Vision Changes: When to Get Care

Gradual vision changes deserve routine professional assessment. Some sudden symptoms require same-day or emergency care.

Get Prompt Help For

• Sudden vision loss or a major sudden change.
• A sudden increase in floaters.
• Flashes of light.
• A dark curtain, shadow or missing area in vision.
• Intense eye pain, especially with redness, nausea or blurry vision.
• Eye injury or chemical exposure.

Why Waiting Can Matter

The National Eye Institute warns that sudden floaters, flashes or a curtain-like shadow can be signs of a retinal emergency. A supplement is not an appropriate first response to acute symptoms.