What Causes Blurred Vision?
Blurred vision stems from various sources, including eye conditions, underlying medical issues, and side effects of medications. Let's explore the key causes:
Many eye problems directly impair vision clarity. Common culprits include:
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Refractive Errors: These affect the eye's ability to focus light correctly. Examples include:
- Nearsightedness (Myopia): Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly.
- Farsightedness (Hyperopia): Difficulty seeing nearby objects clearly.
- Presbyopia: Age-related loss of focusing ability, often requiring reading glasses.
- Astigmatism: Irregularly shaped cornea causing blurred vision at all distances.
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Cataracts: Clouding of the eye's lens, leading to progressively blurred vision. This often occurs in both eyes, though not necessarily at the same rate. [Source: Mayo Clinic]
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Glaucoma: Damage to the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure within the eye. While not always immediately causing blurred vision, it's a serious condition that can lead to vision loss if left untreated. [Source: Cleveland Clinic, Eye Center of Texas]
Medical Conditions Affecting Vision
Certain systemic health problems can manifest as blurred vision:
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Diabetes: High blood sugar levels damage blood vessels in the retina, leading to diabetic retinopathy and blurred vision. [Source: Eye Center of Texas, Verywell Health]
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High Blood Pressure: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can affect blood vessels in the eyes, impacting vision. [Source: Eye Center of Texas]
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Multiple Sclerosis (MS): This neurological condition can affect the optic nerve and cause blurred vision.
Medications and Other Factors
Some medications list blurred vision as a potential side effect. Additionally, other factors contribute:
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Dry Eye Syndrome: Lack of sufficient lubrication leads to discomfort and blurry vision. [Source: Center for Sight]
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Eye Infections (e.g., Pink Eye/Conjunctivitis): Inflammation and irritation can temporarily blur vision. [Source: Health.com]
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Migraines: Some individuals experience blurred vision as an aura preceding a migraine. [Source: Health.com]
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Eye Injuries or Foreign Bodies: Trauma to the eye can obviously cause blurred vision. [Source: Center for Sight]
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Retinal Detachment: A serious condition where the retina separates from the underlying tissue, causing sudden and severe blurred vision. [Source: Eye Center of Texas, Medical News Today]
Note: Sudden onset of blurred vision warrants immediate medical attention. It could signal a serious condition requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. [Source: Verywell Health, Medical News Today]
