Blurry vision happens to everyone on occasion, but when it happens in just one eye, it may be alarming. Luckily, it often isn’t a medical condition and is a common condition. However, even if blurry vision is a normal occurrence for you, it's essential to have any vision problems examined by an eye doctor. Persistent or sudden blurry vision may be a warning sign of a life-threatening condition.
So, how do you know when it’s time to see your eye doctor? Continue reading The EyeDoctors Optometrist's guide to common causes of blurry vision in one eye.
Blurry vision is often accompanied by other symptoms that can help identify the underlying cause. Paying attention to these additional signs can guide you in seeking appropriate care. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and may develop gradually or appear suddenly. If you notice any of these symptoms alongside blurry vision, it’s important to consult an eye doctor as soon as possible. Some common symptoms you may experience include:
Headaches: Frequent and intense headaches may signal issues like migraines or eye strain.
Eye Pain: Discomfort or pain in the affected eye could indicate inflammation, infection, or even an injury.
Light Sensitivity: Sensitivity to light, or photophobia, often accompanies conditions like dry eye, corneal abrasions, or infections.
Floaters or Flashes of Light: These may be a sign of a serious problem, such as retinal detachment or vitreous changes.
Tearing or Discharge: Watery or sticky discharge can point to infections like conjunctivitis or dry eye syndrome.
Redness: Redness in the affected eye often accompanies inflammation or irritation caused by conditions like conjunctivitis or uveitis.
Distorted Vision or Halos: If you notice halos around lights or distorted shapes, it could be related to cataracts or corneal issues.
Blurry vision in one eye may not always be a cause for concern, but certain situations require prompt medical attention. Knowing when to seek professional help can protect your vision and ensure timely treatment. Here are a few causes of blurry vision in one eye that require an immediate appointment with your eye doctor.
The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped covering in the front of the eye and plays a vital role in focusing light and protecting the eye from debris. However, because it is exposed, it can be easy to scratch while doing your everyday routine, such as putting in contact lenses or rubbing your eyes.
This scratch is called a corneal abrasion, which leads to eye pain and blurry vision. Corneal abrasions can occur in a variety of ways, including contact lens wear, foreign objects entering the eye, accidental eye injuries, and even dry eye syndrome. If you believe you have a corneal abrasion, see your eye doctor as soon as possible. If left untreated, corneal abrasions can lead to eye infections or corneal ulcers, which can threaten your vision.
The retina is a thin, light-sensitive internal tissue lining the back of your eye that converts light into visual signals that the brain interprets as sight. Retinal detachment occurs when the retina spontaneously separates from its normal position, cutting off its blood supply and ability to function. This can occur randomly or develop gradually due to an underlying condition. When the retina detaches, it can no longer send clear signals to the brain, which can lead to shadows, vision loss, or blurry vision in one eye.
Flashes and floaters are a common early symptom of a detaching retina, but this condition can happen spontaneously without symptoms. Those at higher risk for developing this condition are those who experience:
High levels of trauma
Ocular degenerative conditions
Uncontrolled diabetes
Chronic inflammation
Recent retinal surgery
Family history of this condition
If you are experiencing symptoms of a detached retina, seek medical help immediately. Without prompt treatment, the lack of oxygen and nutrients can cause permanent damage to the retina, leading to irreversible vision loss.
This less common type of glaucoma is also a medical emergency due to its potential to cause permanent vision loss. It’s caused by blocked drainage canals in the eye, leading to a rapid buildup of pressure within the eye that can damage the optic nerve.
Angle-closure glaucoma often manifests suddenly and with severe symptoms. In addition to blurry vision, other symptoms include nausea and severe head and eye pain. Seek quick medical attention at an emergency room or from an eye doctor. Unlike the more gradual onset of open-angle glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma can cause vision loss within hours if left untreated.
In the United States, someone suffers from a stroke every 40 seconds. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to your brain is blocked. In addition to other physical symptoms, a stroke can cause blurry vision or vision loss in one or both eyes.
A stroke is a medical emergency. If you or a loved one are experiencing any of the symptoms of a stroke, call 911 for immediate medical assistance. Common symptoms of a stroke are:
Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
Confusion
Trouble walking
Blurry vision
Blurry vision is not always an emergency and can result from a variety of factors, ranging from temporary discomfort to more serious underlying conditions. Some causes are natural changes in vision that occur over time, while others may stem from external factors like medications or chronic eye conditions.
It’s common to experience changes in your vision as you age. These changes are often gradual and may be the result of common refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. While these conditions can impact your ability to see clearly, they are typically manageable with corrective eyewear or other treatments.
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye has an irregular shape, preventing light from focusing properly on the retina. This condition causes blurry or distorted vision at both near and far distances, often accompanied by headaches or eye strain.
Nearsightedness (myopia) is a condition that allows individuals to see close objects clearly but makes it difficult to see distant objects. This condition is caused by the eyeball being too long or the cornea having too much curvature, which prevents light from focusing directly on the retina.
Farsightedness (hyperopia) is the opposite of nearsightedness, causing difficulty seeing objects up close while distant objects remain clear. This occurs when the eyeball is too short or the cornea is too flat, causing light to focus behind the retina.
Blurry vision, whether sudden or gradual, is often the first sign of changes in your eyesight. If you notice you have blurry vision, schedule an eye exam at a nearby EyeDoctors location. You may need to start wearing glasses or contacts to restore clarity and comfort to your vision.
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or tears evaporate too quickly, to stay moisturized. This is a common condition that affects around 16 million people in the U.S., often leading to discomfort and vision problems when left untreated.
Dry eye can result from various factors, including aging, prolonged screen time, certain medications, or environmental conditions like wind and dry climates. For many people, over-the-counter solutions like artificial tears can provide quick relief. However, home remedies often don’t address the root cause of dry eye. The best way to manage your condition is by scheduling an appointment with your eye doctor, as they can provide customized treatment options.
The next time you experience blurry vision, be sure to evaluate the medications you are taking, as some drugs can have side effects that affect your eyesight. Some common medications that can affect vision include antihistamines, antimalarials, corticosteroids, and antipsychotics.
Those with glaucoma or diabetes are at higher risk of having a medication with vision affecting side effects. These conditions can make the eyes more sensitive to changes caused by certain drugs. Ask your doctor or a pharmacist if a medication you are using can cause blurry vision. If you suspect a medication is affecting your vision, don’t stop taking it without consulting your healthcare provider. They can help adjust your prescription or recommend alternatives that are safer for your eyes.
Macular degeneration is a disease that affects the vision in the middle of your eye. This condition becomes more common with age. About 11 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with wet or dry macular degeneration.
The dry version, in which the eye’s light-sensitive cells gradually break down, usually occurs first. It causes blurry central vision or difficulties seeing in low-light environments.
It’s estimated that 10% to 15% of dry macular degeneration cases will develop into wet macular degeneration. This condition is caused by blood vessels in the eye leaking, leading to blurry central vision in one eye and potentially permanent vision loss.
Blurry vision in one eye can be a symptom of a variety of conditions, some common and easily handled and others requiring immediate medical attention. Regardless of your symptoms, it’s recommended to visit an eye doctor as soon as you notice blurry or low vision, as it may signal a condition that needs immediate treatment to avoid long-term vision loss.
No matter what is causing your vision loss, your eye doctor can help you find the best treatment options for your unique situation. Prompt intervention can help prevent the development of more harmful conditions, ensuring your vision remains clear and healthy for years to come. If you’re experiencing blurry vision in one eye or want to discuss your eye health with an expert, schedule an eye exam with The EyeDoctors Optometrists today.