What Are The Most Common Causes of Blurry Vision In One Eye?

Blurry vision is the most common eye complaint that requires people to visit eye clinics. There can be several reasons that can cause blurry vision. Moreover, it can affect one or both the eyes. Read this blog to know about the common causes of blurred vision and what to do in case you are suffering from one.

Common Causes of Blurry Vision

Generally, blurry vision can occur due to the following causes-

Myopia-

Also known as nearsightedness, myopic patients are able to see near objects clearly but they have difficulty seeing objects that are placed far away. It can affect one or both the eyes. This is a common eye problem that people develop due to refractive error. The person can also have eye strain, headaches, and squinting along with a blurry vision.

Hypermetropia-

Also known as farsightedness, hypermetropic patients are able to see far objects clearly while they have difficulty seeing items placed close to them. Activities such as reading, stitching or knitting are difficult to perform for hyperopia patients. It can also cause eye strain and fatigue.

Astigmatism-

People with astigmatism have blurry vision for all distances, both far and near. This develops due to the irregular shape of the cornea that results in a refractive error. Irrespective of the fact that how far away the object is placed, the light rays are unable to focus on the retina hence, the vision is not clear.

Presbyopia-

People who are above 40 are more likely to have presbyopia. This is an eye problem that is caused due to age. With age, the eye is unable to function properly as the lens hardens. Hence, unable to focus the light rays properly, there is the reduced capabilities of the eye to focus on the viewed object.

Dry eye syndrome-

As the name suggests, this is the problem in which the eyes are unable to produce enough tears resulting in dryness of the eyes. Due to the dryness, the eye is scratchy which leads to blurred or fluctuating vision.

Wearing contact lenses for long periods of time-

Over-wearing of contact lenses is a common cause of blurry vision. Wearing contact lenses longer than the prescribed duration can result in the accumulation of proteins and other debris that can cause obstruction. This also increases the chances of getting eye infections.

Ocular migraines-

People suffering from ocular migraines have difficulty seeing properly when they have an episode. Also, the eyes get sensitive to light and there is the formation of zig-zag patterns or halos.

Pregnancy-

Pregnant women often complain of blurry vision along with a double vision. Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, the shape and thickness of the cornea changes that lead to blurred vision. Blurry vision is also a symptom of gestational diabetes or high blood pressure. Therefore, speak with the doctor to know regarding appropriate measures to take.

Uncommon Causes of Blurry Vision

Blurry vision is a common sign that can indicate an illness far more serious than the ones discussed above. Some other problems in the eye that can cause blurred vision are explained below-

Cataracts-

A cataract is the clouding of the natural lens of the eye that restricts light rays to reach the retina. In addition to blurry or cloudy vision, the individual also experiences additional symptoms such as glares and ‘halos’ around light sources at night. Experts from Pristyn Care recommend not delaying the treatment of cataracts. In the severe stages, the opaqueness of the lens can lead to complete blindness. Fortunately, there are several techniques available to get rid of cataracts.

Glaucoma-

People with glaucoma tend to suffer from ‘tunnel vision’ along with blurry vision. This is a complex eye condition in which the optic nerve gets damaged due to multiple eye disorders resulting in loss of vision. Unfortunately, there are no specific symptoms other than blurry vision which makes it difficult for patients to identify. Therefore, people over 30 years of age should go for periodic eye examinations.

Macular degeneration due to age-

Also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), this occurs as the individual ages. The macula is the center of the retina. The person experiences a gradual reduction in vision rather than sudden loss. The person is unable to see clearly as well as unable to make out the objects properly as straight lines appear wavy or bumpy.

Cardiovascular illness-

In case an individual develops double vision along with blurred vision, it indicates that he/she is suffering from a medical condition that can be fatal. Some of these conditions include stroke, brain hemorrhage or multiple sclerosis. Under such circumstances, emergency medical attention is recommended.

Diabetic retinopathy-

People suffering from diabetes are prone to several eye conditions. Diabetes results in the development of blood vessels inside the eye that can affect the retina. Often these blood vessels can burst and lead to hemorrhages inside the eye and lead to loss of vision. Although it is a serious condition, there are several treatment options including laser, intravitreal injections that can cure the condition.

Temporal arteritis-

In this condition, the arteries in the temples inflame. In some cases, there can be a complete loss of vision. Moreover, a person may have to suffer from chronic headaches.

Optic neuritis-

The inflammation of the optic nerve-nerve connecting the eye and brain- is known as optic neuritis. The main cause of the inflammation are- early multiple sclerosis or autoimmune conditions such as lupus or infection.

Additional Symptoms To Look Out For Along With Blurry Vision

On the basis of the underlying condition altering the vision, there can be some additional symptoms that the individual can develop. These symptoms help the doctors to identify the actual reason for blurry vision in one or both the eyes. In addition to blurry vision, you should look for the following symptoms.

Extreme sensitiveness to light, also known as photophobia
Headaches that don’t come down
Redness of the eyes
Feeling of nausea
Excessive pain in the eyes
Excessive strain on the eyes
Fatigue
Spots in front of the eyes as if mosquitoes are flying in front of the face
Drying of the eyes
Soreness of the eyes
Continued watering of the eyes
Continued discharge from the eyes
Whitening of the pupils
Trauma to the eyes

Also Read: What are Signs and Symptoms of Cataract?

Diagnosing The Cause of Blurry Vision

Once the doctor is certain of the symptoms the patient is experiencing along with blurry vision, they get to the diagnosis. The diagnosis for blurry vision entails an eye examination along with completing several visual tests. Furthermore, the doctor can ask the following questions related to the problem-

For how long has the blurred vision been troubling you?
Does the blurriness occur sometimes or is it permanent?
What kind of medicines are you taking currently?
Are you suffering from any medical condition?
Have you suffered any kind of eye injury in the past?

Conclusion

There are several causes that can lead to blurry vision. Blurry vision due to eye problems such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, etc. can be easily treated with the most advanced LASIK surgery. On the other hand, patients suffering from cataracts can consider cataract surgery. Both the surgeries are completed within an hour and a clearer vision is restored after a couple of hours. At Pristyn Care, you can opt for both LASIK and cataract surgeries. Book an appointment with our well-experienced ophthalmologists today.

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