Blurred vision — which specialty
Reduced vision, blurring, or a missing area in the field of view.
Usually seen by
Ophthalmology
Other directions, depending on what comes with it:
- Neurology — with headache or double vision
- Endocrinology — if you are being followed for blood sugar
Not sure you have picked the right one? Start with general internal medicine — routing you to the right place is their job, not yours.
Go now, without waiting for an appointment, if any of these apply
- Sudden loss of vision, even in one eye only
- A dark curtain moving across the field of view
- New flashes of light with many new floaters
- Blurred vision with severe eye pain and vomiting
- Blurred vision with one-sided weakness or difficulty speaking
This list is not exhaustive and does not replace judgement on the spot. If something is clearly wrong and you are unsure, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest facility — waiting in order to be certain is the most dangerous way to spend the time.
What you will be asked — have the answers ready
- One eye or both — cover each in turn before the appointment to be sure
- Whether the whole field is blurred or one area is missing
- Whether it came suddenly or faded over months
- Whether there is eye pain, redness or glare
- Whether you have diabetes or high blood pressure
A first appointment is short. Having these answers ready is the cheapest way to avoid a second visit that exists only to supply information.
Bring with you
- Your current glasses and your old prescription
- Your last eye examination record
- Your most recent blood glucose result
What a first visit usually involves
- Vision tested in each eye separately
- Eye pressure
- Fundoscopy — usually needing dilating drops, after which vision is blurred for hours, so do not plan to drive