Eye Doctors Warn: 9 Critical Signs You Must Take Seriously to Protect Your Vision and Health

5. Sudden Loss of Vision in One Eye with Systemic Symptoms: A Sign of Giant Cell Arteritis

Recognizing the Signs

Patients may experience painless, sudden vision loss in one eye along with systemic symptoms such as:

• Headache
• Jaw pain
• Scalp tenderness
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss

Why Is This Critical?

This condition is often giant cell arteritis (GCA)—an inflammatory disease affecting arteries supplying the optic nerve and brain. If untreated, it can cause permanent blindness and stroke.

Immediate Action Required

• Emergency corticosteroid therapy is essential
• Immediate referral to an ophthalmologist or rheumatologist

Additional Warning Signs

• Tenderness over the temples
• Elevated ESR or CRP blood tests