Symptoms & Emergencies

Sudden vision loss is an absolute ophthalmological emergency. Arterial occlusion, retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, wet AMD — the causes are numerous and immediate management is essential.

Distorted vision (curved straight lines, metamorphopsia) indicates an urgent macular condition: wet AMD, myopic choroidal neovascularisation or epiretinal membrane.

Flashes of light (photopsia) may signal retinal traction or a retinal tear. Learn to recognise the warning signs and seek prompt ophthalmic assessment.

A sudden and abundant onset of floaters can be a sign of a retinal tear or vitreous hemorrhage. Learn to recognize the warning signs that demand an emergency ophtalmological consultation.

The perception of a dark curtain in the visual field — a fixed shadow, a progressive black veil, or a sudden loss of part of the visual field — is one of the most urgent reasons for consultation in ophthalmology. Whether it appears suddenly or develops over several hours, this symptom almost always indicates a serious disorder of the retina or ocular vasculature. Dr Julien Gozlan, ophthalmologist in Paris 16, explains how to recognise this warning sign, which conditions are responsible, and what emergency treatments can be offered.