Blurred vision: causes and treatment (2023)

HeimConditionsdiseases and diseases of the eyes|In Spanish

VonAimee Rodrigues; reviewed byBrian Chou, OD

What is blurred vision?

Blurred vision is the loss of sharpnessvision, making objects appear fuzzy and fuzzy. The main causes of blurred vision arerefractive errors– myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism – or presbyopia. Blurry vision can also be a symptom of more serious problems.

These problems may include a potentially sight-threatening eye condition or a neurological disorder. Blurry vision can affect both eyes, but some people only see blurry in one eye.

Cloudy vision darkens objects and makes vision appear "milky." It resembles blurred vision and is sometimes indistinguishable. Blurry vision is often a symptom of certain medical conditions, such ascataract.

Blurred vision: causes and treatment

There are various refractive errors and other minor problems that can cause blurred vision.

To determine why you have blurred vision and what is causing it, see an ophthalmologist for a complete eye exam. Some of the most common causes of blurred vision are:

myopia

Blurred vision: causes and treatment (1)

Symptoms ofmyopia(myopia) belongspeeleyestrain, headaches andblurred vision in one or both eyes. Nearsightedness is the most common ametropia and causes distant objects to appear blurry.

Glasses and contact lenses are the most common methods of correcting nearsightedness. Corneal deformity and refractive surgery such as LASIK and PRK are also common corrective remedies.

(Video) What causes blurry vision?

Watch this video what causes blurred vision and how we can fix it:

farsightedness

if you havefarsightedness(farsightedness) Distant objects may remain sharp, but your eyes cannot properly focus on near objects. Or trying to concentrate causes unusual eye strain and fatigue. If you are farsighted, even distant objects can be blurred.

Like nearsightedness, farsightedness can be corrected withCups,contact lensesor refractive eye surgery.

Astigmatism

Blurry vision at all distances is usually a symptom ofAstigmatism. Astigmatism is a type of refractive error and is usually caused by an irregular shape.cornea.

With astigmatism, light rays do not reach a single focal point on the eye.Retinato create a clear vision. This is true regardless of how far the object you are looking at is from your eyes.

Astigmatism can also be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.

Presbyopia

If you're over 40, you're probably starting to notice blurry vision up close, when reading a text message, a restaurant menu, grocery store label, or other fine print. Most likely, this is due to the appearance ofPresbyopia, a normal age-related vision problem.

The symptoms of presbyopia are the same as those of farsightedness (blurred near vision; eyestrain when reading). However, presbyopia is an age-related loss of the ability to focus on close objects due to hardening of the lens inside the eye.

Common treatments for presbyopia includeprogressive lenses, bifocal glasses orreading glasses. There's alsoPresbyopia-Operationoptions. These includecorneal templates, LASIK monovision andconductive keratoplastic.

The glasses can be upgraded withantireflective coatingmiphotochromic lenses. This helps correct refractive errors and presbyopia, clarity and comfort. Ask your ophthalmologist for more details.

Blurred vision: causes and treatment (2)

Someone with normal vision would see sharp edges and vivid colors in this scene.

(Video) What causes blurred vision in one eye? - Dr. Mala Suresh

Blurred vision: causes and treatment (3)

A Jack Russell Terrier seen by someone with blurred vision

Blurred vision: causes and treatment (4)

To someone who has cataracts, this scene may appear blurry, cloudy, and/or slightly yellowish.

chronic dry eyes

dry eye syndromeit can affect your eyes in many ways, including varying degrees of blurred vision.artificial tears(lubricating eye drops) can help. But sometimes, more advanced cases of dry eye require a prescription medication. Your optometrist may also recommend this.knit capsso that your eyes can see comfortably, healthy and well.

the pregnancy

Blurred vision can occur during pregnancyand is sometimes accompanied bydouble vision(diplopia). Hormonal changes can change the shape and thickness of the cornea, causing blurred vision. Dry eyes are also common in pregnant women and can cause blurred vision.

You should always tell your doctor about any vision problems during pregnancy. While blurred vision isn't always serious, in some cases it can be an indicator of gestational diabetes or high blood pressure.

ocular migraine or migraine

Although usually harmless and temporary, blurred vision, flashing lights, halos, or zigzag patterns are common symptoms before the onset of aocular migraineor migrañas.

