Post-Fall Dizziness and Blurred Vision: When to See an Eye Specialist

Dizziness and sudden blurred vision in the right eye after a fall?

Hello, doctor.
I would like to ask for your assistance.
On January 18th in the afternoon, I fell from a bus while the driver was in a hurry and landed on the road.
Initially, I only felt numbness in my tailbone and did not experience much discomfort.
However, I later developed pain while sitting and neck pain, so I consulted a doctor.
Starting Thursday, I began to experience blurred vision in my right eye, sometimes accompanied by double vision.
On Saturday, I had severe dizziness and vomiting, and my right eye became even more blurred.
I went to the emergency room where X-rays were taken, and the diagnosis was consistent with previous assessments.
After vomiting, I took medication and went home to rest, and that night my right eye returned to normal.
However, when I woke up today, my right eye started to blur again, sometimes with double vision, and I also have a headache on the left side and dizziness.
Could this be related to my eyes? Should I seek help from an ophthalmologist? Thank you for your assistance.

Yibanren, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/01/24

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello, based on your situation, it may be related to a brain issue.
Please promptly visit a neurologist and discuss your head and eye problems in detail with the physician.
After ruling out any brain issues, you can then consult an ophthalmologist.
The ophthalmology department at Puzi Hospital in Taiwan is open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and Wednesday afternoons from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Please note that online responses are for reference only; it is essential to seek medical attention at a healthcare facility if necessary.
I hope to have the opportunity to assist you.
Gao Pilin

Reply Date: 2021/01/24

More Info

Experiencing dizziness and blurred vision after a fall can be concerning, and it is important to understand the potential implications of these symptoms. Given your recent incident, where you fell from a bus and subsequently developed symptoms such as blurred vision, double vision, and dizziness, it is crucial to approach this situation with caution.

Firstly, the symptoms you are experiencing could be related to several factors stemming from the fall. The impact may have caused a concussion or other head injury, which can lead to visual disturbances and dizziness. Blurred vision and double vision (diplopia) can occur due to various reasons, including trauma to the eye itself, issues with the optic nerve, or even problems related to the brain, such as increased intracranial pressure or concussion effects.

In your case, the fact that your right eye became blurry and you experienced double vision, particularly after the fall, suggests that there may be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. The presence of headaches and severe dizziness, especially if they are persistent or worsening, is also a red flag. These symptoms could indicate that there is more than just a simple eye issue at play.

Given that your symptoms have fluctuated—improving after vomiting but then returning—this could suggest that your condition is dynamic and may require further evaluation. It is essential to consider that while some symptoms may resolve temporarily, underlying issues could still persist and potentially worsen.

In terms of when to see an eye specialist, it is advisable to seek an appointment as soon as possible, especially since you are experiencing significant visual disturbances and dizziness. An eye specialist can perform a comprehensive eye examination, including tests for visual acuity, eye movement, and possibly imaging studies if needed. They can also assess whether your symptoms are related to ocular issues or if they stem from neurological concerns.

Additionally, since you mentioned experiencing neck pain and discomfort, it may also be beneficial to consult with a neurologist or an orthopedic specialist to evaluate any potential cervical spine injuries that could be contributing to your symptoms. Neck injuries can sometimes lead to dizziness and visual disturbances due to the close relationship between the cervical spine and the nervous system.

In summary, it is crucial to take your symptoms seriously and seek medical attention promptly. An eye specialist can help determine if your symptoms are related to an eye condition or if they are indicative of a more serious issue requiring further investigation. Given the complexity of your symptoms and their potential implications, a multidisciplinary approach involving both eye care and possibly neurological evaluation may be warranted to ensure comprehensive care and management of your condition.

Similar Q&A

Experiencing Dizziness and Blurred Vision: When to See an Eye Doctor?

When I look straight ahead and then up, I feel dizzy. Even when I return to a normal position, I still feel dizzy. Every time I get up, my vision feels tangled and I can't see clearly ahead, and my head feels very dizzy. Which specialist should I see? Is it an ophthalmologis...

Dr. Liu Jingxian reply Ophthalmology
Hello, Miss: When there is excessive eye strain, especially from prolonged near work such as extended computer use, it can lead to significant eye fatigue. The ciliary muscles of the eyes may become over-accommodated and tense, resulting in discomfort and even dizziness. If you e...

Understanding Dizziness and Blurred Vision: When to See a Specialist

I would like to ask about frequent dizziness and associated blurred vision I've been experiencing lately. What could be the issue, and should I see a neurologist, a neurosurgeon, or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist?

Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology
Dizziness and vision should not be related; it is more appropriate to consult a neurologist first.

Blurred Vision and Dizziness: When to Seek Medical Help

I have been experiencing dizziness for the past two to three weeks, regardless of my position (I feel dizzy even with my eyes closed), blurred vision that sometimes goes completely black, instability when standing, cold hands and feet, and frequent numbness in my left limbs. I wo...

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine
If you continue to experience discomfort, please have a family member accompany you to seek medical attention. You may first consult your family physician for an initial evaluation, and based on the situation, they may refer you to a specialist. Please note that online consultati...

Should You See a Doctor for Sudden Blurry Vision and Dizziness?

Sometimes I experience sudden blurred vision that lasts for about 15 to 30 minutes before recovering, followed by dizziness and nausea. This occurs even outside of physiological conditions. During the period of blurred vision, I am still able to walk and communicate normally.

Dr. Cai Zongzhang reply Neurology
Hello: The above symptoms are suspected to be related to cerebrovascular disease, and it is recommended to visit a neurology outpatient clinic for examination.