Blurry Vision: Common Causes and When to Seek Medical Help

Blurry vision can notably impact one’s life, making it hard for them to focus on objects, read, or go about daily tasks. It might come and go or persist, depending on the cause. Sometimes, it’s just a sign of tired or dry eyes, but in other cases, it could point to an underlying condition that needs attention. So, what causes blurry vision, and when should you be concerned? This blog breaks it down, covering common and less common causes, along with when it becomes important to consult a doctor. But before that, let’s look at symptoms that may come with blurry vision.

Symptoms that May Accompany Blurry Vision

Blurry vision often comes with other symptoms that can help identify the cause. Some are mild and temporary, while others may signal an underlying eye or health condition that needs attention. Paying attention to these signs can help determine when a simple fix, such as rest or hydration, is enough or when medical care is necessary.

Here are some symptoms that may accompany blurry vision:

Symptoms suggestive of a serious problem could be

• Pain: Moderate to severe pain, associated with blurry vision could indicate an underlying inflammation or infection and should be seen by an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
• Double vision (diplopia) : Seeing two images instead of one can point to eye muscle problems, nerve issues, or even neurological conditions like stroke.
• Redness and swelling in or around the eye: This could be due to a more severe infection such as cellulitis and needs to be addressed quickly

Other associated symptoms could be

• Eye strain or discomfort – A common issue after prolonged screen time, reading, or driving. It may cause soreness, dryness, or a burning sensation in the eyes.
• Headaches – Frequent headaches, especially those that come with blurry vision, may be linked to vision problems, migraines, or even high blood pressure.
• Light sensitivity (photophobia) – Discomfort in bright light may indicate an infection, inflammation, or migraines. Severe sensitivity should be checked by a doctor.
• Floaters or flashes of light – Small spots, streaks, or sudden flashes in vision could be harmless but may also suggest retinal detachment or other serious eye problems.
• Difficulty focusing – Struggling to switch focus between near and far objects might be due to refractive errors, ageing, or eye fatigue.

In the next section, we’ll go over some common reasons behind it and when it might be a sign of something more serious.

Possible Causes of Blurry Vision

Blurry vision can stem from a wide range of causes, ranging from temporary and minor issues to serious medical conditions. Below is a detailed breakdown of the possible causes:

Common Causes

These causes are often short-term and can be resolved with simple interventions or lifestyle changes:

• Dry Eyes: Insufficient tear production or poor tear quality, often caused by environmental factors like dry air, wind, or air conditioning. Other aggravating factors are allergies seen in change of season & eyelid infections such as blepharitis. Dry eyes can make vision appear hazy or fluctuating.
• Eye Strain: Prolonged use of digital screens (computers, phones, tablets) without breaks, or reading for extended periods in poor lighting. This can cause the eye muscles to fatigue, leading to temporary blurriness.
• Refractive Errors: Nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, or presbyopia (age-related difficulty focusing on close objects). These conditions occur when the eye cannot focus light properly on the retina.
• Improperly Fitted or Outdated Prescription Glasses/Contact Lenses: Wearing the wrong prescription, outdated lenses, or poorly fitted contact lenses causing discomfort or blurred vision. This can strain the eyes and make vision unclear.
• Fatigue or Lack of Sleep: Tiredness can lead to temporary blurriness, often resolving with rest. Sleep deprivation affects the eyes' ability to focus and maintain moisture.
• Allergies: Seasonal or environmental allergies causing eye irritation, redness, and swelling, leading to blurry vision. Allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander can trigger these symptoms.
• Eye Infections: Conjunctivitis (pink eye) or other infections causing inflammation and temporary vision disturbances. Bacterial or viral infections can lead to discharge, redness, and blurred vision.
• Exposure to Bright Light or Glare: Sudden exposure to bright sunlight or glare from screens or reflective surfaces can temporarily blurry vision until the eyes adjust.

Medical Conditions

These conditions often require medical diagnosis and treatment to address the underlying cause of blurry vision:

• Cataracts: Clouding of the eye's natural lens, leading to gradual blurry vision, often associated with aging. Cataracts cause light to scatter, making vision appear foggy or dim.
• Glaucoma: Increased pressure in the eye damaging the optic nerve, causing vision loss and blurriness, often without early symptoms. It can lead to peripheral vision loss if untreated.
• Diabetic Retinopathy: Damage to the blood vessels in the retina due to high blood sugar levels, common in people with diabetes. This can cause swelling, bleeding, or retinal detachment, leading to blurry vision.
• Macular Degeneration: Age-related deterioration of the macula (central part of the retina), leading to blurred or distorted central vision. It affects the ability to see fine details clearly.
• Migraines or Ocular Migraines: Temporary blurry vision, often accompanied by flashing lights or blind spots, usually resolving after the migraine subsides. Ocular migraines can cause temporary vision loss in one eye.
• Uveitis: Inflammation of the uvea (middle layer of the eye), causing redness, pain, and blurred vision. It can result from infections, autoimmune diseases, or trauma.
• Keratoconus: A condition where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape, distorting vision. This can lead to irregular astigmatism and difficulty focusing
• Pterygium: A benign growth on the eye's surface that can cause blurry vision if it covers the cornea. It is often linked to prolonged UV exposure.
• Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelids, often caused by bacterial infection or skin conditions like rosacea. It can lead to crusty eyelids, redness, and blurry vision.
• Corneal Abrasions or Scratches: Damage to the cornea's surface, often caused by injury or foreign objects, leading to pain and blurred vision until healed.