(Video) Blurred Vision all of a sudden Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment-Dr. Sriram Ramalingam | Doctors' Circle

eye swimmers

Vision may be blurry or blurry from temporary spotsfloatingfloating in your field of vision. Floaters usually occur when the gel-like vitreous humor of the eye begins to liquefy as we age. As a result, tiny microscopic fragments of tissue in the vitreous float freely in the eye and cast shadows on the retina.

If you see a sudden rush of swimmers, it could indicate a crack orretinal detachmentand you should consult an ophthalmologist immediately.

Blurred vision after LASIK

Your vision may become fuzzy or fuzzy right after LASIK or another type of refractive surgery. The clarity of your vision usually improves within a few days, but it may take longer for your vision to fully stabilize.

eye drops and medications

Certain eye drops can cause irritation and blurred vision with repeated use. This is especially true of eye drops that contain preservatives.

Also, some medications, such as allergy pills, can cause side effects such as dry eyes and blurred vision. HisophthalmologistoOphthalmologistcan advise you if any of your medications may be causing your blurred vision.

Excessive use of contact lenses.

never usedisposable contact lenses(or indeed any kind of contact) for longer than your doctor has prescribed. This causes protein and other debris from the tear film to build up on the lens. This can cause blurred vision and increase the risk of eye infections.

keratoconus

About one in hundreds see blurry vision in one or both eyes due to a bulging cornea. This eye disease classically progresses during adolescence to the age of 20.

Cross-linking of the cornea can slow or stop progressive distortion. However, vision rehabilitation often requires special rigid contact lenses, including scleral lenses.

Blurred vision can be a symptom of serious eye problems.

Blurred vision and cloudy vision can also be symptoms of a serious eye problem, especially if they come on suddenly. Some of these serious eye problems can include:

diseases and diseases of the eyes

if suddenly you haveblurred vision in one eyeand are over the age of 60, you may have aMakulalochin the center of yourRetina.

Sudden blurred vision can also be a symptom of retinal detachment,herpes ocularooptic neuritis(inflammation of the optic nerve).

Certain eye conditions and diseases can lead to permanent vision loss. It is important to see an ophthalmologist for diagnosis and treatment if you suddenly experience blurred vision.

(Video) Mayo Clinic Minute: Blurry vision as you age

Cataract

Vision problems such as blurred or cloudy vision and glare and halos around lights at night can be symptomscataract.

If left untreated, cataracts can eventually worsen and affect vision, even leading to blindness.cataract surgeryconsists of replacing cataracts with artificial lenses. And it is very successful in restoring lost vision.

Glaucoma

blurred vision otunnel vision“they can be symptoms of advancedGlaucoma. Without treatment, vision loss continues and can result in permanent blindness.

Macular degeneration associated with age

Symptoms of this can include blurred vision and visual distortions that make straight lines appear wavy or broken.Macular degeneration associated with age(MY GOD). AMD is one of the leading causes of blindness in the elderly.

Diabetic retinopathy

If you have diabetes, unexplained blurred vision could be due to the onset of diabetes.Diabetic retinopathyDiabetic retinopathy is a vision-threatening disease that damages the retina of the eye.

Cardiovascular and other systemic diseases

Blurred vision, often associated with double vision, can be a symptom of an underlying health emergency, such as a stroke or brain hemorrhage. It can also be an early sign of multiple sclerosis. If you suddenly have blurred or double vision, see an ophthalmologist immediately.

When to see an ophthalmologist for blurred vision

If you have mild blurry vision that comes and goes, it could simply mean tiredness, eyestrain, or overexposure to the sun.

It could also mean that your vision needs an update. Or it could mean that you have developed a refractive error and need vision correction. If your blurred vision persists and doesn't improve with rest, time away from screens, and time out of the sun, it's time to see an ophthalmologist.

Sudden or persistent visual disturbances, such as blurred vision, double vision, tunnel vision, blind spots, halos, or blurred vision, may be signs of a serious eye condition or other health problem.

