Common Causes of Blurred Vision and How to Repair It

Blurred vision happens commonly with age and for a number of different reasons. We notice it when objects seem hazy and out of focus. Typically, blurred vision is nothing more than a refractive (and correctable) error; it can even be triggered by tiredness,  too much sun or eye strain. But in some cases, hazy vision can implicate more serious matters.

What causes blurred vision?

• Farsightedness.  Ah!  A familiar,  non-threatening label.  That’s right,  a condition as common as farsightedness can limit the eye’s ability to focus on close-up objects. The solution?  Contacts,  eyeglasses,  or maybe something more permanent- refractive eye surgery.
• Age and close up images. Ever been around adults asking for their readers or joking about how they’ve reached the “can you get me my readers”  age?  Well,  that’s because this condition, presbyopia, naturally onsets after 40. The lens inside the eye hardens,  which makes it difficult to focus on up-close elements.  Reading glasses or progressive contact lenses can help,  but opting for a procedure like LASIK is very common.
• Irregularly shapes corneas, or astigmatisms. The irregularity of the cornea’s shape makes it difficult for light rays to land on one focal point on the retina,  which makes us see clear pictures. Astigmatisms can also be treated with glasses,  contacts or refractive procedures.
• Contact over wear.  Over wearing daily contacts can cause proteins and other debris to build up on the lens.  This can cause blurriness,  but worse,  it increases your risk of eye infection.  Swap those lenses!
• Pregnancy.  Hormonal shifts during pregnancy can cause the cornea to change shape and thickness, which can make images blurry.  Although it is common,  be sure to fill your doctor in on the vision change.
• Chronic dry eyes. This unfortunate syndrome comes with the blurriness symptom. Try artificial tear drops,  prescription medication or punctal plugs for relief.

What Are More Serious Implications of Blurry Sight?

Sudden changes, including blind spots or tunnel vision, or sudden onset blurriness can be indicative of more threatening blurred vision causes.  Be sure get in for an appointment right away to diagnose any of the following:

• Glaucoma
• Eye disease
• Cataracts
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Cardiovascular disease
• Macular degeneration

If you are experiencing temporary blurry vision, there’s likely no need for alarm, but you should still make an appointment with your optometrist. It’s always better to catch vision glitches in the early stages and find the fitting remedies. The Diamond Vision Atlanta center, GA serves the LASIK needs of our national and international clientele.