Blurry Vision: When to Worry and What to Do
Are you experiencing blurry vision? That can quite feel unsettling. One moment, everything looks clear, and the next, the world seems fuzzy or out of focus. It is a common issue that happens to many people at some point. Sometimes it’s harmless and goes away on its own, but other times, it might signal something serious. In this article, we will explain what causes blurry vision, when you should worry. We’ll look into what steps you can take to protect your eyes and when to see a good eye doctor in New Jersey.
What Is Blurry Vision?
For starters, blurry vision simply means that you can’t see things sharply or clearly. Objects might look hazy, like you are looking through fog. It can happen in one eye or both, and it might come and go or stay constant.
Sometimes, it’s just a minor annoyance, like when your eyes feel tired. Other times, it could point to a health problem that needs attention.
Common Causes of Blurry Vision
Now, here are some of the common reasons why you might be experiencing blurry vision, albeit not all of them means that you need urgent care:
* Tired Eyes: If you stare at a screen or read for hours, your eyes can get strained. This is called digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome. Your eyes might feel dry, tired, or achy, and your vision could blur.
* Dry Eyes: Your eyes need tears to stay moist and clear. If you do not produce enough tears or they dry up too fast, your vision can get blurry. Dry eyes are common if you are dehydrated, spend time in dry air, or take certain medications like antihistamines.
* Nearsightedness & Farsightedness: If your vision is blurry when looking at faraway signs or small print, you might have a refractive error like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. These are easily fixed with glasses, contacts, or a surgical procedure like LASIK in New Jersey. This LASIK surgery reshapes the cornea or rather, that clear front part of your eyes that light entering the eye is properly focused onto the retina. The result is better and clearer vision!
* Allergies: Pollen, dust, or pet dander can make your eyes itchy, red, and watery. This irritation can cause temporary blurriness.
* Contact Lens Issues: If you wear contacts and they’re dirty, old, or not fitting right, your vision might blur. Sleeping in contacts or wearing them too long can also cause problems.
When Should You Worry?
Blurry vision is not always harmless. Sometimes, it’s a warning sign of a serious condition. Here are situations where you should act fast:
* Sudden Blurry Vision: If your vision blurs out of nowhere, especially in one eye, it could be a medical emergency. This might signal a stroke, retinal detachment, or optic neuritis. Call a doctor or go to the emergency room right away.
* Blurry Vision with Other Symptoms: Should you have blurry vision along with headaches, eye pain, nausea, or trouble speaking, don’t wait. These could point to conditions like glaucoma, a brain issue, or even a tumor. For example, acute angle-closure glaucoma causes sudden blurry vision, severe eye pain, and halos around lights. It needs immediate treatment to prevent blindness.
* Blurry Vision and Diabetes: Blurry vision can mean your blood sugar is too high or low if you have diabetes. Over time, diabetes can damage blood vessels in your eyes, leading to diabetic retinopathy. This condition can cause blurry or spotty vision and, if untreated, blindness. If you notice vision changes, check your blood sugar and see a doctor.
What Can You Do About Blurry Vision?
If your vision is blurry, don’t panic, but don’t ignore it either. Here are steps you can take to figure out what’s going on and protect your eyes:
* Rest Your Eyes: If you’ve been staring at a screen or working for a long time, give your eyes a break. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps reduce strain.
* See an Eye Doctor: If your blurry vision lasts more than a day or two, or if it comes with pain, sudden changes, or other symptoms, make an appointment with an optometrist or ophthalmologist. They can run tests like checking your eye pressure, examining your retina, or measuring your vision to find the cause, and plan for surgery.
* Stay Hydrated and Use Eye Drops: Drink plenty of water to keep your eyes moist. If your eyes feel dry, try over-the-counter artificial tears. Avoid drops that “get the red out,” as they can sometimes make things worse.
* Check Your Contacts or Glasses: If you wear contacts, make sure they’re clean and not expired. If you have glasses, ensure your prescription is up to date. Visit an eye doctor if you think your prescription has changed.
* Manage Health Conditions: If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other conditions, keep them under control. Unmanaged health issues can harm your eyes over time.
How to Keep Your Eyes Healthy
Preventing blurry vision starts with good eye care. Here are some tips to keep your eyes in top shape:
* Eat Eye-Healthy Foods: Foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, plus omega-3 fatty acids, support eye health. Think carrots, spinach, salmon, and nuts.
* Get Regular Checkups: Even if your vision seems fine, see an eye doctor every one to two years. They can catch problems early, before you notice symptoms.
* Limit Screen Time: Too much screen time can strain your eyes. Take breaks and adjust your screen’s brightness to reduce glare.
* Control Stress: High stress can cause eye strain and even temporary vision changes. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
Wrapping up
Blurry vision can be a minor inconvenience or a sign of something serious. As a rule of thumb, you should pay attention to your symptoms and act quickly when needed, so you can protect your eyes and keep your vision clear. Don’t hesitate to reach out to an eye doctor if you’re unsure about what’s causing your blurry vision.