Why is my Vision Blurry?

Most people will experience blurred vision at some point during their lifetime. In many cases, it will be temporary and will resolve itself without the need for any significant treatment. However, some people will need assistance to restore the clarity of their sight. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available that can help, but exactly how to fix blurry vision will depend on the cause. Contrary to what some people believe, blurred vision doesn’t always mean that you need glasses. There may be a simpler reason as to why your eyesight is compromised which may be able to be rectified with a straightforward solution.
 

Here are some of the most common causes of blurry vision and what can be done to fix it.

 

Refractive Eye Error

Refractive eye errors are one of the most common causes of blurred vision. This occurs when the light that enters the eye isn’t refracted correctly and falls in front of or behind the retina, garbling the message sent up the optic nerve to the brain, causing the patient’s vision to appear distorted and blurred. Fortunately, there are a variety of solutions available for refractive eye errors. Glasses with prescription lenses are the most popular but contact lenses and laser vision correction surgery, which is largely permanent, are also very effective solutions.

 

Cataracts

Cataracts are most often seen affecting senior-age patients and are caused when the proteins that naturally occur in the eyes clump together, causing cloudiness that makes it difficult to see clearly. Many patients with cataracts liken the effect to looking through frosted glass. Cataracts develop slowly, and the only way to restore your vision is to have the clouded lens of your eye replaced with an artificial version. While this may sound complicated, cataract surgery is extremely common and very safe when carried out by an experienced professional.

 

Dry Eyes

Dry eyes or dry eye syndrome as it is also known, is often a chronic condition that is caused by a lack of natural lubrication on the eyes. This can be because the glands responsible for producing tear film aren’t working effectively, or because the fluid is draining too quickly. Dry eye causes a range of symptoms including stiff eyes and blurred vision. There are numerous treatment options, including eye drops, devices that block the drainage channels from your eyes, and thermal pulsation treatment. Your eye doctor will be able to advise you of the best treatment based on your individual needs.

Diabetes/Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetes is a very common health problem that occurs when the patient is no longer able to control their own blood sugar levels and is reliant on making dietary changes or taking medication in order to keep it stable. However, many people don’t realize that diabetes can also impact on your vision. This is because persistently high blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in your retina, causing them to leak fluid and blood and causing blurred vision. This is known as diabetic retinopathy and is a complication that can occur as a result of uncontrolled diabetes. If you are diabetic and experiencing blurred vision, prompt professional action, whether through injections or laser treatments, is necessary to prevent permanent damage to your vision. Your eye doctor will be able to advise you on which treatment is right for you.

 

Binocular Vision Dysfunction

Binocular vision dysfunction, or BVD, is a surprisingly common yet relatively unheard-of visual condition that is caused by the inability of the eyes to work in perfect synchronization with one another. When this happens, the patient’s brain tries to counteract the problem by working extra-hard to bring the objects being viewed into alignment. This can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms including blurred vision, headaches, eyestrain, dizziness and more. Fortunately, BVD can be treated, usually using special prescription lenses that make it easier to bring the eyes into alignment with one another and produce clear 3D images of the world around you.

If you are experiencing blurry vision, don’t delay in getting the professional support that you need to stop your eyesight from negatively impacting your life. Call our offices today to schedule a consultation.