A Systematic Approach to Managing Acute Visual Loss: A Comprehensive Review of Literature
Acute vision loss is a clinical emergency that needs to be diagnosed promptly and managed early in order to prevent irreversible vision loss. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of literature regarding differential diagnosis, diagnostic approaches, management strategies, and red flags of acute vision loss. A systematic review of relevant articles was conducted using databases such as PubMed and Scopus. The findings highlight that the rapid differentiation among various etiologies of acute vision loss through detailed history-taking, thorough ophthalmic examination, and other investigations is crucial for timely intervention. The early diagnosis of the underlying etiology is essential for initiating appropriate treatment and preserving the vision. Despite improvements in diagnostic techniques, delayed diagnosis is still a major challenge. This review outlines a systematic approach to acute vision loss and provides future research directions to enhance early detection and patient outcomes.
Authors
- Gerald Behr (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2987-0005)
- Diana Jaimes
- Avin M Khushiramani
- Padraig Totten
- Fatima Hajj
- Diti Patel
- Gilberto González
- Doria Stephanie Chavez
Institutions
- Lebanese University (LB)
- Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga (CO)
- Universidad de Guadalajara (MX)
- Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (CO)
- University of Guayaquil (EC)
- Sir Sayajirao General Hospital Medical College (IN)
- Maharashtra Institute of Medical Science and Research (IN)
- Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia (CO)
- Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (GB)
- Foscal Hospital (CO)
- Tecnológico de Monterrey (MX)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Cureus
- Published
- 2026-01-25
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.102280
- Primary Topic
- Retinal and Optic Conditions
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00