If you have sudden changes in your vision, including blurred vision, you should always seean ophthalmologist near youimmediately.

Page published on Monday, March 4,

Medically verified on Sunday, April 25, 2021

(Video) Common Eye Symptoms (Part 1): Blurred Vision, Cloudy Vision, Halos and Glare

FAQs

What is the best treatment for blurred vision? ›

The treatment of your blurred vision will depend on the cause. It might include eye drops, laser surgery or medicines. If you have blurred vision, you may need to wear glasses or contact lenses.

What is the number one cause of blurred vision? ›

A refractive error is a disorder that happens when the eyes can't focus images correctly. The term includes these conditions: astigmatism, farsightedness and nearsightedness. You can often correct these conditions with eyeglasses, contact lenses or surgery. Refractive errors are the most common cause of blurred vision.

What are systemic causes of blurred vision? ›

It may arise as a result of diabetic retinopathy, a retinal break or detachment, retinal vein occlusion and, occasionally, a posterior vitreous detachment or age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Also, consider it in trauma, subarachnoid or subdural haemorrhage, intraocular tumours and sickle cell disease.

Why is my vision blurry up close all of a sudden? ›

Eye Strain.

Focusing your eyes on something for extended periods can strain them. Too much screen time from using smartphones or computers, reading without sufficient light, and driving in poor visibility conditions can all cause eye strain, which may eventually lead to sudden blurred vision.

Which vitamin is good for eyesight? ›

Vitamin A and vision make potent allies. Carrots contain lots of beta carotene and Vitamin A, which can contribute to your eyes' health and may provide a fantastic source of eye vitamins for macular degeneration and cataracts. Good sources of Vitamin A and rhodopsin are also abundant in carrots.

Can blurry vision go away? ›

Most people will experience blurred vision at some point during their lifetime. In many cases, it will be temporary and will resolve itself without the need for any significant treatment. However, some people will need assistance to restore the clarity of their sight.

How do I know if my blurred vision is serious? ›

You should call 911 or your local emergency services and get immediate medical attention if your blurred vision comes on suddenly and you have any of these symptoms: severe headache. difficulty speaking. loss of muscle control on one side of your body.

What are the different types of blurred vision? ›

Blurred vision (refractive errors)

Nearsightedness (called myopia) is when you can see clearly up close but blurry in the distance. Farsightedness (called hyperopia) is when you can see clearly in the distance but blurry up close.

What neurological problems can cause blurred vision? ›

Causes of neurological vision loss
  • stroke or 'brain attack', where part of the brain is damaged by a haemorrhage or blockage in a blood vessel of the brain.
  • traumatic brain injury – for example, after a car accident or fall.
  • infection, such as meningitis or cytomegalovirus.

What neurological disorders can cause blurry vision? ›

Optic Nerve Disorders
  • Optic Neuropathies. Damage to the optic nerves can cause pain and vision problems, most commonly in just one eye. ...
  • Optic Neuritis. ...
  • Giant Cell (Temporal) Arteritis. ...
  • Chiasm Disorders.

What inflammatory diseases can cause blurred vision? ›

Other autoimmune conditions that can cause problems with vision and the eyes are: Sjogren's syndrome. Lupus. Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's and ulcerative colitis)
...
Some autoimmune diseases that commonly affect the vision and eyes are:
  • Rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Thyroid diseases.
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Mar 29, 2021

Can low vitamin D cause blurred vision? ›

Dry eyes could be a sign of vitamin D deficiency. When the eyes become dry as a result of low vitamin D levels, it may also become more difficult to produce tears. The eyes might feel gritty, sore or itchy and vision could become blurred. The eyes may also be more sensitive to light than normal.

Can dehydration cause blurry vision? ›

Eye strain such as tired eyes, blurred vision, headaches and double vision can also be caused by dehydration and result when the eye is not properly lubricated. Drinking plenty of water will help flush out salt in the body and properly hydrate your eyes to help reduce eyestrain.

Can high blood pressure cause blurry vision? ›

HBP can harm your eyesight in many ways

Blood vessel damage (retinopathy): A lack of blood flow to the retina leads to blurred vision or the complete loss of sight. People with diabetes and high blood pressure are at an even greater risk for developing this condition.

