Blurry, unclear vision is a common eyesight complaint. Blurry
vision could just be a sign that your glasses or contacts prescription needs
updating, or it could be a sign of something more serious. Blurry vision can be
caused by a variety of conditions including the following:
Refractive Errors – For
many patients with blurry vision, the cause is a refractive error, meaning that
the lens in the front of the eye isn’t accurately focusing light on the retina
in the back of the eye. There are several different kinds of refractive errors,
each with similar but distinct symptoms:
- Myopia –
Commonly called nearsightedness, this refractive error occurs when light is
focused in front of the retina. With this condition, things nearby appear clear
and in focus, but become increasingly blurry as distance between the object and
the eye increases.
- Hyperopia
– Also known as farsightedness, this condition is the opposite of
nearsightedness. Hyperopia occurs when light is focused behind the retina,
causing vision to become blurry the closer an object gets to the eyes.
- Astigmatism
– This refractive error can be experienced in conjunction with myopia and
hyperopia. It is a condition in which the eye is shaped irregularly, similar to
a football, rather than a spherical shape, like a basketball.
- Presbyopia
– This condition affects many people as they age, usually starting in the
40s or 50s, and is the result of weakened muscles around that eyes that are
responsible for focusing light. Like astigmatism, this can occur on its own or with
other refractive problems. Simple reading glasses can typically correct the
issue, but when other refractory problems exist simultaneously, multifocal
lenses may be needed to correct them all at once.
Temporary Causes – There
are many causes of blurry vision that are temporary, only lasting a few months,
weeks, days or even moments.
- Dry Eyes
– Dry eyes can lead to irritation and discomfort as well as blurred vision. If
the surface of the cornea becomes too dry, it may not allow light to pass
through clearly, causing a blurring effect.
- Headaches
– Migraines or even brief headaches can affect the muscles that focus the eyes
as well as cause sensitivity to light.
- Medications
– Some pills and medicated eye drops can affect the vision, either by
weakening the muscles that focus the eye, or by depositing chemicals or
substances on the surface of the cornea.
- Laser Eye
Surgery – You may experience blurred vision immediately following any type
of eye surgery as the eye begins to heal. This is common and nothing to worry
about unless it persists for more than a few days.
- Allergies
– Seasonal or environmental allergies can affect the eyes making them feel
itchy, watery, appear red and blur vision.
- Contact
Lenses – The goal of contact lenses is to make vision clearer, not blurry.
However if the lenses aren’t handled properly, blurry vision may result.
More Serious Causes of
Blurry Vision
In rare cases, blurry vision may be a symptom of a more
serious underlying condition such as:
If you’re experiencing blurry vision in Boiling Springs, contact Palmetto Eye & Laser Center at 864-583-6381 or palmettoeyeandlaser.com to schedule an examination with one of our doctors.
