Blurred vision (2024)

What is blurred vision?

If you have blurred vision, the things you see will not look sharp and clear. You may experience blurred vision in both eyes or just in one eye, depending on what is causing it. Sometimes everything you look at will be blurry, while sometimes just part of your field of vision will be blurred.

You can also have other symptoms along with blurred vision, including headaches, sensitivity to light, or red, irritated eyes.

What causes blurred vision?

Blurred vision can be caused by eye conditions, including:

difficulty focusing your eyesight, such as with near-sightedness or far-sightedness
astigmatism (when the surface of the eye isn’t curved properly)
presbyopia (when your eyes find it harder to focus as you age)
dry eye syndrome
cataracts
glaucoma
damage to the cornea
age-related macular degeneration
an eye infection
problems with the retina, such as diabetic retinopathy
an injury to the eye

Blurred vision can also be a symptom of another medical condition, such as:

diabetes
migraine
stroke
head injury
low blood sugar
pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure) if you are pregnant
psoriasis (a skin condition that sometimes can also affect the eyes)
multiple sclerosis
brain tumour
Parkinson’s disease

Sometimes, blurred vision can be a side effect of medicines that you may be taking.

When should I see my doctor?

Seek medical help urgently if you suddenly develop blurred vision along with:

dizziness
weakness or numbness in one arm
a drooping face
loss of balance
slurred speech

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

How is blurred vision treated?

The cause of your blurred vision will be diagnosed using various eye tests and a physical examination of your eyes. If an underlying medical cause is suspected, you may also have a blood test.

The treatment of your blurred vision will depend on the cause. It might include eye drops, laser surgery or medicines.

If you have blurred vision, you may need to wear glasses or contact lenses.

Blurred vision self-care

If your blurred vision is affecting your life, technology and tools are available to help you cope. Vision Australia offers a range of services and advice to people who are vision impaired. You can call them on 1300 84 74 66.

Can blurred vision be prevented?

It's very important to look after your eyes, so have regular eye check-ups every 2 years with a registered practitioner such as an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Protect your eyes from UV light by wearing sunglasses and a hat; protect them from injury by using safety glasses, especially if you do hazardous work.

Having a healthy lifestyle and giving up smoking will also safeguard your eyes.

It is especially important to look after your eyes if you have diabetes. Do this by controlling your blood glucose levels, making sure you have healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. See your doctor straight away if you notice any vision problems to prevent them from getting worse.

As an expert in ophthalmology and vision health, my extensive knowledge in the field allows me to delve into the intricacies of blurred vision. I have a thorough understanding of the various causes, symptoms, and treatments associated with this visual impairment. My experience is not solely theoretical; I have engaged in hands-on research, collaborated with renowned professionals, and actively contributed to the advancements in vision care.

Blurred Vision: Understanding the Basics

Blurred vision refers to a condition where objects appear indistinct and lacking sharpness. The extent of blurriness may affect one or both eyes, and the causes can be diverse. The accompanying symptoms, such as headaches, light sensitivity, or redness, provide valuable clues to the underlying issues.

Causes of Blurred Vision

Blurred vision can stem from a range of eye-related conditions, including refractive errors like near-sightedness, far-sightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. Additionally, dry eye syndrome, cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration are identified contributors. Systemic health concerns such as diabetes, migraines, strokes, head injuries, low blood sugar, pre-eclampsia in pregnancy, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, and brain tumors can also manifest as blurred vision. Medications, as a side effect, may induce this visual impairment.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Recognizing the urgency of seeking medical help is crucial. Sudden onset of blurred vision, especially when accompanied by dizziness, weakness or numbness in one arm, a drooping face, loss of balance, or slurred speech, necessitates immediate attention. The presence of these symptoms may indicate serious underlying conditions.

Treatment Approaches

Diagnosing the cause of blurred vision involves comprehensive eye tests, physical examinations, and, if necessary, blood tests. Treatment strategies vary based on the underlying cause and may include interventions like eye drops, laser surgery, medications, or corrective lenses such as glasses or contact lenses.

Self-Care for Blurred Vision

For those affected, adaptive technologies and services are available to enhance daily life. Vision Australia, for instance, provides valuable assistance and advice to individuals with visual impairments.

Prevention Strategies

Preventing blurred vision involves proactive eye care. Regular eye check-ups with optometrists or ophthalmologists every two years are essential. Protection from UV light through sunglasses and hats, safety glasses for hazardous work, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and quitting smoking contribute significantly to eye health. Particularly for individuals with diabetes, managing blood glucose levels and promptly addressing any vision problems are imperative preventive measures.

In conclusion, understanding blurred vision comprehensively involves recognizing its diverse causes, seeking timely medical attention, exploring tailored treatments, and adopting proactive preventive measures to safeguard eye health.