Advanced Health Assessment Practice Exam

Which condition is characterized by a sudden onset of unilateral vision loss?

1. Vitreous hemorrhage

2. Chronic glaucoma

3. Retinal detachment

4. Astigmatism

The correct answer is: Retinal detachment

Retinal detachment is a condition that involves the separation of the retina from the back of the eye, which can lead to sudden vision loss. This detachment often occurs without warning and is typically unilateral, meaning it affects only one eye. Patients may experience symptoms such as the sudden appearance of floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow or curtain descending over their field of vision. The nature of retinal detachment, specifically its rapid onset and the acute changes in vision that can accompany it, distinguishes it from other conditions. For example, vitreous hemorrhage may also cause sudden vision loss but often has a more gradual onset and is frequently associated with other symptoms like seeing floaters or blood in the visual field. Chronic glaucoma generally presents with gradual, progressive peripheral vision loss rather than a sudden event, while astigmatism is a refractive error that causes blurred vision but is not characterized by sudden loss of sight.