Do objects appear hazy and out of focus? Are you struggling to see things both near and far?
Cataracts can cause blurry vision, but there are also many other things that can make your vision out of focus. Keep reading to see if your blurry vision could be a sign of cataracts!
Cataracts
Cataracts are a common cause of blurry vision, especially for those over the age of fifty. Eventually, everyone will develop cataracts if they live long enough. Cataracts, unfortunately, cannot be avoided and often worsen over time, making it hard to perform daily activities, including reading and driving.
Symptoms of cataracts that can also affect your vision include glare from headlights when driving at night, haloes or starbursts around lights, and difficulty reading. Your eye doctor will diagnose your cataracts at your routine visits.
Once your cataracts begin to interfere with your vision, and your eye doctor determines they are mature enough, they will likely recommend cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is the only treatment option available for cataract removal.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, you should see your eye doctor to properly diagnose the cause of your blurry vision. Although cataracts can cause hazy vision, there are many other eye conditions that could be the cause of your blurry vision.
Refractive Errors
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you have a refractive error. The types of refractive errors are farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism.
Refractive errors happen when your eye shape prevents light from focusing directly on the retina. It can be due to various reasons, like the length of your eyeball or an irregularly shaped cornea.
Refractive errors are easily treatable. Your eye doctor will diagnose the specific refractive error you have and prescribe contact lenses, eyeglasses, or recommend LASIK eye surgery to improve your vision.
If you currently wear contact lenses or glasses and are experiencing blurry vision, you may need your prescription updated. If you do not already wear them, your eye doctor may recommend them to improve your vision clarity if a refractive error is the cause of your blurry vision.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye occurs when your eyes have insufficient or poor-quality tears to keep them properly lubricated. One common symptom of dry eye is fluctuating blurry vision.
Your eye doctor can determine the root of your dry eye and create a customized treatment plan to restore the balance in your tear film. Treating the cause of your dry eyes can help alleviate blurry vision, allowing you to see clearly.
Digital Eye Strain
Do your eyes feel irritated and dry after spending time in front of your TV, computer, or phone? Computer vision syndrome, also referred to as digital eye strain, affects how your eyes feel after looking at digital screens for an extended period of time.
Computer vision syndrome results in a range of symptoms, including blurry vision, neck and back pain, headaches, and burning/stinging sensation.
Your eye doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as making a conscious effort to blink more frequently and taking regular screen breaks.
Glaucoma
Blurred vision can also signify more severe eye problems like glaucoma. Glaucoma often doesn’t present symptoms until the condition has advanced and caused significant damage to your vision.
The best way to detect glaucoma is by visiting your eye doctor for routine eye exams. Early detection and prompt treatment are the best ways to prevent further vision loss.
If you have a family history of glaucoma or are at high risk for the condition, and you are concerned that glaucoma could be the cause of your blurry vision, visit your eye doctor right away.
Do you want to get to the bottom of what’s causing your blurry vision? Schedule an appointment at VisionPoint Eye Center in Bloomington, IL, today!
