people have visual impairment in the form of ametropia<\/strong>, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness<\/strong>. Both forms are associated with a loss of visual acuity. Children and the elderly are already affected. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the case of nearsightedness, people only see near objects in sharp focus, the vision in the distance remains blurred because the eyeball is too long. Laser eye surgery is becoming more and more interesting for athletes<\/a>. Because they can do without glasses and contact lenses after the treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the case of presbyopia<\/strong>, the elasticity of the lens decreases after a long time, which leads to blurred images.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Laser treatment for long-sightedness – find out more!<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Squinting<\/a><\/strong> often affects children and is usually accompanied by double images. The eye muscles do not function adequately. Often, doctors cannot justify which triggers lead to strabismus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the case of a corneal curvature<\/a> <\/strong>(astigmatism), sufferers see distorted, blurred or blurred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Age-related macular degeneration<\/strong> (AMD) affects the visual cells in the middle of the retina. The cells can no longer renew themselves and the central visual acuity is partially or completely lost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cataract <\/a> <\/strong>leads to slowly increasing visual disturbances and possibly also to strong glare. Affected persons often report \u2018\u2018 veiling ”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Green cataracts<\/strong> (glaucoma) are associated with visual field deficits. Those suffering see fog in front of their eyes or coloured rings around bright light sources. A glaucoma attack should be treated by the doctor as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients who perceive flying mosquitoes in front of the eye are affected by vitreous opacity <\/strong>or vitreous detachment<\/strong>. Visual disturbances such as dots and small threads can be the result. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there is a vitreous hemorrhage<\/strong>, those affected recognize black spots or soot in the field of vision. Visual impairment with hypoglycaemia is also a possible cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With retinal detachment<\/strong>, sudden flashes of light, dark spots, and shadows may occur. You should contact a doctor immediately!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The eye migraine<\/a><\/strong> may be accompanied by a headache. Much more, however, eye migraines lead to eye fibrillation, flashes of light and visual field failures. Stress, hormone fluctuations or bright light can be causes of this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dry eyes<\/a><\/strong> can cause conjunctivitis or corneal<\/a> inflammation. The environment is perceived as blurry and unclear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other causes of visual disturbances are corneal inflammation <\/strong>and vascular dermatitis<\/strong>. These are in turn attributed to other diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, vision problems can occur due to optic nerve inflammation<\/strong>. Affected people see less sharply and colours appear pale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eye<\/strong> tumors greatly reduce visual acuity and cause dark spots and visual field defects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visual disturbances – causes that do not emanate from the eye<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The nerve disease multiple sclerosis<\/strong> is associated with visual disturbances, which are often the first sign of the disease. Affected persons see blurred, blurred or perceive double images. See an ophthalmologist immediately!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visual disturbances can be an indication of a stroke<\/strong>. Some go blind in one eye, see double vision, or notice visual field deficits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diabetes<\/strong> can damage the fine vessels in the retina. If the disease is not treated, retinal detachment may even occur. Symptoms include soot rains or flashes of light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Migraines<\/strong> with aura can cause visual disturbances such as eye flickering, flashes of light, colorful spikes or visual field failures. These phenomena often cause severe headaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The autoimmune disease Graves’ disease<\/strong> leads to hyperthyroidism, which affects vision. The disease is often accompanied by deterioration of vision, photophobia, double vision and a foreign body sensation in the eye. Dry eyes, eye swelling or redness may also occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inflammation<\/strong> of the arteries (temporal arteritis) occurs especially after the age of 50. In the case of the disease, the artery walls of the temporal or cerebral artery become inflamed. The inflammation that occurs in sections leads to one-sided vision loss, which is reflected in the second eye within a few weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aneurysm in the brain<\/strong> denotes an enlarged cerebral artery. Constant or changing double images are the result. If a cerebral artery ruptures, a life-threatening cerebral hemorrhage threatens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cerebral hemorrhage<\/strong> occurs when a brain aneurysm ruptures and leads to sudden double vision, clouding of consciousness or paralysis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only malignant, but also benign brain tumors<\/strong> can cause visual disturbances. Patients are affected by an increasing deterioration of vision, double vision and visual field failures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Circulatory problems<\/strong> can be accompanied by visual disturbances, which in turn are responsible for dizziness or gait insecurity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alcohol<\/strong> and other drugs<\/strong> such as cannabis, cocaine or heroin impair visual perception and can also cause visual disturbances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Side effects of medication<\/strong> can lead to visual disturbances and affect colour perception. Antibiotics and dehydrating agents (diuretics) are examples where symptoms may occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, neck tension <\/strong>can also cause a visual disturbance under certain circumstances. Severe tensions of the muscles of the cervical spine (cervical spine) are also often accompanied by headaches and dizziness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visual impairment or dangerous eye disease? Diagnostics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Visual<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In the course of a specialist diagnosis<\/strong>, you will first be asked about your medical history. It is important to know when and in what form visual disturbances occur <\/strong>and whether they are accompanied by other complaints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are some examinations that can clarify the cause of vision problems:<\/p>\n\n\n\n