Patient Information

A dark curtain or shadow in your visual field is an absolute ophthalmic emergency — do not wait.

Sudden flashes of light are often a sign of vitreoretinal traction — an urgent fundus examination is essential.

Sudden vision loss is a major ophthalmic emergency — every minute without treatment may mean permanent visual damage.

Distorted vision indicates macular involvement and must be assessed rapidly by a retina specialist.

Eye floaters, often described as «mouches volantes» or small cobweb-like shapes drifting across your vision, are very common and generally harmless. However, they become more concerning when they appear suddenly, in large numbers, or are accompanied by other symptoms. Dr Julien Gozlan, ophthalmic surgeon in Paris 16, explains what eye floaters are, their causes, and when you should seek emergency consultation.

A retinal tear must be treated urgently with laser photocoagulation to prevent retinal detachment.

Posterior vitreous detachment is common after 50 — but requires urgent examination to rule out a retinal tear.

Vitreous haemorrhage causes sudden vision loss and requires urgent examination to identify the underlying cause.

Venous retinal occlusion causes sudden painless vision loss — anti-VEGF treatment must begin rapidly.

Retinal artery occlusion is an ocular stroke — act within the hour to preserve your vision.

Wet AMD requires urgent anti-VEGF injections to stop neovascular progression and preserve central vision.

Retinal detachment is one of the most serious ophthalmic emergencies — act within hours to preserve your vision.