What is the primary cause correlated with sudden painless loss of vision in older patients?

The primary cause correlated with sudden painless loss of vision in older patients is temporal arteritis. This condition, also known as giant cell arteritis, involves inflammation of the blood vessels, particularly the temporal arteries, which can lead to significant complications, including sudden vision loss. The vision loss occurs because the inflammation can affect the blood supply to the optic nerve or the retina, potentially leading to ischemic optic neuropathy.

In older individuals, particularly those over the age of 50, temporal arteritis is a critical consideration when there is a sudden change in vision, especially since timely diagnosis and treatment with corticosteroids can prevent irreversible vision loss. The hallmark symptoms might also include headache, scalp tenderness, and jaw claudication, but the sudden onset of painless vision loss remains a central feature to watch for.

Other options do relate to vision problems but are not as directly correlated with sudden painless vision loss in this demographic. Retinal detachment may cause sudden visual symptoms but often presents with other associated visual changes such as flashes and floaters. Thromboembolism could lead to various types of strokes affecting vision, but the presentation would often include additional neurological deficits. Pulmonary embolism primarily affects breathing and cardiovascular stability rather than causing direct vision changes. Thus,