Understanding Blurred Vision: What are the Common Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options?

Blurred vision is a concern shared by people of all ages. It can affect anyone, and can reveal itself as a loss of sharpness or clarity, making objects appear hazy or out of focus. It is important to remember that while occasional blurriness may not always be due to health related issues, persistent or sudden blurred vision may be a sign of an underlying condition. This blog explored the common causes of blurred vision, the associated symptoms and treatment options available. 

What is blurred vision?

Blurred vision is a symptom that can affect either one or both eyes. It can be a result of various factors. These include refractive errors, eye diseases, or systemic health conditions. There is no timeline for how quickly blurred vision can develop, but in cases which it occurs suddenly immediate medical attention is necessary.

Common Causes of Blurred Vision

1. Refractive Errors 

   1. Myopia (nearsightedness): A difficulty in seeing distant objects clearly.

   2. Hyperopia (farsightedness): Issues with focusing on nearby objects.

   3. Astigmatism: Blurred or distorted vision due to an irregular shaped cornea.

   4. Presbyopia: Age-related difficulties with focusing on nearby objects, often beginning after 40 

Treatment: Corrective lenses such as glasses or contact lenses. It is typically an individual choice to undergo refractive surgery such as LASIK.

2. Dry Eye Syndrome

   1. Dry eyes occur when the eyes fail to produce enough moisture or

   2. There is an imbalance in the composition of the tear film due to an eyelid condition

These can lead to discomfort and blurriness. Common causes of this include environmental factors, prolonged screen time, pre-existing conditions and certain medications.

Treatment: Artificial tears, lifestyle changes, or specialised treatments like punctal plugs or prescription medication.  

3. Cataracts

Cataracts develop when the natural lens in the eye becomes cloudy, leading to gradual blurriness and vision loss. This is particularly common in older adults. 

Treatment: Surgery to remove the affected cataract and replacement with an artificial lens.

4. Glaucoma

Glaucoma can result from either an increase in pressure within the eye or due to a lack of blood flow, damaging the optic nerve. It often begins without any noticeable symptoms but can lead to blurred vision and eventual loss of vision if left untreated.

Treatment: Eye drops, oral medications, laser treatment, or surgery to reduce eye pressure.

5. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD affects the macular, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp vision. It is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults, and may cause blurred or distorted central vision. It can either be wet AMD or dry AMD or both, and each has its own treatment.

Treatment:

• Wet AMD treatment is widely available and with the NHS, this consists of anti-VEGF injections in the eye on a regular basis.

• Dry AMD treatment has not been available until very recently and still unavailable with the NHS, but photobiomodulation therapy has shown meaningful results (such as Valeda photobiomodulation, available at EyeMedics). Nutritional supplements are often advised also. 

6. Diabetic Retinopathy

High blood sugar levels can cause damage to the retina’s blood vessels, leading to changes in vision including blurriness. Diabetic retinopathy often progresses undetected, so those with diabetes should always have regular eye exams.

Treatment: Injections, surgery, laser therapy all possible treatment options. Strict blood sugar control should be used in conjunction with these. 

7. Eye infections or Injuries

Conditions such as conjunctivitis or corneal abrasions can lead to temporary blurriness. Trauma to the eye or foreign objects in the eye may also affect vision.

Treatment: Antibiotics for infections, specialised treatment for any injuries and removal of any foreign objects. Scratches to the cornea will resolve themselves within a few days.

8. Neurological Conditions

Neurological issues such as migraines, strokes or multiple sclerosis (MS) can sometimes lead to blurred vision. These would normally appear alongside other symptoms such as headaches, dizziness or numbness, but this is not exhaustive list.

Treatment: This depends heavily on the underlying cause, but lifestyle changes, therapy and medications may be helpful.

Symptoms Accompanying Blurred Vision  

While blurred vision may appear by itself, it could also appear along with other symptoms. These include:

• Eye redness or irritation

• Light sensitivity

• Headaches

• Migraines

• Floaters

• Flashes of light

• Dizzness 

• Balance issues

If you experience sudden blurred vision alongside slurred speech, difficulty moving, or severe headaches seek medical attention immediately.

When to seek medical attention

Blurred vision is not always cause for concern, but there are scenarios which are more severe than others and require you to seek the opinion of an eye care professional. These include:

• Sudden onset of blurred vision

• Blurred vision accompanied by pain in the eye, redness or swelling

• Changes in vision that do not resolve themselves after hydration or couple of days of rest

• Blurriness that affects daily activities

Preventing Blurred Vision

There are some things that you can do to maintain eye health and reduce the risk of blurred vision. These are:

• Follow a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins

• Schedule regular eye exams, particularly if you have a family history of eye disease

• Protect your eyes using sunglasses or safety goggles when applicable

• Manage chronic illnesses such as hypertension or diabetes

• Take breaks during prolonged screen use to reduce eye strain

Concluding Remarks

Blurred vision can be a result of a wide variety of factors. Some of these are easily treatable, such as refractive errors, whereas others warrant more concern. For example, serious conditions like glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy. It is essential that you understand the underlying cause of your blurred vision to ensure effective management and treatment.

If you notice changes to your vision, it is important to consult an eye care professional quickly to protect your eye-sight and overall wellbeing, and ensure the best possible outcomes.

For more information or if you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help. Schedule a consultation with our experts at EyeMedics.