Blurred vision can be a sign of some eye problems. Regardless of the cause, treatment for eye conditions can help you see again. A sudden change in your eyesight is not standard and should be taken seriously. Read on to learn about some of the common causes of blurred vision. A blurry vision is one of the most common symptoms of astigmatism, and it can make everyday tasks difficult, so it is important to protect your eyes from blurry vision.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism affects the shape of the eye, which causes light to refract unevenly. This makes the light pass through the eye irregularly, causing blurry vision. It also increases the risk of keratoconus, which causes the cornea to become thin and cone-shaped. People with astigmatism may also suffer from eye strain and dry eyes, which can worsen the problem. If you notice the symptoms of astigmatism, visit your eye doctor to get a diagnosis.
Age-related macular degeneration
If you have blurry vision or a “wave-like” appearance in your vision, you may be suffering from age-related macular degeneration. The disease primarily affects the macula, the central part of the retina that helps us focus on fine detail. It does not affect peripheral vision.
Dry AMD is the most common form of age-related macular degeneration. Genetic and environmental factors are believed to play a role in its development. The macula begins to break down one cell at a time, eventually affecting one or both eyes. Loss of vision is gradual and usually not sudden. Age-related damage to the macula’s supporting membrane is also thought to contribute to the condition.
Cataracts
Cataracts can cause blurry vision because they distort light as it enters the eye. This can create a halo around objects or a ring around light sources. This can be incredibly annoying at night or in dim lighting. Some people with cataracts may also experience double vision. Sometimes the double vision may persist even after closing one eye.
A doctor can diagnose cataracts with a simple eye exam. The doctor will test your vision and use a slit-lamp microscope to look for problems in the lens and other parts of the eye. During the exam, the doctor may dilate the pupil to examine the back of the eye, which contains the retina and the optic nerve.
Conjunctivitis
Symptoms of conjunctivitis usually include red, watery eyes and mucous discharge. The redness may last a few hours or be constant. It may also be associated with pain. In some cases, it can lead to corneal inflammation. The best way to diagnose conjunctivitis is to see an eye doctor.
There are several treatments for conjunctivitis. Patients can try antibiotic eye drops or ointments. Ointments are preferred for young children and those who may have difficulty applying eye drops. They are usually applied inside the lower eyelid and spread with blinking. In both cases, vision may be blurry for as long as 20 minutes after treatment.
Concussion
Blurred vision is a common symptom after a concussion. Head trauma disrupts the pathways and connections in the brain that affect vision. Sometimes, this results in blurred vision and can lead to severe visual problems. A comprehensive eye examination can help determine if the problem is related to a concussion and determine if treatment is necessary.
The brain and eyes work together to create the vision, and the effects of a concussion can affect both. The brain can be injured during a sport or in an auto accident. The injury can cause problems with vision and other body functions. It is essential to seek medical care immediately if you are experiencing vision problems.
Optic neuritis
The first step in treating optic neuritis is determining what’s causing the symptoms. A comprehensive eye exam is recommended to determine the condition’s underlying cause. This will involve an assessment of visual acuity, side vision, and pupil reaction. In some cases, ophthalmologists may order blood tests and MRIs to confirm the diagnosis. Fortunately, most cases of optic neuritis will resolve independently, and most patients return to near-normal vision within six months.
This disorder usually begins with eye pain, and patients will notice blurred vision in the affected eye. The blurriness may appear as a “thumbprint,” or it may gradually darken the central part of the visual field. This condition may also affect the patient’s color perception. As a result, red objects will appear less vivid than average.