Blind Spot Suddenly Appeared, Lasting for More Than Day

Question

Hi, please help,

My mom is ~40 years old and suddenly, when she woke up, she noticed a blind spot (she says blind area because its bigger than just a dot) appeared. It has been there until 10PM night at which I have gotten increasingly scared and posted this right now.

She was stressed out and she watches movies on her computer at night but I don't think it is a migraine that causes blind spot because I once had one and it went away with my headache (she has not had that kind of headache) and it is just lasting too long. I don't know anything though, so I could be wrong.

**The blind spot is only in her left eye**

She says that when she uses both eyes, however, she has trouble focusing. The blindspot bothers her when she uses both eyes but she says she can't map out the blindspot without resorting to using her left eye only.

She is going to see a doctor so I don't just want answers that tell me to go see a doctor - we are planning too, however if it is *really* urgent, please let me know.

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks to everyone in advance..

Answer 1

The are many possibilities as to the source of this.  She should see an eye doctor within the next day.  Does she notice any flashing lights?  This could indicate a problem with the retina.  Does she have high blood pressure or diabetes?  It's too broad a spectrum to speculate about.  See the eye doctor and you'll get some answers.

Answer 2

If it's more than a day it may still be a migraine, but it's unlikely.

If it's in one eye only it's unlikely to be a brain problem.

It needs a prompt examination: report symptoms by phone, and get the doctor's opinion.  I suspect they will want to see it in the next day or so.  It's one down from a "Call an ambulance" or "rush to Casualty/ER" problem.

There are a range of possible conditions so I won't guess at which it is.