Serious Health Issues

These causes require immediate medical attention as they may indicate life-threatening conditions:

• Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Sudden blurry vision, often in one eye, accompanied by symptoms like weakness, confusion, or difficulty speaking. This occurs due to reduced blood flow to the brain or eyes.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS): An autoimmune disease affecting the nervous system, which can cause optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve) and blurry vision. MS disrupts communication between the brain and eyes.
• High Blood Pressure or Hypertension: Elevated blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision problems. Hypertensive retinopathy can cause blurry vision or even vision loss.
• Brain Tumors or Neurological Disorders: Tumors or conditions affecting the brain can pressure the optic nerve or visual pathways, causing blurry vision. Symptoms may include headaches, nausea, or balance issues.
• Retinal Detachment: A medical emergency where the retina pulls away from its normal position, causing sudden blurry vision, floaters, or flashes of light. This requires immediate surgical intervention.
• Hyphema: Bleeding in the front chamber of the eye, often caused by trauma, leading to blurry vision and pain. It can increase eye pressure and damage vision if untreated.
• Giant Cell Arteritis: Inflammation of the arteries in the head, which can cause sudden vision loss or blurriness, often in older adults. It is a medical emergency requiring prompt treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
• Optic Neuritis: Inflammation of the optic nerve, often linked to infections or autoimmune diseases like MS. It causes pain with eye movement and sudden blurry vision.
• Pituitary Gland Disorders: Tumors or abnormalities in the pituitary gland can press on the optic nerve, leading to blurry vision or vision loss, often accompanied by hormonal imbalances.

When to Consult a Doctor?

You should see a doctor if you experience:

• Sudden or severe blurry vision – A rapid change in eyesight, especially in one eye, could indicate a serious condition like a stroke or retinal detachment.
• Blurry vision with dizziness, confusion, or difficulty speaking – These symptoms may point to a neurological issue, such as a stroke, and require urgent medical attention.
• Persistent or worsening blurry vision – If vision problems don’t improve or get worse over time, an underlying eye condition like cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration could be the cause.
• Blurry vision after an eye injury – Any trauma to the eye, even if it seems minor, should be checked to rule out internal damage.
• Flashes of light, dark spots, or vision loss – Seeing sudden flashes, floaters, or losing part of your vision could mean a retinal problem that needs immediate treatment.
• Blurry vision along with headaches or eye pain – Severe pain or pressure in the eyes, especially with nausea or vomiting, may indicate conditions like glaucoma, uveitis or inflammatory orbital diseases.

If you have blurry vision, even if it comes and goes, but is accompanied by other symptoms, ALWAYS get a thorough eye examination by an ophthalmologist.

Outlook

Blurry vision isn’t always a cause for concern, but in some cases, it may indicate a more serious issue. Consult your ophthalmologist immediately if there is

• Acute loss of vision with or without pain
• Blurry vision with redness or pain/headache
• Blurry vision with dizziness, confusion, or difficulty speaking 

Occasional blurriness from tired eyes or dryness often improves with rest, but significant or ongoing changes in vision should never be ignored. If your eyesight has worsened, changed suddenly, or comes with other concerning symptoms, it’s important to get it checked without delay. At Max Hospital, eye specialists help assess your condition and provide the necessary care. If you’ve been experiencing unusual or persistent vision changes, book an appointment with an eye specialist today.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can certain medications cause blurry vision?

Though not very common, some medications can cause blurry vision as a side effect. This may be seen in some Anti-tubercular medicines like Ethsmbutol and certain eye drops. These drugs may affect tear production, pupil size, or how the eyes focus. If blurry vision starts after beginning a new medication, consult your doctor to discuss possible alternatives or adjustments.

2. Is blurry vision after waking up normal?

Blurry vision upon waking up is usually harmless and can be caused by dry eyes, fluid buildup in the cornea, or sleeping in a position that puts pressure on the eye. It typically clears up within a few minutes. However, if it persists or worsens over time, it could indicate an underlying issue such as diabetes, sleep apnea, or a neurological condition.

3. Can poor diet or vitamin deficiencies lead to blurry vision?

Yes, a lack of essential nutrients like vitamin A, B12, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids can affect eye health and lead to blurry vision. Vitamin A deficiency, for example, can cause night blindness and dryness, while low B12 levels may contribute to nerve damage affecting vision. Eating a balanced diet with leafy greens, fish, eggs, and dairy can help maintain good eye health.

4. Does wearing the wrong prescription glasses or contact lenses cause long-term damage?

Wearing the wrong prescription may cause eye strain, headaches, and temporary blurry vision, but it generally does not cause permanent damage. In children not wearing the proper prescription or not wearing glasses can lead to a rapid increase in power, so children need to have regular eye examinations, once they have been prescribed a power.

5. Can prolonged screen time lead to permanent blurry vision?

Prolonged screen time does not cause permanent damage but can lead to digital eye strain, which causes temporary blurry vision, dryness, and discomfort. Taking regular breaks, blinking often, and adjusting screen brightness can help reduce strain. If blurry vision persists despite these measures, an eye exam can rule out underlying issues.

6. Are there any home remedies to temporarily relieve blurry vision?

If blurry vision is due to eye strain or dryness, simple remedies can help. Blinking frequently, using artificial tears, and following the 20-20-20 rule (looking 20 feet away every 20 minutes for 20 seconds) can provide relief. Staying hydrated and resting the eyes also helps. However, if blurry vision is frequent or persistent, it’s best to see an eye specialist. Above all DO NOT self medicate!!