What Causes Sudden Loss Of Vision In The Left Eye?

Posted on Mon, 5 Sep 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 5 Sep 2016 Answered on

Tue, 27 Sep 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : My father has just been re-admitted to hospital, through Emergency, having woken last night with no vision in his left eye. He is being treated with Sodium and restricted fluids for SAIDS condition, but no brain scan was done when he was in hospital a few weeks ago. Can blindness in the left eye be caused by a sodium imbalance (SAIDS) or by a tumour or aneurism on the brain?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Get examined by a neurologist and investigated as advised

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
With given history suggestive of hyponatremia,visual loss in left eye and dilated pupil, first possibility I will like to rule out is any pituitary mass. Other possibility may be aneurysm too.
He definitely needs a brain imaging Mri with contrast and angiography.
He needs examination by a neurologist for further course of action.
Any other medical illness like diabetes, hypertension, glaucoma, cardiac illness?
If any previous reports available upload it.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further queries.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (17 minutes later)

No cardiac disease, glaucoma, or diabetes. Was being treated for hypertension, but as far as I know has been stable for a long time with no need of change in meds, except for this change in "water pill" to a brand known for not affecting sodium levels. He has had bone loss in his spine, and fracturing of vertebrae in the lower back.

My father has been active with regular hiking and walking, which helps reduce pain. I also wonder if this SAIDS condition may have been chronic, and caused some bone loss?

I will pass your answers on to my family so they can be informed by your opinion when Dad sees a neurologist. We presume he will be seen by specialists this time around...

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Get him examined and evaluated by a neurologist

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Brain Mri should be done as advised after examination by a neurologist.
Blood investigations like blood sugar, lipid profile, hormonal profile, vitamin D should be done too.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng