Eye dimming is a condition where a person suddenly experiences vision loss and the surrounding objects become blurry. This situation may be slightly felt when standing up, or it can occur along with symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, and weakness. While eye dimming can be temporary, it may also emerge as a sign of a serious underlying disease.
What Causes Eye Dimming?
Eye dimming is a sudden or gradual dark or blurry effect in a person's visual field. Its common cause is a temporary reduction in the blood flow to the brain. This condition, often resulting from sudden changes in position, is frequently associated with low blood pressure.
Different causes of eye dimming include:
Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
Blood pressure falling below normal levels can result in insufficient blood reaching the brain, leading to short-term vision loss.
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)
Prolonged fasting or insulin imbalances can affect brain functions, causing symptoms like dizziness and eye dimming.
Sudden Position Changes
The body may experience a sudden drop in blood pressure before adapting to a new position, manifesting as temporary visual dimming.
Anemia
Insufficient oxygen delivery in the blood can reduce the oxygen supply to sensitive organs like the brain and eyes, causing blurry vision or a dimming sensation.
Insufficient Fluid Intake
Dehydration can lower blood pressure, affecting balance and visual perception.
Fatigue
When the body and nervous system are not adequately rested, brain functions slow down, which can be felt as short-term mental fog and eye dimming.
Heart Disorders
Irregular heart function or blocked vessels can prevent sufficient oxygen from reaching the brain, leading to visual dimming.
Glaucoma
This condition presses on the optic nerve and can present as narrowing of the visual field or sudden vision loss manifested as eye dimming.
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, due to changes in hormone levels and the circulatory system, low blood pressure and vessel dilation are more common. This can result in dizziness and eye dimming in some expectant mothers.
Inhalation of Volatile Substances
Inhaling volatile chemicals such as paint, cleaning products, or adhesives can have temporary effects on the central nervous system and respiratory tracts, causing eye dimming and mental fog.
Why Does Eye Dimming Occur When Standing Up?
Eye dimming when standing up may be caused by a condition called sudden orthostatic hypotension. In this situation, a rapid drop in blood pressure occurs with quickly standing up, preventing adequate oxygen and nutrients from reaching the brain.
Eye dimming when standing is common, especially in young individuals, and is often harmless. However, if it occurs frequently, evaluation for cardiovascular or endocrine disorders may be necessary. If persistent dimming occurs along with symptoms such as fainting and loss of consciousness, a doctor should be consulted without delay.
What Causes Sudden Eye Dimming?
Sudden eye dimming may result from sudden blood pressure drop, hypotension, hypoglycemia, fatigue, extreme hunger, or dehydration. However, if it recurs continuously, the underlying cause needs to be identified.
Possible reasons for sudden eye dimming include:
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Temporary blockages in brain vessels
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Epilepsy
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Temporary hypoxia developing before loss of consciousness due to a heart attack
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Retinal detachment or intraocular hemorrhages
In Which Situations Does Continuous Eye Dimming Occur?
Continuous eye dimming can be a symptom of high blood pressure, low blood sugar, migraines, hypotension, as well as health issues like anemia, panic attacks, heart problems, or eye diseases. Therefore, individuals experiencing continuous eye dimming may undergo a comprehensive evaluation.
How Does Eye Dimming Pass?
Although eye dimming is often a temporary condition, identifying the underlying cause and following an appropriate approach is crucial. Simple measures taken when dimming occurs can alleviate the complaint. However, in cases of frequent or symptom-accompanied eye dimming, it should be evaluated by a specialist doctor.
What Can Be Done in Case of Sudden Eye Dimming?
If the eye dimming occurs suddenly, the following steps may be taken:
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Immediately sit or lie down:
It is recommended that the person keeps their head below knee level to balance blood circulation. This increases blood flow to the brain, and the dimming may quickly subside. -
Breathe deeply and controlled:
Panic can increase the dimming. Taking deep breaths can increase oxygen levels, reducing dizziness and vision impairment. -
Close eyes and rest briefly:
Limiting visual stimuli and balancing the sudden load between the brain and eyes by resting the eyes may be beneficial.
Solutions Based on the Factor Causing Eye Dimming
To eliminate eye dimming completely, the underlying cause must be identified, and a specific course must be followed:
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In cases of fluid loss:
Dehydration can lower blood pressure. It is crucial to drink at least 2-2.5 liters of water daily. Fluid intake should be increased in extremely hot weather or after exercise. -
When developed due to nutritional deficiencies:
Low blood sugar, vitamin deficiency, or anemia can lead to eye dimming. Regular and balanced nutrition and sufficient intake of vitamins like iron and B12 are important. -
When it occurs due to stress and sleep deprivation:
Chronic fatigue and irregular sleep patterns can trigger eye dimming. Improving sleep quality and using stress management techniques (breathing exercises, meditation, etc.) can reduce complaints. -
If it occurs during pregnancy:
Due to hormonal changes and circulatory system differences in pregnant women, eye dimming can be observed. In this case, it is advised to move slowly, pay attention to nutrition, and rest adequately. -
If there is chemical exposure:
In cases of exposure to volatile chemicals like paint, thinner, or cleaning agents, the environment should be immediately ventilated, and the person should be taken to open air. If the eye dimming is severe, medical assistance should be sought.
When is Medical Intervention Necessary?
If eye dimming occurs with headache, palpitations, nausea, mental confusion, or fainting, it may be a sign of a serious health problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is eye dimming dangerous?
Temporary and infrequent eye dimming is generally harmless. However, if accompanied by symptoms such as loss of consciousness, palpitations, and fainting, it may indicate a serious condition.
What should be done to prevent eye dimming?
Adequate fluid intake, avoiding sudden movements, paying attention to sleep patterns, and maintaining nutritional balance are essential. Regular health check-ups should also not be neglected.
Is eye dimming only a sign of an eye disease?
No. Cardiovascular diseases, issues with brain blood circulation, metabolic disorders, and endocrine diseases can also cause eye dimming.
Can blood pressure cause eye dimming?
Yes, hypotension or sudden changes in blood pressure can lead to eye dimming. This condition is related to reduced blood flow to the eyes and brain.
