Blurred vision is a fairly common condition, especially in people who work a lot in front of computer screens or use phones for a long time. Many people think this is just a symptom of eye strain, lack of sleep or need to change the lens size. However, according to Dr. Rashmi Barve, an ophthalmologist at KIMS Hospital (India), blurred vision can sometimes be a warning sign of more serious medical conditions.
According to experts, blurred vision occurs when the eye cannot converge accurate light onto the retina. This condition can appear suddenly or gradually progress over time, affecting one or both eyes.
Common temporary causes
Many cases of blurred vision originate from lifestyle factors. Dry eyes, prolonged use of electronic devices, lack of sleep, or refractive errors such as nearsightedness and farsightedness that have not been adjusted can all cause temporary vision loss.
In these situations, symptoms usually improve after resting, proper eye care, or using appropriate glasses. If blurred vision decreases after sleep or when screen exposure time is limited, the cause is likely temporary.
Eye diseases may be related
However, when blurred vision lasts for a long time or gradually worsens, it is necessary to consider eye diseases. Cataracts are common causes, occurring when the lens becomes blurred, making the image blurry and less clear.
Glaucoma is also a noteworthy condition. The condition can cause blurred vision accompanied by eye pain, headache, or seeing halos around the source of light. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss.
Retinal problems can also cause blurred vision. Retinal disease due to diabetes and macular degeneration are common causes. In particular, retinal detachment is an emergency, which can cause sudden vision loss or complete vision loss if not treated promptly.
Related to systemic disease
In some cases, blurred vision may be related to systemic illness. Sudden blurred vision in one eye may be a sign of stroke or transient cerebral ischemia. High blood pressure and some neurological disorders can also manifest in changes in vision.
In addition, inflammatory or infectious conditions such as peritonitis, ophthalmic neuritis can cause blurred vision accompanied by red eyes, pain and light sensitivity. These are cases that need to be examined early.
When to see a doctor
People should go to a medical facility if blurred vision appears suddenly, becomes more serious, accompanied by prolonged eye pain, abnormal light flashes, severe headache, dizziness or physical weakness.
Closely monitoring vision changes and regular eye exams are important measures to help detect underlying diseases early. Do not be subjective when blurred vision persists or recurs many times.
