If you’ve recently noticed fuzzy or foggy vision in one or both of your eyes, you may find yourself wondering what causes sudden blurry vision and whether it could be a sign of something serious.
Blurry vision can have many causes, ranging from refractive errors like nearsightedness or farsightedness to more serious conditions like cataracts or even strokes. In some cases, sudden blurry vision can be a sign of an eye injury or infection. Trauma to the eye such as a blow to the head or face can cause blurred vision, and a scratched cornea may also lead to blurry vision. There are countless causes of blurry vision, and it can feel overwhelming to try to determine what is causing yours. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common causes, advise on how to get rid of blurry vision, and discuss when you should seek medical help. It’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you experience sudden changes in your vision. Your doctor can identify the cause of your blurred vision and provide treatment options that will help restore your vision. The most common cause of blurred vision is refractive error, which occurs when the eye fails to focus light properly to produce a clear image on the retina. This can be caused by nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism. All three of these conditions can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
Staring at a computer screen for long periods of time can cause eye strain and blurred vision. To reduce this type of blurry vision, give your eyes regular breaks from screens and make sure you’re following the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes take a break for 20 seconds and look at something that is 20 feet away).
As we age, our eyes may become less flexible and unable to focus on objects close up, resulting in blurriness when reading or doing other tasks requiring near vision.
A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of the eye that can cause blurry vision. Cataracts are more common as you age and typically require surgery to remove them and restore your vision.