Red flags & when to go in person for Blurred Vision - Triage

Audience: adult

Blurred vision can happen for many reasons, some minor and some serious. Telemedicine can help you understand your symptoms and guide you on next steps. However, certain signs mean you should seek in-person care right away. These include sudden vision loss, pain in the eye, or other symptoms like weakness or headache. During a telemedicine visit, a healthcare provider can ask questions about your vision changes and medical history to help decide if urgent care is needed. This guide explains when telemedicine is appropriate for blurred vision and when you should go to a clinic or emergency room. It also lists red flags to watch for, how to prepare for a tele-visit, and what to expect afterward. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful tool but not a replacement for in-person eye exams or emergency care when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes — go to emergency care immediately.
• Eye pain with redness or discharge — seek urgent in-person evaluation.
• Vision changes accompanied by weakness, numbness, dizziness, or severe headache — call emergency services or go to the hospital.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of blurred vision symptoms.
• Providing advice on symptom monitoring and eye care.
• Determining if urgent in-person evaluation is needed based on history and symptoms.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing a detailed eye exam or vision testing.
• Diagnosing serious eye conditions requiring specialized equipment.
• Treating acute eye emergencies such as retinal detachment or severe infections.

What Causes Blurred Vision?

Blurred vision can result from many different causes. Common reasons include needing new glasses, dry eyes, eye strain, or mild infections. Sometimes, blurred vision is linked to more serious conditions like eye injuries, infections inside the eye, glaucoma, or problems with the brain such as stroke. Understanding the cause is important to get the right care.

When Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine providers can ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any changes in your vision. They can help decide if your blurred vision might be due to less urgent causes that can be managed at home or with routine follow-up. Telemedicine can also guide you on how to protect your eyes and when to seek further care.

Red Flags That Need In-Person Care

Certain symptoms with blurred vision require urgent in-person evaluation. These include:

If you experience any of these, seek emergency care immediately.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

To get the most from your tele-visit:

This helps your provider make the best assessment.

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Your provider may suggest:

Follow their advice carefully and seek immediate care if red flags develop.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit area for your tele-visit.
• Prepare to describe your vision changes clearly, including onset and progression.
• Have your medical and eye health history available.
• Keep your current glasses or contact lens prescription nearby.
• List any other symptoms you are experiencing, such as pain or headache.

After your tele-visit

• Follow your provider’s advice on symptom monitoring and care.
• Schedule an in-person eye exam if recommended.
• Seek emergency care immediately if red flag symptoms develop.
• Keep track of any changes in your vision or new symptoms.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns after the visit.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of blurred vision?

Telemedicine can help assess your symptoms and decide if you need urgent care or an in-person eye exam. However, it cannot replace a detailed eye examination that requires special equipment.

When should I go to the emergency room for blurred vision?

Go to the emergency room if you experience sudden vision loss, eye pain with redness, flashes of light, or vision changes along with weakness, numbness, or severe headache.

Can blurred vision be a sign of a stroke?

Yes, blurred vision along with other symptoms like weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, or severe headache may indicate a stroke. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate care.

Is it safe to wait and see if blurred vision improves on its own?

If blurred vision is mild and without red flags, it may improve with rest or eye care. However, if symptoms persist, worsen, or you notice any red flags, seek medical evaluation promptly.

What can I do at home to relieve blurred vision?

For mild cases, resting your eyes, using artificial tears for dryness, and reducing screen time may help. Always follow your healthcare provider’s advice.

Sources

1. Blurred Vision — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Eye Health and Vision — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Blurred Vision: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment — Mayo Clinic.
4. Eye Disorders and Conditions — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical evaluation and care. If you experience any red flag symptoms or worsening vision, seek immediate in-person medical attention.