Causes of Blurry Vision
Blurry vision can be a scary experience. There are several causes, and an optometrist can diagnose and treat some of them. At Oxford Optometry in Woodstock, we know how important vision is. We will help you learn the cause of vision issues and discuss treatment options.
Common Causes of Blurry Vision
The good news is that the most common cause of blurry vision is nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. While these conditions may require you to wear glasses or contacts, they aren't as serious as some other causes. An eye doctor can easily check for these conditions by having you read an eye chart.
Conjunctivitis is another cause of blurry vision. Conjunctivitis is an eye infection. You may experience itching, swelling, and eye pain along with blurry vision. Conjunctivitis can resolve without treatment, but an optometrist can prescribe eye drops to speed the process.
Migraine can also cause blurry vision. In addition to blurry vision, migraines can cause double vision, sensitivity to light, and blind spots. Dizziness and headaches often accompany migraines as well.
Strokes are one of the most concerning causes of blurry vision. Along with blurry vision, symptoms include weakness or numbness on one side, severe headache, and trouble walking or speaking.
Macular Degeneration is another cause of blurry vision. It affects older individuals. It's a progressive disease, meaning that it gets worse over time. You may experience a blurry spot in your vision or difficulty seeing in low light.
Diabetic Retinopathy is a condition that occurs in people with diabates. It affects the blood vessels of the retina. Difficulty seeing at night and struggling to distinguish colors are also symptoms. The condition worsens over time if it's left untreated. Regular check ups with the optometrist can detect diabetic retinopahty before it causes permanent damage.
Blurry Vision Diagnosis
To determine what is causing your blurred vision, your doctor will ask questions about your history, other symptoms, and what makes it better or worse. In addition, they will probably run eye tests. These may include:
- ophthalmoscopy
- refraction test
- slit lamp examination
- tonometry
They may order blood tests as well. If there is an infection or high blood sugar, it will be diagnosable with a blood test.
Many cases of blurry vision simply require corrective lenses, and many others are benign. If you are experiencing blurry vision, don't wait to find out what is causing it. Contact your local eye doctor in Woodstock at Oxford Optometry.