5 Common Reasons for Your Blurry Vision — Check Out #3 for a Super Easy Fix!
- posted: Aug. 23, 2021
When you have blurry vision, it’s frustrating. You’re trying to blink more to clear it up, but it keeps happening. Our experienced optometrist understands vision concerns like this. You want to be seeing your best — and we want that for you too!
Blurry vision happens for many reasons. Sometimes it’s an easy fix, like updating your prescription. Other times there might be something more serious happening, like diabetic retinopathy. We want to help inform you about common eye health issues and simple steps you can take to enjoy better eyesight here in Phoenix.
Today, we’ll be diving in
to 5 causes of blurry vision and how you can get some relief.
1. You Might Need a New Prescription For Glasses or Contacts
You wouldn’t believe how many people walk around with expired prescription glasses or old contacts! If your vision isn’t crisp, you may be overdue for a simple eye exam.
You know when you’re sitting in the exam chair at the optometrist's office, and they pull that awkward-looking device in front of your face? The familiar drill starts: “Which one is better, 1 or 2?” This is called refraction, and the instrument is a phoropter.
This process helps the eye doctor determine the exact prescription you need to see your best.
Those different lenses (“is this better, or this?) change the way light enters your eye. When light travels through different mediums, like air, water, or your cornea, it bends. Your cornea is the outer portion of your eye. Think of it as the lens of a camera — it needs to be clean and scratch-free for an optimal picture.
The refractor lenses take what we see (and bend it in the process) before it reaches your retina. The retina is like the film of the camera — if the film is damaged, you won’t get a clear picture.
But replacing the lens might be all you need.
And we don’t mean surgery here. We mean new contacts or glasses. So sometimes all you need is an eye exam!
If it’s been a while since your last exam and you’re experiencing blurry vision, consider scheduling an appointment with Eye on Health today. We’ll get you back to looking (and seeing!) your best in no time.
2. Cataracts Can Cause Blurry Vision
Cataracts are a natural aging change in the lens of the eye. (Remember, the cornea is like a camera lens.) As we age, our cornea can become cloudy. This affects how the light hits our retina and limits our ability to see clearly.
Cataracts are something unique to each person. What might bother your sister or friends, — you might not even notice. Cataracts gradually cause symptoms, so they can sneak up on us because they don’t cause sudden blurred vision. Learn more here on our blog.
Common symptoms of cataracts include [1]:
- Blurry or clouded vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Glare or halos around lights
- Nighttime driving is difficult
- Colors are faded
- Double vision
It’s important to have an eye exam when you start to notice any of these symptoms. Dr. Balocca will be able to grade any cataract progression — or recommend a simple update to your prescription if that’s all you need.
3. Blurry Vision Can Be a Symptom of Dry Eye
Do your eyes burn, feel gritty, or water excessively? All are signs of dry eye. We know it’s confusing. How can your eyes be ‘dry’ if they’re watering all the time?
Our eyes have a delicate drainage system that’s critical in keeping our eyes lubricated, healthy, and comfortable.
Dry eye is an imbalance of this system and a common condition, especially living in beautiful Phoenix. The air is dry here, no doubt! Our optometrist usually recommends using an over-the-counter eye drop, like Refresh or Systane, four times a day. What a simple way to get relief!
If this doesn’t solve your problems, you need a detailed eye exam. It’s important to give the doctor more information about your specific symptoms and see what he finds during your personal exam.
There are many causes of dry eye and you might need another form of treatment. Dr. Balocca will take good care of you while helping you determine the best approach for your needs.
4. Diabetes Can Cause Diabetic Retinopathy — Leading to Blurry Vision
If you or someone you love is diabetic, you know it can come with a handful of medical conditions along with it. It’s a difficult disease that wreaks havoc on your whole body if not controlled well.
When it comes to your eye health, diabetes can slowly damage the delicate vessels in your retina. Damaged blood vessels can leak and cause swelling, leading to vision problems. In severe cases, diabetes can cause sudden blurry vision. Read more about symptoms and treatment here.
Dr. Balocca specializes in diabetic eye exams as an optometrist in Phoenix.
He takes pride in educating his patients on how they can optimize their eye health while managing diabetes. Keeping up with yearly eye exams is critical to optimize your eye health. You don’t have to suffer unexpected vision issues!
If you’re diabetic, schedule an exam with us today to stay ahead of diabetes affecting your vision, or give our office a call at 480-809-0550.
5. Age-Related Macular Degeneration Can Cause Blurry Vision
Like cataracts, this condition is particularly concerning for us as we age. (We know, that’s why they say “getting old ain’t for sissies!”) But the good news is that regular visits to Eye on Health can minimize negative effects from these common eye issues.
Age-related macular degeneration is a disease that damages your macula, located at the center of the retina. The macula is responsible for your crisp central vision and helps with activities like reading.
Macular Degeneration has two forms — and both can cause serious harm to your vision. As we grow older, it’s important to know and look out for any symptoms of this eye disease.
Common Symptoms of Macular Degeneration [2]:
- Decreased central vision
- Decreased intensity of colors
- A blurry or blind spot in your vision
- The need for more light when reading
- Difficulty adjusting to light (ex: movie theater)
- Worsening central vision in one eye or both
- Visual distortions (straight lines appearing bent, like on your blinds)
All forms of macular degeneration should be examined and monitored closely by a trained professional, like our experienced optometrist.
Schedule an appointment today if you’re experiencing any macular degeneration symptoms — or call our office at 480-809-0550!
Routine Eye Exams Are The Best Way To Make Sure Your Eyes Are Healthy
You’ll notice a trend here with different causes of blurry vision — the importance of keeping routine eye exams. Your overall eye health will determine how often you should see an optometrist.
Your eye exams allow the optometrist to notice changes in your eye health compared to previous years. Noticing these changes can potentially save your vision and stop preventable eye damage. We know you want the best eyesight possible so you can keep living life fully in sunny Arizona.
The best way to get rid of blurry vision? Visit your local optometrist for answers!
Eye on Health happily serves the people of Citrus Park and Laveen. You have an experienced optometrist nearby to help you and your family with all your eye care needs!
Schedule an Appointment with Us Here or Give Us a Call at 480-809-0550 With Any Questions — We’re Here To Help!
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Our Location
Estrella Medical Plaza
9305 W. Thomas Rd. Ste. 455
Phoenix, AZ 85037