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Causes of Blurred Vision

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Causes of Blurred Vision

Causes of Blurred Vision

Blurred vision is an important visual problem that directly affects daily quality of life. Difficulty seeing objects clearly, blurry text, inability to fully focus on near or distant objects, light sensitivity, and eye strain are common accompanying symptoms. Blurred vision may develop due to a wide range of causes from simple refractive errors to serious retinal diseases. Since deterioration in visual quality may be an early sign of eye health problems, it should always be taken seriously. In particular, if blurring begins suddenly and progresses quickly, an eye specialist should be consulted without delay. At this point, Op. Dr. Diclehan emphasizes that although blurred vision may sometimes be due to harmless causes, in some cases it may be a sign of serious conditions that can lead to vision loss.

How Does Blurred Vision Occur?

The eye is a highly complex organ that transmits images to the brain through the coordinated functioning of multiple structures. The clarity of vision depends on the transparency of the cornea, the structure of the lens, the health of the retina, the function of the optic nerves, and the balance of intraocular pressure. Any problem involving these structures may cause images to be perceived as blurred. Therefore, understanding the cause of blurred vision is essential for determining the correct treatment. According to Op. Dr. Diclehan, early diagnosis plays a critical role in preventing permanent loss of vision.

Common Refractive Errors That Cause Blurred Vision

Myopia (Nearsightedness)

In myopia, distant objects appear blurry while near objects are clearer. Because the eyeball is longer than normal or the cornea is too curved, light focuses in front of the retina. Myopia usually starts in childhood and may progress during adolescence. High myopia increases the risk of retinal tears and detachment. Patients often notice more blurring at night or when using digital screens.

Hyperopia (Farsightedness)

In hyperopia, the eye is shorter than normal or the cornea is too flat, causing light to focus behind the retina. It most commonly affects near vision and may cause eye strain and headaches, especially during reading. In children, untreated hyperopia may lead to lazy eye.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea has an irregular curvature. Light cannot focus at a single point, causing blurring both at near and far distances. Images may appear shadowed or doubled. Astigmatism may also cause headaches due to constant focusing effort.

Presbyopia

Presbyopia is an age-related condition where the natural lens loses elasticity, leading to difficulty focusing on near objects — usually after age 40.

Eye Surface Disorders

Dry Eye

Dry eye is increasingly common due to prolonged screen use. An unstable tear film reduces visual clarity and causes burning, stinging, foreign-body sensation, and intermittent blurring.

Corneal Abrasions

Even small scratches on the cornea may distort vision and cause pain, tearing, and redness.

Allergic Eye Diseases

Allergies may cause itching, watering, redness, and blurred vision — especially during pollen seasons.

Lens-Related Causes

Cataract

A cataract occurs when the eye’s natural lens loses its transparency, making vision cloudy or hazy. Aging is the most common cause, but diabetes, trauma, long-term steroid use, and UV exposure may also contribute. Surgery is the only definitive treatment when cataracts progress.

Lens Dislocation

Displacement of the lens due to trauma or structural weakness may cause sudden and severe blurring.

Retinal Causes

Retinal Tear

A tear in the retina interferes with normal vision and may be accompanied by flashes of light and floaters. If untreated, it may progress to retinal detachment.

Retinal Detachment

This is a medical emergency where the retina separates from underlying tissue, leading to rapid vision loss and a curtain-like shadow.

Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration affects central vision, making reading and face recognition difficult.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetes may damage retinal blood vessels, causing bleeding and swelling that leads to blurred vision. Regular eye examinations are essential in diabetic patients.

Retinal Vascular Occlusions

Sudden blockage of retinal blood vessels may cause sudden-onset blurring.

Optic Nerve Disorders

Optic Neuritis

Inflammation of the optic nerve causes blurred vision, color vision loss, and pain with eye movement. It may be associated with neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is caused by damage to the optic nerve, usually due to elevated eye pressure. It may progress silently and cause irreversible vision loss if untreated.

Systemic Diseases and Other Causes

  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Migraine aura
  • Eye infections (uveitis, keratitis, conjunctivitis)
  • Medication side effects
  • Eye trauma
  • Severe fatigue, stress, or sleep deprivation

How Is Blurred Vision Diagnosed?

Diagnosis requires a comprehensive ophthalmological examination, including

  • Visual acuity testing
  • Dilated retinal examination
  • Corneal topography
  • Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
  • Eye pressure measurement

Tests are selected according to the patient’s symptoms and condition.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause and may include

  • Glasses or contact lenses
  • Laser vision correction
  • Artificial tears
  • Cataract surgery
  • Retinal laser or injections
  • Antibiotic or antiviral drops
  • Surgery for emergency retinal or traumatic problems

Blurred vision may result from causes ranging from mild refractive errors to serious retinal diseases. Whether the blurring is sudden or progressive provides important diagnostic clues. Therefore, anyone experiencing blurred vision should be evaluated by an eye specialist. Op. Dr. Diclehan emphasizes that early diagnosis greatly reduces the risk of vision loss and recommends regular ophthalmologic check-ups.