Blurry vision is a condition that affects the ability of the eyes to see objects clearly. An individual suffering from blurry vision often feels like their eyes are covered, creating a rough representation of objects. It is an eye condition that can compromise the vision of an individual. threatens the vision of the victim.
Sudden blurry vision can be caused by dry eye or medical conditions like diabetes, glaucoma, stroke, cataracts, and eye injuries. These factors can cause sudden blurry vision, and immediate treatment is required to avoid permanent vision loss.
According to the National Institute on AgingTrusted Source, aging also causes blurry vision, and it can also sometimes be the result of an underlying health condition.
What Is Blurred Vision?
Blurred vision, or blurry vision is a condition that affects the ability of your eyes to clearly and sharply. If you have to squint your eyes to bring things into focus, odds are incredibly high that you have a blurry vision. This condition worsens over time. Depending on the cause, you may experience sudden blurry vision in one or both eyes.
What Are The Symptoms Of Blurry Vision?
Different symptoms accompany sudden blurry vision, and they include:
- Constant headaches
- Double vision, tunnel vision, blind spots, or halos (light spots) and other vision impairments
- Light sensitivity or flashing lights
- Itchy eyes or red eyes
What Are The Causes Of Blurry Vision?
Sudden blurry vision is caused by different conditions, and they include:
1. Detached Retina
This is when the retina tears away from the back of your eye and gets disconnected from its blood and nerve supply. A detached retina is usually the result of aging or an eye injury. It can also be a complication of diabetes, disrupting the flow of blood to the eye.
2. Stroke
Sudden blurry vision in one eye or both eyes can occur as a result of stroke, which messes with parts of the brain responsible for vision. A stroke that causes face drooping, and severe headaches with no known cause can affect the eye, and cause blurred or lost vision in only one eye.
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is also a kind of stroke that can lead to sudden blurry vision. This stroke lasts for less than 24 hours.
3. Wet Macular Degeneration
Wet Macular Degeneration is caused by an abnormal vessel growth in the macular that may lead to blood or fluid leak into the macula. It causes blurry vision or permanent vision loss. Unlike dry macular degeneration, wet macular degeneration can begin suddenly, eventually progressing to sudden blurry vision.
4. Angle-closure Glaucoma
This condition occurs when the eye's drainage system is blocked. Angle-closure glaucoma can cause eye redness, pain, and nausea. An eye drop, laser, or even surgery comes in handy in correcting this condition.
5. Endophthalmitis
Endophthalmitis is an infection in the fluids of your eyeball that can lead to severe inflammation. It is a serious medical emergency that may cause pus discharge from the eyes and swollen or puffy eyelids.
6. Concussion
This is a mild brain injury that can result in blurry vision. This injury mostly messes with parts of the brain pathways that play an important role in aiding vision.
Other conditions that can cause blurred vision include:
- Conjunctivitis, keratitis, and uveitis
- Diabetes or low blood sugar level (hypoglycemia)
- Migraine, head injury, or concussion
- Pre-eclampsia
- Psoriasis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease, stroke or brain tumor
What is the Treatment for Sudden Blurred Vision?
Sudden blurry vision can be treated, but treatment will depend on the condition that led to the blurred vision.
An immediate surgical procedure is required to correct a detached or torn retina to avoid permanent vision loss. Medications can be used for treatment, an ophthalmologist can inject antibiotics or an antifungal medication into your eye to prevent the spread of eye infections like conjunctivitis or endophthalmitis.
Eye drops, glasses, and contact lenses can also be used as a treatment for sudden blurry vision.
The Bottom Line
Sudden blurry vision can be caused by conditions like stroke, detached retina, or eye infections, which require immediate medical attention to prevent permanent vision loss. Recognizing the early symptoms of sudden blurry vision is essential for quick intervention.
Treatment options vary depending on the cause and may include surgery, medications, eye drops, or corrective lenses. If you experience sudden blurred vision, it's important to consult a healthcare professional to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.