Why does it darken in the eyes and why is it dangerous

Darkening in the eyes is a symptom of a pre-fainting condition. 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, it darkens in the eyes 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

A light-headed state runs the risk of 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 can begin to die off. This is deadly.

If someone next to you fainted and did not regain consciousness within a minute of Fainting - immediately dial 103 or 112.

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 immediately answer this question 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 common Why does my vision gradually go black with sudden dizziness for a few seconds when I suddenly stand up? Is it normal? the reasons why it darkens in the eyes.

Orthostatic hypotension

Orthostatic hypotension (postural hypotension) is called the 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, drains from the brain.

Normally, our body reacts to this instantly: the heart begins to beat faster, blood flow increases, 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. It can darken in the eyes even with mild dehydration.
Overheat. Thermal exhaustion - a harbinger of heatstroke - causes vasospasm (which means that they cannot respond in a timely manner to brain commands and equalize pressure) and is accompanied by the same dehydration.
Decrease in blood sugar levels. Hypoglycemia can result from malnutrition, exercise on an empty stomach, or overwork.
Binge eating. 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 rate of transmission of signals along nerve fibers and the rate of metabolism in general. These include hormonal disorders (diabetes, thyroid disease, dramatic hormonal changes in the body during menopause or adolescence), neuropathy, and nervous system disorders such as Parkinson's disease.
Poisoning. Including household gas or carbon monoxide Rules for handling household gas.

Vasomotor syncope

In this case, we are talking about a pre-fainting state and fainting, which are caused by Vasovagal syncope, an inadequate response of the nervous system to some stimuli. When confronted with such a trigger, the body responds by dramatically lowering the 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 recommend Vasovagal syncope to 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 every attempt to get up from a chair or, say, with the slightest stress - this is a reason to consult a therapist as soon as possible.

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 it is enough to just slightly change the Orthostatic hypotension (postural hypotension) lifestyle.

Drink plenty of fluids. 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 small meals more often.
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 it can also greatly harm health. In this case, only a qualified doctor can find a balance between benefits and harms.
Wear compression stockings.
Sleep with a slightly raised headboard (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.