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Previous Volume 343:556-562 August 24, 2000 Number 8 Next

	Since this article has no abstract, we have provided an extract of the first 100 words of the full text and any section headings.

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Blurred vision is the most common symptom related to the eye. It is manifested in many ways and has a wide variety of causes. Here we review for nonophthalmologists the examination techniques and diagnostic algorithms that are useful in the evaluation of blurred vision. We also describe how to determine when patients need urgent ophthalmologic consultation and treatment.

The Eye Examination

History

In evaluating a patient with blurred vision, it is important to note the time of onset and how the patient first noticed the symptoms. Was the blurring of vision sudden in onset, or was it gradual? Did it occur with or without . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Examination Techniques

Visual Acuity

Visual Field

Pupils

Movement of Extraocular Muscles

Anterior Segment

Posterior Segment

Nonpathologic Causes of Blurred Vision

Refractive Errors

Functional Loss of Vision

Pathologic Causes of Blurred Vision

Sudden, Unilateral, Painless Loss of Vision

Sudden, Unilateral, Painful Loss of Vision

Sudden, Bilateral, Painless Loss of Vision

Sudden, Bilateral, Painful Loss of Vision

Gradual, Unilateral, Painless Loss of Vision

Gradual, Unilateral, Painful Loss of Vision

Gradual, Bilateral, Painless Loss of Vision

Gradual, Bilateral, Painful Loss of Vision

Conclusions

Source Information

From Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston, Boston.

Address reprint requests to Dr. Shingleton at 50 Staniford St., Suite 600, Boston, MA 02114, or at bjshingleton@eyeboston.com.

References

This article has been cited by other articles:

• (2008). EMQ answers. Emerg. Med. J. 25: 183-183 [Full Text]  
• Rowe, S., MacLean, C. H., Shekelle, P. G. (2004). Preventing Visual Loss From Chronic Eye Disease in Primary Care: Scientific Review. JAMA 291: 1487-1495 [Abstract] [Full Text]