Aug 01, 2023
Understanding Blurry Vision and Its Causes
Blurry vision refers to a visual disturbance where objects you are looking at appear hazy, out of focus, or unclear. This problem can affect one or both eyes and may vary in severity. According to eye doctors, blurry vision can occur in different ways, such as:
- Difficulty focusing – objects may appear fuzzy or blurry when you try to focus on them.
- Blurred peripheral vision – blurriness occurs mainly in your peripheral (side) vision while the central vision remains relatively clear.
- Sudden onset of blurry vision
- Blurry vision accompanied by additional symptoms like eye pain, redness, eye discharge, double vision, light sensitivity, or headaches
- Fluctuating blurry vision – blurriness that comes and goes or varies in intensity
The specific cause of blurry vision can only be determined through a comprehensive eye examination performed by eye doctors at Glendale Eye Medical Group. Only then can you establish the type of blurry vision you have and determine the underlying cause. Some of the prevalent causes of blurry vision include the following:
- Refractive errors like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism affect how light is focused on the retina.
- Blurry vision can sometimes be a symptom of dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, or retinal disorders.
- Underlying severe health problems – like retinal detachment, stroke, fluctuating blood sugar levels, diabetic retinopathy, medications, neurological disorders, or ocular migraine
- Eye infections
- Eye injuries
Can My Sudden Blurry Vision Increase Naturally?
While there are certain situations where blurry vision can improve on its own, it is crucial to have a professional evaluation to rule out any serious or potentially sight-threatening and health-threatening conditions. Some common reasons for blurry eyes that may resolve naturally:
- Dry Eyes – temporary blurry vision can occur if your eyes are dry or irritated. Resting your eyes, using lubricating eye drops, or addressing any underlying dryness causes, like prolonged screen time, may help improve the condition.
- Eye Strain or Fatigue – extended periods of intense focus, as evident when working on a computer for long hours or reading in poor lighting, can cause eye strain and temporary blurry vision. Taking breaks, adjusting lighting conditions, and practicing good eye habits may alleviate the symptoms.
- Medication Side Effects – some medications can cause temporary blurry vision as a side effect. If you suspect your medication is causing the issue, consult your doctor about potential alternatives or adjustments.
- Allergies – allergic reactions, such as seasonal or eye allergies (allergic conjunctivitis), can cause temporary blurry vision due to redness, itching, and excessive tearing. If you know you have an eye allergy, you should have a prescribed medication that works to alleviate the symptoms. However, over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops or oral medications can relieve allergy symptoms and improve vision.
- Eye Rubbing – rubbing your eyes vigorously can cause temporary blurriness due to the force of rubbing that disturbs the tear film and puts pressure on the cornea. If you stop rubbing your eyes, it should take a short while for the eye to resume normalcy. Still, avoid rubbing your eyes and use a cold compress or artificial tears if your eyes feel irritated or itchy.
When Do You Need Urgent Care for Blurry Vision?
Blurry vision can be a symptom of various underlying causes, some of which may require medical attention by ophthalmologists in Glendale. Some situations where you should seek urgent blurred vision treatment are:
- If your vision suddenly becomes blurry without any apparent cause
- If the blurriness develops rapidly over a short period
- If you experience a sudden loss of vision, whether it’s partial or complete
- If your blurry vision is a result of an eye injury, such as a foreign object entering the eye, chemical exposure, or trauma
- If blurry vision is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like severe eye pain, severe headache, double vision, flashes of light, floaters, eye redness, or eye discharge
- Suppose blurry vision is accompanied by other systemic symptoms like sudden weakness, difficulty speaking, numbness or paralysis on one side of the body, severe dizziness, or severe headache. In that case, it may be a sign of conditions like a stroke.
- If you have a known history of eye conditions or eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, or retinal disorders, and you experience a sudden worsening of vision