Blurry Vision
Blurred vision is a term used to refer to the lack of sharpness of vision, making objects appear hazy or out of focus. People suffering from blurry vision are not able to see fine detail. Sharp vision is very crucial in everyday life as it helps in important tasks such as reading road signs while driving.
Blurred vision can occur in varied strengths, from mild blurring when looking at objects that are distant objects to extreme blurry vision when looking at both distant and near objects. Blurry vision can get so bad that it prevents you from carrying out your daily activities.
Causes of Blurry Vision
There are many factors or health conditions that could bring about blurry vision. The main ones are:
1. Refractive Errors
These include farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. These vision problems cause blurry vision when looking at near or distant objects, reading, or using the computer. This is typically corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
2. Cataracts
This is a condition in which the lenses in the eye get clouded. Initially, it may be impossible to detect any blurry vision. However, as the condition worsens, severe blurry vision will occur, significantly affecting your sight.
If you have had cataracts removed in the past, recurrence of blurry vision may be a result of posterior capsule opacity (‘secondary cataract’). The treatment plan for a visually significant cataract is surgery.
3. Epiretinal Membrane
This is a condition in which the lenses in the eye get clouded. Initially, it may be impossible to detect any blurry vision. However, as the condition worsens, severe blurry vision will occur, significantly affecting your sight. If you have had cataracts removed in the past, recurrence of blurry vision may be a result of posterior capsule opacity (‘secondary cataract’). The treatment plan for a visually significant cataract is surgery.
4. Keratoconus
Keratoconus is an eye condition in which the normally round cornea thins and gradually bulges into a cone-like shape, resulting in distorted vision, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision. It often starts in the teenage years and can progress over time. Early stages are usually managed with prescription glasses or soft contact lenses.
As it advances, specialized rigid gas-permeable lenses or scleral lenses help improve vision. In cases where vision cannot be corrected with lenses, procedures like corneal cross-linking strengthen the cornea, while a corneal transplant may be considered for severe cases. Regular monitoring by an eye specialist is essential.
5. Macular Degeneration and Holes
This is a condition in which the lenses in the eye get clouded. Initially, it may be impossible to detect any blurry vision. However, as the condition worsens, severe blurry vision will occur, significantly affecting your sight.
If you have had cataracts removed in the past, recurrence of blurry vision may be a result of posterior capsule opacity (‘secondary cataract’). The treatment plan for a visually significant cataract is surgery.
6. Pterygium
A benign growth may sometimes form on the surface of the eye. This is referred to as pterygium. In some cases, the growth may extend to the cornea’s centre into the line of sight. When it does, it distorts the shape of the cornea. Once this occurs, vision becomes blurry. When required, surgery is performed to remove the pterygium.
7. Eye Infection, Inflammation, or Injury
Eye infection/injury is a common cause of blurry vision. Eyelid and eyelash infections could also lead to blurred vision. Most eye infections and inflammations are treated medically.
8. Retinal Detachment
This is a serious condition that requires emergency attention. A detached retina can lead to various symptoms, ranging from blurry vision and floaters to more serious ones like blindness. Urgent retinal surgery is performed when retinal detachment is detected.
9. Retinal Vein Occlusion
This refers to a condition in which the blood vessels feeding the retina become blocked. This may lead to sudden blurred vision or even sudden blindness.
10. Vitreous Hemorrhage
This occurs when blood leaks into the vitreous gel in the eyes. Once this happens, light is blocked from entering the eye, leading to blurred vision. This condition may result from trauma or injury.
11. Diabetic Retinopathy
For those with diabetes, high levels of blood sugar may lead to damage to the retina. Once the retina is damaged, focusing of light is affected, leading to blurry vision.
Is Blurry Vision Treatable?
If you are experiencing blurry vision, visit an optometrist immediately. Blurry vision could be an indication of a more serious eye condition. At 360 Eyecare, our Toronto Eye Clinic Near Me offers comprehensive evaluations to ensure you get an accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.
Following a comprehensive eye exam, an optometrist will recommend the best treatment for your blurry vision. The treatment is largely based on the causes of blurry vision. For a closer look at other eye conditions that can affect vision, you can read about various eye problems and treatments
If you think you are experiencing blurry vision today, visit one of our optometrists at 360 Eyecare to get the proper diagnosis and treatment for your condition.
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