Blurry vision is something we have all experienced at one time or another, whether from staring at a screen too long or waking up after a night of poor sleep. But what if it happens more frequently or lasts longer than usual?
At Antioch Eyecare, we want you to know that blurry vision is not always just a minor annoyance—sometimes it is a signal of a more serious underlying issue that needs attention.
When Blurry Vision Becomes a Concern
Occasional blurry vision can have simple causes, like tired eyes, dehydration, or a smudge on your glasses. However, if the blurriness is persistent, occurs suddenly, or comes with other symptoms, it is time to consider what might be happening beneath the surface.
Eye Conditions That Cause Blurry Vision
- Cataracts: A common condition among older adults, cataracts cause the eye's lens to become cloudy, resulting in progressively blurry or hazy vision. Cataracts often develop slowly, but over time, they can significantly impair your sight if left untreated.
- Glaucoma: Known as the "silent thief of sight," glaucoma damages the optic nerve, often without early symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, it can cause blurred vision and loss of peripheral vision. Since glaucoma-related damage is irreversible, early detection is critical to preventing vision loss.
- Macular Degeneration: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the central part of your vision, making things appear blurry or distorted. This condition primarily affects older adults and can lead to a significant decrease in visual clarity if not managed appropriately.
- Diabetic Retinopathy: If you have diabetes, blurred vision could be an early sign of diabetic retinopathy. This condition occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina. Without treatment, diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness.
Neurological Causes
Blurry vision isn't always rooted in the eyes themselves. Certain neurological conditions, such as strokes or migraines, can also result in sudden changes to your vision.
Strokes affecting the optic nerves or brain regions related to vision may cause sudden, severe blurriness, which requires immediate medical intervention.
Migraines, particularly ocular migraines, may temporarily cause blurred vision, blind spots, or even temporary vision loss. These episodes typically resolve on their own but should be discussed with your doctor if they become frequent.
Refractive Errors
Sometimes, blurry vision is simply a sign that you need glasses or an update to your current prescription. Refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism all result in blurry vision when the light entering your eye doesn’t focus correctly on the retina.
Fortunately, these conditions are easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
Other Symptoms to Watch For
Blurry vision alone can be concerning, but if you notice additional symptoms, it is even more important to seek professional care. Here are some red flags:
- Sudden onset of blurry vision: Sudden changes in your vision could indicate a medical emergency, such as a retinal detachment, stroke, or acute angle-closure glaucoma.
- Eye pain: Persistent pain in the eye along with blurry vision could point to conditions like corneal abrasions, infections, or uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye).
- Flashing lights or floaters: These symptoms, when combined with blurry vision, may indicate retinal detachment or a vitreous hemorrhage.
- Headaches: Blurred vision accompanied by severe headaches could indicate a more serious condition, such as a migraine, concussion, or high blood pressure affecting the optic nerves.
What Should You Do If You Experience Blurry Vision?
If you are experiencing persistent or sudden blurry vision, don’t wait for it to improve on its own. Schedule an appointment with Antioch Eyecare.
We will perform a thorough eye exam to diagnose the cause and recommend the best course of action to restore your vision and protect your eye health.