What Blurred Vision Could Be Telling You

Blurred vision can feel unsettling like your world has gone slightly out of focus. While it’s often just a sign you might need new glasses, sometimes it’s the first clue your body gives when something more serious is going on. Knowing when to rest your eyes and when to seek medical attention could make all the difference.

Here’s what causes blurred vision, how to tell what’s behind it, and when it’s time to take action.

Common Vision-Related Causes

Most blurred vision stems from refractive errors these are basic problems with how your eyes focus light. They include:

• Myopia (nearsightedness)

• Hyperopia (farsightedness)

• Astigmatism

• Presbyopia (age-related difficulty seeing up close)

These conditions are typically corrected with prescription glasses, contact lenses, or laser surgery. According to the American Optometric Association, nearly 150 million Americans use corrective eyewear for refractive errors.

Symptoms of Refractive Errors

• Blurry or hazy sight

• Glare or halos around lights

• Frequent squinting

• Headaches or eye strain

• Difficulty reading, especially in low light

When Blurred Vision Is a Warning Sign

Not all blurred vision is solved with a new pair of lenses. Sometimes, it’s your body’s way of signaling a deeper health concern.

Eye Strain

Too much screen time can leave your eyes dry, tired, and blurry. Symptoms include:

• Aching around the eyes

• Difficulty focusing

• Increased sensitivity to light

Solution: Follow the 20-20-20 rule every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Caused by infection or allergies, pink eye can lead to blurry vision due to discharge. It often resolves on its own, but bacterial cases may require antibiotic drops.

Uncontrolled Diabetes

High blood sugar levels can change the shape of your eye's lens, blurring your vision temporarily. Over time, diabetes increases the risk of conditions like diabetic retinopathy and macular edema. In fact, over 30% of people with diabetes develop some form of diabetic eye disease.

Blood in the Eye (Hyphema)

This occurs when blood pools between the cornea and iris, typically from injury or clotting issues. It can block vision and requires prompt evaluation.

Optic Neuritis

Inflammation of the optic nerve may cause:

• Blurred or dim vision

• Pain with eye movement

• Reduced color perception

Some cases resolve without treatment, but corticosteroids may be needed.

Uveitis

Inflammation of the middle eye layer (uvea) can lead to permanent damage if left untreated. Symptoms include:

• Redness

• Blurry vision

• Light sensitivity

• Floaters

Treatment often involves prescription eye drops or oral medications.

Retinal Detachment

A detached retina is a medical emergency. Early symptoms may include:

• Sudden floaters

• Flashing lights

• A shadow or curtain over part of your vision

Surgery is required to reattach the retina and preserve sight.

Stroke

Blurry vision especially when paired with facial drooping, slurred speech, or loss of balance may signal a stroke. Seek emergency care immediately. Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke, and vision changes are a common early sign.

Macular Degeneration

This condition causes central vision loss while peripheral vision remains intact. It’s especially common in older adults and is the leading cause of vision loss for Americans over 60. Treatments may slow its progression, particularly in the “wet” form.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, often without early symptoms. A sudden attack of angle-closure glaucoma can cause intense eye pain, nausea, and blurred vision. If not treated immediately, it can lead to permanent blindness.

When to See a Doctor

See an eye care provider if:

• Blurred vision comes on suddenly

• It's accompanied by pain, redness, or other new symptoms

• You have a health condition like diabetes or high blood pressure

• Your vision doesn't improve with rest

Regular eye exams are essential not just for updating your prescription, but for catching serious health issues early.

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