Which department should I visit for seeing black shadows in my eyes?

Generally, the presence of shadows in the eye requires selecting the appropriate medical department based on the specific underlying cause. Common departments for consultation include ophthalmology, neurology, endocrinology, emergency medicine, and general practice. The details are as follows:

1. Ophthalmology: Eye-related conditions are the most common causes of visual shadows. For example, floaters caused by vitreous opacity typically move with eye movements. In contrast, retinal tears or detachment may cause fixed shadows, often accompanied by flashes of light.

2. Neurology: Shadows in vision can result from brain lesions that compress the optic nerve or visual cortex. These cases are often accompanied by symptoms such as headache and limb numbness. Conditions like cerebral infarction or intracranial tumors can disrupt visual signal transmission, leading to visual shadows. Neurology departments can use head CT scans, MRI, and other tests to identify brain abnormalities.

3. Endocrinology: Patients with diabetes are prone to diabetic retinopathy. Prolonged high blood sugar damages retinal blood vessels, potentially causing vitreous hemorrhage, which appears as dark shadows in the field of vision. Such patients require blood glucose management in the endocrinology department, along with coordinated treatment from ophthalmology for retinal complications to control disease progression.

4. Emergency Medicine: If shadows appear suddenly and rapidly expand, especially when accompanied by acute vision loss or eye pain, this may indicate emergencies such as retinal detachment or retinal hemorrhage. Immediate visit to the emergency department is essential to activate rapid diagnostic and treatment pathways, ensuring timely intervention during the critical treatment window to preserve vision.

5. General Practice: When the cause of visual shadows is unclear, or when symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue suggest systemic issues without a clear specialty referral, patients can first consult a general practitioner. The GP will conduct a comprehensive assessment, screen for issues like abnormal blood pressure or anemia, and then refer the patient to the appropriate specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

Routine precautions include avoiding strenuous physical activity and eye injuries. Individuals with high myopia or diabetes should undergo regular fundus examinations. When shadows appear, it's important not to panic; instead, select the appropriate specialty based on accompanying symptoms to ensure efficient diagnosis, prompt identification of the underlying cause, and timely intervention.