Acute visual changes in the elderly

Changes in vision are common complaints among the geriatric population. Causes range from cataracts and glaucoma to cerebral strokes or other systemic diseases. Loss of vision may be the turning point from independence to dependence in an elderly person's life. This article focuses on acute vision changes and provides a systematic, symptom-based approach to the evaluation and diagnosis of these processes. It is important that the primary practitioner or geriatrician recognize and evaluate acute vision changes, determine whether a treatable or reversible condition exists, and know when to refer to an ophthalmologist or neurologist for a complete evaluation and management.