Do you have trouble seeing fine details? Blurred vision can result from refractive errors, cataracts, macular degeneration, retinopathy, and many other abnormalities. Cloudy vision can happen in one or both eyes. It’s up to you to give your eyes the treatment they deserve.

The causes and treatment can vary from person to person. In this guide, you can take a quick look at blurry vision and what that means for your eye health.

Importance of Eye Health

Your eyes are a key component of your overall health and well-being. They give you the ability to see. If you don’t take good care of them and suffer from health issues, there is a possibility that your eyes could get irreparably damaged.

For example, eye diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts, are mainly influenced by aging and genetic predisposition. But some lifestyle choices, such as neglecting your eye care, could potentially exacerbate or contribute to the progression of these conditions. Untreated diseases can lead to vision loss, blurred vision, or blindness. [1] [2]

When you take care of your eyes, you don’t just avoid permanent damage, you also get superior front-line sensors that can keep the body alert to any indicators that are a sign of an underlying health problem. In other words, the eyes can provide a quick insight into your overall health.

For example, the blood vessels in the eyes can provide a window to your cardiovascular system. Conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can lead to changes in the blood vessels. A simple eye exam can help detect these changes. [3]

What is Blurred Vision?

Blurred vision means you can’t see fine details. Therefore, when you try to focus on a certain object or the face of someone close to you, it is difficult to discern details clearly. Blurry vision in one eye happens when there is no sharpness or clarity in your vision. It feels like someone has put a filter over your eyes, and you can’t see clearly. This kind of blurriness, however, doesn’t go away after you blink. It is a consistent problem that can affect your daily life.

What Causes Blurred Vision?

Approximately 4.2 million people in their 40s or over in the United States are visually impaired. Blurry vision is a common problem. Many factors can lead to blurred vision. Some of the most predominant causes include: [4] [5]

  • Refractive anomalies (i.e. far-sightedness, near-sightedness, or astigmatism)
  • Inflammation of the retina
  • Retinal damage (i.e. diabetic retinopathy)
  • Clouding of the lens (Cataracts)
  • Scratches to the cornea
  • Eye injury or trauma
  • Age-related macular degeneration
  • Clouding or scarring of the cornea
  • Inflammation of the optic nerve
  • Severe headache (Migraine)
  • Stroke

Blurred vision caused by eye conditions

Your vision can turn blurry if you have cataracts, retinopathy, or corneal abnormalities. Blurred vision caused by eye conditions specifically pertains to visual impairment resulting from issues directly related to the structures of the eye. This can include problems like refractive errors.

Blurred vision from medical conditions

Blurred vision from medical conditions encompasses visual disturbances that arise due to broader health issues affecting the body as a whole. These can be systemic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or neurological disorders.

The medications you are taking could also affect your eye health. Some medications, like antidepressants, sulfa antibiotics, and oral contraceptives, are known to cause side effects that lead to distorted vision. [6] [7] [8]

What Causes Blurred Vision to Begin Suddenly?

Sudden blurry vision in one eye or both eyes is typically triggered by a single event, such as a detached retina, transient ischemic attack (TIA), or stroke. But other factors can also cause your vision to turn blurry out of nowhere.

Some people can experience sudden vision blurriness after suffering from concussion, eye inflammation (endophthalmitis), angle closure glaucoma, or wet macular degeneration. Migraine, or blurry vision, can also cause sudden eye problems.

On another note, can dry eyes cause blurry vision? Dry eyes can cause scratchy or gritty-like sensations in the eyes. As a result, the eyes might water a lot, which can make the vision blurry.

It is crucial to talk to an optometrist or ophthalmologist to find the specific underlying cause. [9]

What Are the Symptoms of Blurred Vision?

People with blurred vision will see blurred faces or images with little to no detail. It is much harder to see a clear scene or a face without prescription glasses or contact lenses. [10]

Some of the most classic symptoms of distorted vision are:

  • Difficulties recognizing faces or fine details
  • Problems reading small print
  • Trouble performing tasks that require a close-up focus
  • Haziness
  • Lack of sharpness in the visual field
  • Persistent or sudden blurred vision

Age-Related Vision Problems

If neglected, common age-related eye problems like cataracts, refractive errors, open-angle glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy can cause visual impairment in seniors.

Older people who neglect their eye health may struggle with everyday tasks and have poor mental health. Also, older patients with blurred vision are more likely to sustain hip fractures from trips and falls, battle depression, and experience a lower quality of life. [11]

Good Vision Tips

Blurred Vision Prevention Tips

You can keep your eyes in good health if you follow a couple of preventive strategies. The tips below can help: [12]

  • Keep your blood sugar stable
  • Have regular eye exams
  • Stay healthy
  • Wear sunglasses or protective eyewear
  • Stop smoking
  • Reduce screen time
  • Wash your hands before using contact lenses
  • Eat nutritious foods every day

You can also add Top Eye Health Supplements to your daily routine. Products such as these can safeguard against blurry vision. They allow you to take a proactive step toward maintaining crystal-clear vision and preventing future issues.

How Is Blurred Vision Diagnosed?

Healthcare experts can pinpoint the reason behind your blurry vision. They will do a series of eye tests and a thorough examination. If they suspect an underlying medical issue, they may suggest additional blood testing.

How Is Blurred Vision Treated?

How doctors treat the blurriness depends on what’s causing it. Most of the time, they may recommend eye drops or prescribed medication. But if the health issue is worse and requires immediate action, then laser surgery may be the best alternative. [13]

Frequently asked questions

Is blurred vision serious?

It depends. If the blurriness is temporary, like from fatigue or eye strain, then there is nothing to worry about. But if the clouded vision persists or appears suddenly, it is best to get proper medical attention.

How long can blurry vision last?

Sometimes the blurred vision is temporary. At other times, it can persist for a couple of weeks at a time. If you recognize the signs, wait a week and then consult with a specialist.

Can stress cause blurry vision?

Absolutely. When we find ourselves under immense stress and anxiety, elevated levels of adrenaline in our system can exert pressure on the eyes. This can lead to a blurred vision experience that many of us can relate to.

How to improve eyesight?

Eat a balanced diet rich in fish, leafy greens, and fruits. If your diet is not healthy enough, consider using supplements, like the Ocuvital vision support supplement. Be physically active and wear eyewear that protects the eyes while you do housework, gardening, home repairs, or play sports. It’s best to wear sunglasses with 100% or 99% UVB and UVA protection.

Conclusion

Blurred vision is a common visual impairment that can affect people of all ages. It is characterized by a loss of sharpness and clarity in eyesight, making objects appear fuzzy or out of focus. This condition can be caused by various factors. It may be a symptom of an underlying eye problem or disease.