Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

A Standardized Obstacle Course for Assessment of Visual Function in Ultra Low Vision and Artificial Vision
09:29

A Standardized Obstacle Course for Assessment of Visual Function in Ultra Low Vision and Artificial Vision

Published on: February 11, 2014

[Progressive blindness of a young female with extreme obesity]

Th Bertelmann1, W Sekundo

  • 1Medizinisches Zentrum für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Giessen und Marburg GmbH, Standort Marburg, Robert-Koch-Straße 4, 35037 Marburg, Deutschland. thomas.bertelmann@staff.uni-marburg.de

Der Internist
|May 12, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension can cause blindness, especially in obese patients. Prompt, tailored treatment is crucial to prevent vision loss and manage this dangerous condition.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Ophthalmology

Background:

  • Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a serious condition that can lead to irreversible blindness.
  • Obesity is a significant risk factor associated with IIH.

Observation:

  • A case of a 40-year-old, extremely obese female patient presenting with severe headaches and transient visual obscurations.

Findings:

  • The patient's symptoms were attributed to idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).
  • Non-compliance with treatment poses a high risk for disease progression and severe outcomes.

Implications:

  • Immediate and consistent, stage-adjusted therapy (medical and/or surgical) is essential for preventing vision loss in IIH patients.
  • IIH should be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with typical symptoms and predisposing factors.

More Related Videos

Ex Vivo OCT-Based Multimodal Imaging of Human Donor Eyes for Research into Age-Related Macular Degeneration10:14

Ex Vivo OCT-Based Multimodal Imaging of Human Donor Eyes for Research into Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Published on: May 26, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways01:22

Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways

At the molecular level, visual signals trigger transformations in photopigment molecules, resulting in changes in the photoreceptor cell's membrane potential. The photon's energy level is denoted by its wavelength, with each specific wavelength of visible light associated with a distinct color. The spectral range of visible light, classified as electromagnetic radiation, spans from 380 to 720 nm. Electromagnetic radiation wavelengths exceeding 720 nm fall under the infrared category, whereas...
Obesity01:24

Obesity

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height, used to categorize individuals into weight ranges. It is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that poses health risks, often diagnosed with a BMI ≥ 30. This excess fat storage occurs when surplus dietary calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in adipocytes...
Prosopagnosia01:24

Prosopagnosia

Prosopagnosia, also known as face blindness, is the inability to recognize faces. In severe cases, individuals with prosopagnosia may not recognize close family members, including parents and spouses, by their faces. For instance, someone with prosopagnosia might walk past their child in a crowd, only realizing their mistake upon noticing their child's distinctive backpack or favorite jacket. Prosopagnosia specifically impairs facial recognition, while the recognition of other objects or...
Diabetic Retinopathy01:27

Diabetic Retinopathy

DefinitionDiabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes affecting the retinal blood vessels.Risk FactorsDiabetic retinopathy is present in almost all individuals with type 1 diabetes and more than 60% of those with type 2 diabetes after two decades of disease.The risk increases with poor glycemic control, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, pregnancy, and puberty.Although cataracts and glaucoma are also more frequent in people with diabetes, retinopathy remains the leading...
Visual Agnosia01:12

Visual Agnosia

Visual agnosia is a condition characterized by the inability to recognize visually presented objects despite having normal vision. For instance, a person with visual agnosia can describe the shape and color of an object but cannot identify or name it. This impairment does not affect their visual field, acuity, color vision, brightness discrimination, language, or memory. An example of this condition in a social setting is someone at a dinner party asking for "that silver thing with a round end"...
Glaucoma: Overview01:25

Glaucoma: Overview

Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...