Blurry Vision Could Be Due to One of These 5 Conditions...

Your vision can change a lot over the years, and it’s usually not for the better. A new prescription can fix the problem in most instances, but there are times when the cause is more than outdated glasses. You’ll want to see your doctor as soon as possible if you recognize any of these other potential causes of blurry vision. You may be suffering from symptoms of high blood pressure, high blood sugar, glaucoma, macular degeneration or an eye infection. Let's review some symptoms of these conditions that could cause blurry vision...

High Blood Pressure

Blurry vision can sometimes be the result of damage from high blood pressure. The excessive pressure can lead to tiny bleeds in the back of the eye, which can affect your vision. The bleed can cause fluid to build up beneath the retina. In some cases, this can leave scarring, which may permanently damage vision. If the bleeding occurs in areas that feed the optic nerve, it can cause optic neuropathy, which can lead to permanent vision loss. The most evident sign is distortions or tiny blind spots in your vision. This can be detected easily during an eye exam, so see a doctor as soon as possible if you notice similar symptoms.

High Blood Sugar

Many diabetics experience bouts of blurry vision. The problem occurs most commonly when blood sugar spikes too high, but it can also happen when levels become dangerously low. Your blurry vision could be caused by diabetes if you also experience excessive thirst and urination, extreme hunger, fatigue and weight loss despite eating more than usual. Diabetics also tend to heal slower, sometimes suffering from sores that need medical intervention to heal. They can also develop nerve damage in the extremities, which often manifests as pain, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet.

Glaucoma

Blurry or hazy vision sometimes occurs with glaucoma, a condition caused by drainage issues that lead to pressure build-up in the eyes. Left untreated, glaucoma can lead to blindness. You might have glaucoma if, in addition to your blurred vision, bright lights cause you to see rainbow-colored halos. Other symptoms include severe pain in and around the eye, headache, nausea and vomiting.

Macular Degeneration

Usually age-related, macular degeneration is a slow, progressive deterioration of the central vision. It doesn’t lead to total blindness, but can obstruct everything you try to look at directly. You may find it difficult to read or perform other tasks that require you to use your central vision.

People usually don’t notice there’s a problem until the progression is severe, but blurriness can be the first visual indicator. Other initial signs are dark spots and distortions in the central vision. You can check more carefully for these by using an Amsler grid, which will appear wavy or empty where your vision is damaged.

Infection

The most common eye infection people experience is conjunctivitis, which is caused by an infection in the mucous membranes that line and surround the eyes. It causes blurry vision, which can come along with pain, sensitivity to light, redness in the eyes and discharge.

Keratitis is an infection across the cornea that occurs most commonly in people who wear contact lenses. It’s usually bacterial or viral, with some cases associated with herpes simplex infections. Keratitis causes blurred vision with eye pain. In some cases, it can cause cloudy spots and pockets of pus. Keratitis is a medical emergency that can lead to blindness if not quickly treated.

Your eyes allow you to perceive the world in ways no other sense can, but they can also let you know when something’s wrong. Blurry vision is usually no more serious than an outdated prescription, but it can also be an important warning signal from your eyes about other serious underlying health conditions. Make sure to pay attention when the signs are telling you it’s time to see your doctor.

~ Here's to Your Health and Wellness