Warning Signs of Abnormal Vision: Causes and Symptoms

The Institute of Neurology, Department of Medical Services warns of symptoms of abnormal vision, which can be caused by abnormalities in the visual nervous system. If you experience pain when rolling your eyes, eye pain, red eyes, headache, or abnormal hearing, you should seek medical attention immediately. These symptoms can be dangerous and risk blindness.

Causes of Abnormal Vision

Abnormal vision can be caused by diseases of the eye itself, such as red eyes, eye inflammation, glaucoma, and cataracts. However, some types of abnormal vision, particularly those that occur suddenly, may have causes related to the visual nervous system. This can include abnormalities in the brain, optic nerve, or retina.

• Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) diseases
• Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO)
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• A stroke

Symptoms to Watch Out For

If you experience abnormal vision, whether it’s in one eye or both, and it hurts when you roll your eyes, along with headache, eye pain, red eyes, abnormal hearing, or double vision, you should seek treatment at a nearby hospital immediately. A medical professional will assess the cause of the disease and provide further treatment.

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) Disease

According to Acting Lieutenant Colonel of Police Dr. Napa Siriwiwattanakul, Director of the Institute of Neurology, VKH is a common disease that may not be well-known. Patients often present with symptoms of uveitis for investigation, including abnormal vision, eye pain, red eyes, headache, hearing impairment, hair loss, gray hair in patches, or skin with vitiligo. This disease is more common in Asians than in other races, and Indians and Thais have been found to be the most common cause of inflammation caused by VKH in the world.

Treatment and Diagnosis

When a patient comes for treatment, their sight will be evaluated by an ophthalmologist, along with evaluation of neurological abnormalities by a neurologist. Other special tests for differential diagnosis, immune type tests, and drilling to examine the fluid that stimulates the brain and spinal cord may be considered. If VKH is diagnosed, it is treated with immunosuppressive drugs, and complications from the disease will be monitored.

Importance of Timely Treatment

Abnormal symptoms can be caused by other diseases of the nervous system. It is essential to seek treatment in a timely manner, especially for neurological diseases related to the visual nervous system. Rapid treatment will help the patient recover normally, reducing the risk of visual impairment and disability.