Do you often experience a sudden onset of blurry vision? Due to this issue, do you need help focusing on your daily tasks and activities? Blurry vision is a common complaint among individuals of all ages, but it can represent more than just an annoyance. Sometimes, it can indicate underlying eye conditions or other health complications. So what exactly causes blurry vision, and what treatments are available for relief? Keep reading as we explore the science behind this condition and how to best manage its effects to maintain optimal visual clarity.

Why are my eyes blurry?

Blurry eyes affect both distant and near objects, making it difficult to see clearly. It is when your eyesight is not as sharp as it should be, and objects appear out of focus.

Good vision is essential for everyday activities, from reading and writing to driving a car. Therefore, attention to vision changes is important, especially if you experience sudden blurry vision.

What causes blurred vision?

Blurred vision is a common problem. Refractive error, age-related eye problems, eye disease, medical conditions, medication and eye injury or trauma, are some causes of blurred vision.

A. Refractive errors

According to the National Eye Institute, more than 150 million Americans experience refractive error. It occurs when the eye shape prevents light from correctly focusing on the retina.

Myopia

Myopia (near-sightedness) occurs when the eyeball is too long, or the cornea is too curved. It causes light to be focused in front of the retina instead of directly on it, resulting in blurry vision of distant objects.

Hyperopia

Also known as far-sightedness, hyperopia occurs when the eyeball is too short, or the cornea is not curved enough. It causes light to be focused behind the retina instead of directly on it, resulting in blurry vision when viewing close objects.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism occurs when the shape of the cornea is irregular, causing multiple focus points for light instead of one single point, resulting in vision blurry at all distances.

B. Age-related eye problems

As we age, we experience slow vision loss. Examples of age-related eye problems include Presbyopia and Cataracts.

Presbyopia

Presbyopia is where the eye's lens becomes less elastic over time, resulting in difficulty focusing on close objects.

Cataracts

Cataracts is where the eye's lens becomes clouded, resulting in cloudy vision and increasing sensitivity to glare.

C. Eye diseases

Eye diseases like Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration can also cause blurred vision.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve resulting in peripheral blindness and tunnel vision. It is most common in people over 40 and, if left untreated, can lead to total lost vision.

Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration affects the macula that is responsible for central vision. If untreated, it can cause blurred or distorted vision and permanent vision loss.

D. Medical conditions

Diabetes and high blood pressure are medical conditions that cause blurred vision.

Diabetes

Diabetes is caused by high blood sugar levels, which can cause damage to the retina.

High Blood Pressure

It is a medical condition where the force of blood against the artery walls is too high, causing damage to the small blood vessels in the eyes and resulting in blurred vision.

E. Medications

Certain medications like antihistamines, antidepressants and pain medications cause blurred vision as a side effect.

F. Eye injuries or trauma

Blunt force, chemical burns, and puncture wounds in the eye can cause blurred vision. With these, structures in your eye that help you to focus light and see clearly may be damaged.

Blurred Vision Symptoms

When experiencing blurred vision, several other symptoms may accompany it, such as:

Blurred or distorted images
Difficulty focusing or seeing objects clearly
Eye strain or fatigue
Severe headache
Sensitivity to light

How is blurred vision diagnosed?

To diagnose blurred vision, you must undergo eye and blood tests.

• Eye Tests

During a comprehensive eye test, the eye doctor will ask questions about your overall health and any vision issues you may be having. They will then perform tests to assess how well your eyes work together and focus on objects. These tests may include refraction, visual acuity, cover, slit-lamp and pupil dilation tests. The doctor might test your peripheral vision, depth perception, colour vision, and ability to focus.

• Blood Tests

Your doctor may also recommend blood tests to determine any underlying health issues causing blurred vision. These tests can help rule out potential causes, such as diabetes or high cholesterol.

How is blurred vision treated?

Blurred vision treatment depends on the underlying cause. It can be Ortho-K, corrective lenses, refractive surgery, medications, lifestyle changes, and management of underlying medical conditions.

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

It is a non-invasive procedure that temporarily reshapes the cornea, reducing or eliminating near-sightedness. During Ortho-K treatment, a person wears specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses overnight while sleeping. The process helps improve vision without needing other corrective lenses or laser surgery.

• Corrective lenses

Corrective lenses are a widely used treatment for blurry vision. They are designed to help the user focus light rays on the back of their eye, allowing for a clearer picture—glasses or contact lenses correct near-sightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia.

• Refractive surgery

Refractive surgeries correct refractive errors, and the most common is LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis). It is a laser treatment to reshape the cornea and improve its ability to focus light properly on the retina.

• Medications

A doctor may prescribe eye drops and oral medications to reduce inflammation or relieve dry eyes associated with sudden blurry vision.

• Lifestyle changes

Eating a healthy diet and regular exercise can help maintain eye health while avoiding smoking. Excessive alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of developing certain conditions that cause sudden blurry vision.

• Management of underlying medical conditions

Disease control can help treat blurred vision by reducing the risk of developing certain conditions that cause blurry vision. It includes managing hypertension, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.

Can blurred vision be prevented?

Yes, you can take steps to help prevent blurred vision.

Get regular eye exams
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Take frequent screen breaks
Wearing protective eyewear when engaging in activities

When to seek medical attention?

Seek medical emergencies you feel these eye symptoms:

Severe or sudden blurred vision
Double vision
Eye pain or discomfort
Loss of peripheral vision
Flashing lights or floaters

Conclusion

Blurred vision is a common vision problem that can have many underlying causes. Blurred vision treatments include corrective lenses, refractive surgery, medications, lifestyle changes, and management of underlying medical conditions.

Address any visual problem to ensure that your eyesight is functioning properly and help prevent further damage to your eyes. Taking good care of your vision is the key to preserving a clear, sharp vision of life.

Eye Care Blog | Eye Concepts

Blurry Vision: Causes and Treatments Explained