Why it darkens in the eyes and how dangerous it is - Lifehacker
Educational Program Health / / December 29, 2020
Darkening in the eyes is a sign of pre-faintingFainting states. Most often it occurs with a sharp decrease in blood pressure in the brain. The brain does not receive a sufficient amount of nutrients and oxygen and cannot correctly process the information received from the organs of vision, hence the visual special effects.
In most cases, the body quickly restores blood circulation. Therefore, the eyes darken only for a few seconds: for example, when you get to your feet too briskly after a long sitting. But sometimes the problem is more serious.
When to call an ambulance
Light-headedness runs the risk of developing into fainting. This means that you can pass out and fall - and it's good if you land on something soft and don't get a concussion.
In addition, if blood circulation is severely and permanently impaired, brain tissue may begin to die off. This is deadly.
If someone next to you fainted and did not come to their senses within a minuteFainting - dial 103 or 112 immediately.
An ambulance should also be called if the darkening in the eyes does not go away within a few minutes.
Why does it darken in the eyes
It is impossible to answer this question straight away.Why Is My Daughter's Vision Going Dark Intermittently?. Dozens or even hundreds of different factors, the influence of which often overlap, can lead to problems with blood circulation in the brain. Here are the most commonWhy does my vision gradually go black with sudden dizziness for a few seconds when I suddenly stand up? Is it normal? reasons for darkening in the eyes.
Orthostatic hypotension
So calledOrthostatic hypotension (postural hypotension) a drop in blood pressure in the brain, which occurs when you quickly get up from a sitting or lying position, or just stay upright for a long time. The blood rushes down to the stomach and legs under the influence of gravity, and, accordingly, flows from the brain.
Normally, our body reacts to this instantly: the heart begins to beat faster, blood flow increases, and at the same time the vessels narrow. In general, the pressure stabilizes in a matter of fractions of a second, which a healthy person does not even have time to realize. But there are factors that slow down the pressure equalization when lifting to your feet. It:
- Dehydration. Lack of moisture in the body occurs with diarrhea, high temperature, vomiting, active physical activity, which are accompanied by increased sweating. Even with mild dehydration, it can darken in the eyes.
- Overheat. Thermal exhaustion is a harbinger heatstroke - causes vasospasm (which means that they cannot respond in a timely manner to the commands of the brain and equalize the pressure) and is accompanied by the same dehydration.
- Decreased blood sugar. Hypoglycemia may result from malnutrition, exercise on an empty stomach, or overwork.
- Overeating. In some people, blood pressure drops sharply after eating. This is more common in the elderly.
- Anemia.
- Stay at significant altitudes above sea level.
- Pregnancy.
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
- Taking some medications. The list is wide: these are diuretics, antidepressants, drugs for the treatment of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases, antipsychotics, muscle relaxants and others.
- Certain diseases that affect the speed of signal transmission along nerve fibers and the rate of metabolism in general. These include hormonal disorders (diabetes, thyroid disease, dramatic hormonal changes body during menopause or adolescence), neuropathy, disorders of the nervous system - such as illness Parkinson's.
- Poisoning. Including household gas or carbon monoxideDomestic gas handling rules.
Vasomotor syncope
In this case, we are talking about a light-headed state and fainting, which are caused byVasovagal syncope not quite an adequate reaction of the nervous system to some stimuli. Faced with such a trigger, the body reacts by dramatically reducing heart rate and blood pressure (which is why vasomotor syncope is sometimes called neurocardiogenic).
Irritants are an individual thing, but the following are most common.
- Strong emotional stress.
- Prolonged stress.
- Fear. For example, before an exam, punishment or other physical impact: manipulation in the dentist's chair, the need to donate blood.
- The kind of blood.
- Strong physical stress. For example, during bowel movements.
Cardiovascular problems
Sometimes it can darken in the eyes due to heart problems. If the organ works intermittently, it is difficult for it to pump blood to the brain. Regular weakness dizziness, blurred vision make themselves felt:
- arrhythmia;
- heart failure;
- problems with the work of the heart valves.
What to do if your eyes get dark
It depends on how often you experience this condition. One-time, short-term blurred vision - for example, when you suddenly get up from your desk or a little overheated - is safe. If you feel scared, doctors recommendVasovagal syncope lie down, slightly raising your legs (you can put them on a pillow or sofa cushion). Gravity will make the blood rush to the brain, the pressure will return to normal, and you will feel better. When you are ready to get up, do it gently and gradually, without sudden movements.
But if it darkens in the eyes regularly - several times a day, week, month, with each attempt to rise from a chair or, for example, at the slightest stress - this is a reason to consult with a therapist.
The doctor will examine you, ask you about your symptoms, habits, and ask what medications you are taking. You may need to have a blood test and an electrocardiogram.
Depending on the results of the examination, the specialist will tell you how to avoid pressure surges. Sometimes just a little change is enoughOrthostatic hypotension (postural hypotension) Lifestyle.
- Drink enough liquids. For women it is 2.7 liters per day, for men - 3.7 liters. Please note that liquid can be obtained not only from water, but also from other drinks - juices, tea, compotes and fruit drinks, as well as from juicy fruits and liquid dishes.
- Practice fractional meals. Eat more often, but in small portions.
- Be physically active. Regular exercise will help keep blood vessels in good shape and strengthen the heart.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Take vitamin supplements. But not at your own discretion, but those that the doctor prescribes for you. Most often, we are talking about iron and vitamin B12 supplements.
- Add a little more salt to your diet. But, again, only if the therapist recommends it! Salt helps raise blood pressure. But she can be strong harm health. In this case, only a qualified doctor is able to find a balance between benefits and harms.
- Wear compression stockings.
- Sleep with the headboard slightly raised (on a high pillow). This will help you get up more easily in the morning.
If, according to the test results, the therapist suspects any disease, he will refer you to a narrow specialist - a neurologist, endocrinologist, cardiologist. Further treatment will be prescribed by a specialized doctor.
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