Symptoms
Hazy or fuzzy vision
Objects appearing out of focus
Difficulty seeing details
Squinting
Eye strain
Headaches
Double vision (in some cases)
Halos around lights
Sensitivity to light
Causes
Refractive Errors: Myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism, presbyopia (age-related loss of near vision).
Eye Infections/Inflammation: Conjunctivitis (pink eye), uveitis, keratitis.
Dry Eye: Insufficient tear production.
Cataracts: Clouding of the lens of the eye.
Glaucoma: Damage to the optic nerve, often due to increased eye pressure.
Macular Degeneration: Deterioration of the macula (central part of the retina).
Diabetic Retinopathy: Damage to the blood vessels in the retina due to diabetes.
Migraines: Can cause visual disturbances, including blurred vision.
Stroke or TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack): Can affect vision.
Optic Neuritis: Inflammation of the optic nerve.
Medications: Certain medications can have blurred vision as a side effect.
Brain Tumors: In rare cases, can affect vision.
Medicine Used
The medications used depend entirely on the underlying cause of the blurred vision. Examples include:
Refractive Errors: Corrective lenses (glasses or contacts).
Eye Infections: Antibiotic, antiviral, or antifungal eye drops or ointments.
Dry Eye: Artificial tears, prescription eye drops to increase tear production.
Glaucoma: Eye drops, oral medications, or surgery to lower eye pressure.
Diabetic Retinopathy: Medications injected into the eye, laser surgery.
Cataracts: Surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial lens.
Uveitis: Steroid eye drops or oral medications.
Is Communicable
Blurred vision itself is not communicable. However, if the blurred vision is caused by a contagious condition like conjunctivitis (pink eye), then the underlying condition is communicable.
Precautions
Regular Eye Exams: Schedule routine check-ups with an eye doctor.
Manage Underlying Conditions: If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other conditions that can affect vision, manage them carefully.
Wear Protective Eyewear: Protect your eyes from injury and UV exposure.
Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently to prevent eye infections.
Proper Contact Lens Care: If you wear contacts, follow the instructions for cleaning and storage.
Take Breaks: If you spend a lot of time looking at screens, take regular breaks to rest your eyes (20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds).
Healthy Diet: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, especially those high in antioxidants, can support eye health.
How long does an outbreak last?
Because blurred vision is a symptom and not a disease itself, there is no "outbreak" duration. The duration of blurred vision depends entirely on the underlying cause. For example:
Blurred vision from a migraine might last a few hours.
Blurred vision from dry eye might be chronic and ongoing.
Blurred vision from an eye infection might last a few days to a week with treatment.
How is it diagnosed?
Comprehensive Eye Exam: This includes checking visual acuity, refraction (to determine refractive errors), eye pressure, and examining the structures of the eye.
Slit-Lamp Examination: Uses a microscope and bright light to examine the front of the eye.
Funduscopy (Ophthalmoscopy): Examines the back of the eye (retina, optic nerve).
Tonometry: Measures eye pressure to screen for glaucoma.
Visual Field Testing: Assesses peripheral vision.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Imaging test to visualize the layers of the retina.
Fluorescein Angiography: Dye is injected into the bloodstream to visualize blood vessels in the retina.
Medical History: The doctor will ask about your medical history, medications, and symptoms.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms varies greatly depending on the cause.
Sudden Onset: Could indicate a serious condition like a stroke, optic neuritis, or angle-closure glaucoma. Requires immediate medical attention.
Gradual Onset: More likely with conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, refractive errors, or diabetic retinopathy.
Intermittent: Could be related to migraines, dry eye, or fluctuating blood sugar levels.
Important Considerations
Sudden blurred vision is a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical attention.
Blurred vision can significantly impact daily life, affecting activities like driving, reading, and working.
Early diagnosis and treatment can often prevent or slow the progression of many conditions that cause blurred vision.
Do not self-diagnose or self-treat. Consult an eye doctor for proper evaluation and management.
If you experience blurred vision along with other symptoms like headache, eye pain, nausea, or vomiting, seek medical attention immediately.