What Does It Mean When Your Vision Is Blurry?
It can be frustrating to go about your life with blurry vision. Many of our daily activities, namely driving or communicating with other people, can become considerably more difficult when we can barely see where we’re going. Thankfully, since blurry vision is a common concern, and many potential causes exist, getting to the bottom of the issue can be as easy as coming in for an eye exam.
At Riverside EyeCare Professionals, our experienced eye doctors, Drs. Michael Sumsion, Sean Sumsion, and Jordan Evans, can treat blurry vision and other debilitating concerns using a variety of advanced treatments. In addition to common refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and presbyopia, our eye doctors have found the following conditions are most often the cause of blurry vision:
- Cataracts – Many patients plagued by blurry vision are suffering from cataracts, a condition which affects a large percentage of the country’s population over 65. In addition to foggy or blurry vision, symptoms include double vision, sensitivity to light, and progressive loss of vision. When left untreated, the condition can lead to blindness. Our ophthalmologists each have extensive experience treating cataracts, and we offer several effective treatments, including cataract surgery.
- Astigmatism – Another very common concern, astigmatism is caused by an irregularly-shaped cornea. The distorted shape prohibits light from focusing normally on the retina, causing blurred vision. Depending on severity, astigmatism can be treated with prescription eyeglasses, contacts, or Limbal Relaxing Incisions (LRIs), which involve the application of incisions to reshape the cornea in a relatively quick procedure. Astigmatism can also be eased with surgeries like Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) or LASIK. Additionally, patients who suffer from both cataracts and astigmatism can benefit from a combination of cataract surgery and astigmatism treatment.
- Glaucoma – The second leading cause of blindness in the world, glaucoma can manifest in many different ways. It is generally caused by fluid buildup or other damage to the optic nerve, which can result in severely blurred vision. Like astigmatism, treatment for glaucoma varies depending on the nature of symptoms. When medicinal eye drops fail, laser eye surgery, trabeculectomy (a surgery designed to create a pathway for fluid within the eye), or another procedure can prove successful.
- Macular Degeneration – Characterized by the deterioration of the eye’s macula (part of the retina), macular degeneration often begins with blurry or distorted vision. The condition can be slowed with intravitreal injections, while certain habits like eating a mineral-rich diet and reducing UV exposure can help lower a person’s risk of macular degeneration.
- Dry Eye Syndrome – Dry eye syndrome generally occurs when the eyes have difficulty producing tears. As a result, the eyes can itch, sting, or burn, and patients can experience blurry or obstructed vision. In addition to medicinal eye drops, symptoms of dry eye can be mitigated with LipiFlow® Dry Eye Treatment, an innovative system designed to stimulate proper production of oil in the eyes.
If you are suffering from blurred, distorted, or otherwise compromised vision, our team at Riverside EyeCare Professionals can help you determine the cause and reduce your symptoms. Please contact us to schedule an initial appointment. If your vision has suddenly become blurry and/or significantly distorted, seek professional care immediately, as this may be a sign of a serious medical concern.