How can I fix my blurry vision naturally? ›

Natural treatments that could help blurry vision
  1. Rest and recovery. Human eyes are sensitive and need rest just like the rest of your body, so make sure you're getting enough decent sleep. ...
  2. Lubricate the eyes. ...
  3. Improve air quality. ...
  4. Stop smoking. ...
  5. Avoid allergens. ...
  6. Take omega-3 fatty acids. ...
  7. Protect your eyes. ...
  8. Take vitamin A.
Jun 11, 2021

Can vitamin D improve eyesight? ›

Vitamin D is also critical for eye health. From improving tear function to reducing the risk of macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma, vitamin D has a positive effect on eyesight in many ways.

How do I stop my eyesight from getting worse? ›

Tips to Prevent Vision Loss
  1. Your eyes are an important part of your health. ...
  2. Have a comprehensive dilated eye exam. ...
  3. Maintain your blood sugar levels. ...
  4. Know your family's eye health history. ...
  5. Eat right to protect your sight. ...
  6. Maintain a healthy weight. ...
  7. Wear protective eyewear. ...
  8. Quit smoking or never start.

How long does it take for a blurry eye to heal? ›

It may take several weeks for all the blurriness to resolve. It is important to not rub the eyes during the healing phase. The new cells have poor connections to the underlying tissue and can easily be rubbed off.

Does blurry vision mean tumor? ›

Blurry vision, double vision, and loss of vision are all associated with tumors, Schwartz says. You may also see floating spots or shapes—or what's known as an "aura."

What are 3 very common vision problems? ›

The leading causes of blindness and low vision in the United States are primarily age-related eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. Other common eye disorders include amblyopia and strabismus.

What autoimmune diseases cause blurry vision? ›

Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus are two of the more common autoimmune disorders that can affect the optic nerve. Patients with this condition typically have pain with eye movement, blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, and aren't able to see colors accurately.

Can mental stress cause blurred vision? ›

Mental stress can affect your eyes, and lead to visual distortions and even vision loss. Fortunately, most stress-related vision problems are temporary and will disappear as soon as you begin to relax.

Could vision problems mean that your brain is in trouble? ›

Experts agree visual health plays a key role in helping the brain function properly. “Blurry vision equals blurry brain,” said Dr. Lynn Greenspan, optometrist at The Eye Institute. “With bad input, the brain doesn't receive a complete picture and needs to work hard to fill in missing details.”

What does a neurologist do for eye problems? ›

Neuro-ophthalmologists specialize in visual problems related to the nervous system, including loss of sight due to injury to the brain or the optic nerves which transmit visual signals from the eyes to the brain. Such injury may be caused by trauma, inflammation, strokes, tumors, toxicities or infections.

Is blurred vision a symptom of arthritis? ›

Vision loss is a possible side effect of certain types of arthritis. Uveitis is often associated with psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and JIA.

Can blocked sinuses cause blurred vision? ›

Sinus problems such as chronic sinusitis can also cause blurry vision, vision loss and other problems due to optic nerve damage caused by chronic inflammation, although this is rare. In some cases, eye symptoms can be a sign of a sinus infection spreading to the eye, or other serious sinus infection complications.

What are the signs of lupus in the eyes? ›

Typical symptoms are irritated, gritty, scratchy, or burning eyes, a feeling of something in the eyes, excess watering, and blurred vision.

Can low magnesium cause blurry vision? ›

Severe visual loss and legal blindness, which may be caused by the induced hyperexcitability and toxicity of the NMDA receptors, have been observed in Mg-deficient (Mg-D) patients (12).

Which vitamin deficiency is most likely to lead to vision problems? ›

Vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining the eyes' photoreceptors— the light sensing cells. Without this vitamin, night blindness, dry eyes, or other severe ocular conditions can develop. Vitamin A deficiency is one of the most common causes of blindness.

