Maintaining balance is a complex process that involves several systems in the body, including the eyes, ears, and brain. Experiencing blurry vision or temporary blindness during dizziness can happen when structures like the retina, cornea, or optic nerve are affected by health issues or sudden events. While long-term vision problems are often associated with chronic conditions, sudden changes like blurry vision or temporary blindness can also occur during episodes of dizziness, vertigo, or stroke. We got in touch with Dr Supriya Sriganesh, Phaco and Refractive Surgeon, Executive Director, Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, Bengaluru who shares insights on why your vision goes black when you feel dizzy.

“The brain’s visual cortex processes input from the eyes to help maintain balance and prevent dizziness. This process works in tandem with the vestibular system located in the inner ear. These systems depend on signals from the eyes and ears about head position, movement, and spatial orientation. When the input from the eyes and inner ear doesn’t match, a “sensory mismatch” occurs, leading to dizziness or imbalance. This can happen due to either vestibular (balance-related) or visual problems, or a combination of both,” she said.

“People with vestibular conditions, such as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Vestibular Neuritis, or Meniere’s Disease, may experience a greater reliance on visual cues to maintain balance, making issues like poor depth perception or temporary blindness more apparent,” Dr Supriya further said.

In addition, certain eye conditions—such as keratitis, hyphema, uveitis, glaucoma, optic neuritis, retinal vein occlusion, retinal detachment, or eye trauma—can cause sudden vision loss. “Some people may feel like they are experiencing temporary blindness or blackouts. Visual problems can trigger dizziness, and the reverse is also true,” she added.

Expert-Approved Tips for Maintaining Eye Health

Dr Supriya shares some tips to maintain eye health:

• Annual Eye Exams: Regular eye check-ups are essential for detecting and treating eye problems early. Comprehensive eye exams, including dilated fundus exams, help evaluate overall eye health and catch issues before they progress.

• Manage Chronic Health Conditions: Chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol are often linked to eye complications. Proper management of these conditions through medication, lifestyle changes, and routine check-ups is crucial for maintaining healthy vision.

• Consume a Nutrient-Rich Diet: A well-balanced diet that includes fruits, leafy greens, and whole grains supports healthy eye function. Vitamins A, C, and E, along with minerals like zinc and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, help prevent eye problems. Omega-3 fatty acids found in foods like fish also contribute to eye health.

• Get Adequate Sleep and Practice Eye Exercises: Getting 7-8 hours of quality sleep every night allows the eyes to rest and recover. Simple eye exercises can also help alleviate eye strain, especially for those who spend long hours in front of screens.

• Maintain Good Eye Hygiene: Prevent infections and irritation by practising good eye hygiene. Wash your hands regularly, avoid touching your eyes with dirty hands, take care when using contact lenses, and avoid sharing personal eye care items to reduce the risk of infection.

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