Can B12 improve eyesight? ›

Vitamin B12 supports and promotes eye health

Vitamin B12 can help maintain and promote healthy eyesight. As we get older, many of us suffer from macular degeneration (loss of eyesight). In a study on 5 000 women over the age of 40, sufficient vitamin B12 intake was linked to 34-41% lowered risk of macular degeneration.

Does drinking water help your vision? ›

Drinking Water is Good for your Eye Health #WorldWaterDay

Your eye is surrounded by fluid, which protects the eye by washing away debris and dust every time you blink. Staying well hydrated is very important to maintain a healthy balance of fluid in the eye.

Does drinking water clear your eyes? ›

As a symptom of dehydration, the best treatment for dry eye is rehydrating by drinking plenty of water. Eye drops can also help alleviate the symptoms by lubricating the eye and washing away foreign materials. Tired eyes, blurred vision, headaches and double vision are all symptoms of eye strain.

Can low electrolytes cause blurred vision? ›

The combination of low blood pressure and an electrolyte imbalance due to dehydration can cause a headache, blurry vision, muscle weakness, and fatigue that may signal an impending fainting spell.

Can heart problems cause blurred vision? ›

Heart disease and other medical conditions, like diabetes and high blood pressure, can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, making it harder for your eyes to focus, resulting in blurred or altered vision. Reduced blood supply also starves the eyes of oxygen, affecting vision.

Can anxiety cause blurred vision? ›

When we are severely stressed and anxious, high levels of adrenaline in the body can cause pressure on the eyes, resulting in blurred vision. People with long-term anxiety can suffer from eye strain throughout the day on a regular basis. Anxiety causes the body to become highly sensitised to any slight movement.

What blood pressure medications can cause blurred vision? ›

Meds That Might Affect Vision
  • Alpha-blockers (for high blood pressure and enlarged prostate): Alfuzosin (Uroxatral and generic) and tamsulosin (Flomax and generic) ...
  • Antibiotics: Ciprofloxacin (Cipro and generic)
Jan 11, 2017

Are there eye drops that help with blurry vision? ›

VUITY® (pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution) 1.25% is a prescription eye drop used to treat age-related blurry near vision (presbyopia) in adults.

Can blurred vision go away? ›

Most people will experience blurred vision at some point during their lifetime. In many cases, it will be temporary and will resolve itself without the need for any significant treatment. However, some people will need assistance to restore the clarity of their sight.

Can I get my eyesight back to normal? ›

We can't correct our vision without professional help, and there's no quick-and-easy fix for eyesight problems. But with tools such as good nutrition and diet, you can still help your eyesight naturally and on your own. As always, please discuss with your eye doctor.

How can I make my vision 20 20 again? ›

How can you improve your vision to 20/20? In 2020 the American Optometric Association declared it was the “Year of the Eye Exam.” The simple answer is that eyeglasses, contact lenses or laser eye surgery can correct your vision to 20/20.

Can blurry vision be cured naturally? ›

Natural treatment for blurry vision

To give your eye the perfect rest and conditioning which they deserve, you can follow the 20-20-20 rule which states that you need to look at an object which is at least 20 feet away for a time period of 20 seconds on every time interval of 20 minutes.

What is the best fruit to improve eyesight? ›

Look to Fruits and Vegetables for Good Eye Health
Foods Rich in Antioxidants for Eye HealthAntioxidants Related to Eye Health
Red berries, kiwi, red and green bell peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, and juices made from guava, grapefruit, and orange.Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
5 more rows

How can I restore my vision naturally fast? ›

Blog
  1. Eat for your eyes. Eating carrots is good for your vision. ...
  2. Exercise for your eyes. Since eyes have muscles, they could use some exercises to remain in good shape. ...
  3. Full body exercise for vision. ...
  4. Rest for your eyes. ...
  5. Get enough sleep. ...
  6. Create eye-friendly surroundings. ...
  7. Avoid smoking. ...
  8. Have regular eye exams.
Dec 10, 2018

How do you reset your vision? ›

Eye Strain Fix #1: Reset Your Vision

“Resetting our eyes from close-up to far off gives them a rest and helps reset our focus,” says Dr. Veteto. The Mayo Clinic recommends the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes spent at a computer or device, turn your eyes toward something 20 feet away, for 20 seconds.

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