Blurred vision is a fairly common condition that usually doesn’t require urgent medical care. That being said, any type of blurry vision, be it sudden or constant, could be a sign of a life-threatening condition. Whenever you have any vision problems, you should have your eyes looked at by a professional.
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Medical Emergencies – Blurry Vision in One Eye Causes
Given the delicate nature of the eye, a medical emergency, whether as a symptom of a greater issue or one that directly involves the eye, can result in a multitude of serious and long-term effects when not treated right away. If any of the following eye incidents happen to you or someone you know, schedule an appointment with an eye specialist immediately.
Corneal Abrasion
Corneal abrasions are a type of eye scratch that can cause eye pain and poor vision. These abrasions, often caused by daily tasks like rubbing eyes or wearing contact lenses, can be easily detected by an eye doctor. They can also lead to eye infections if they are not addressed.
Retinal Detachment
The retina is an extremely light-sensitive tissue, and if it becomes detached from the rest of your eye, it will cause blurry vision. Those who experience high trauma, ocular degenerative conditions, uncontrolled diabetes, chronic inflammation, recent retinal surgery, or a family history of retinal detachment are at higher risk of developing this condition.
Stroke
A stroke happens when the blood supply to your brain is blocked. In addition to other physical symptoms such as confusion, trouble walking, and weakness or numbness on one side of the body, a stroke can cause blurry vision or vision loss in one or both eyes. If you or a loved one are experiencing any of the symptoms of a stroke, call 911 for immediate medical assistance.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Angle-closure glaucoma is a rare form of glaucoma caused by the obstruction of drainage canals in your eye. It causes intense pain in the head, nausea, and blurred vision. It’s important to seek immediate medical attention from an eye doctor or an emergency room.
Non-Emergencies – Blurry Vision in One Eye Causes
Not every incident with the eye means you need to head straight to an eye doctor. But to prevent future complications, it is recommended that you should still seek out treatment options.
Cataract
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s naturally translucent lens that causes blurred vision. Although cataracts develop in both eyes, the lenses can cloud at different rates. This results in a difference in the severity of blurred vision between the two eyes. Other indicators that a cataract is present include the following cataract symptoms:
- Sensitivity to glare from sunshine, headlights, or other light bulbs.
- Seeing halos that surround lights.
- Poor vision at night.
- Colors appear less bright than you are used to.
- Double vision.
Eye Infections
Eye infections can be the source of blurry vision. This occurs when fungi, viruses, or other bacteria enter the eye. Common infections of the eye that can cause blurred vision are COVID-19, endophthalmitis, keratitis, optic neuritis, ocular herpes, and uveitis.
Eye Strain
Excessive screen time or other near-sighted activity is a common sign of eye strain. It can also lead to many other uncomfortable symptoms, including eye fatigue, headaches, dry eyes, and neck and shoulder pain.
Conjunctivitis
Also commonly known as pink eye, conjunctivitis is an irritation of the thin membrane that lines the inner eyelids and covers the white portion of the eye. Severe cases can cause blurred vision, although moderate cases normally don’t affect vision at all. Conjunctivitis is capable of affecting one or both of the eyes. There are a variety of signs that you may have contracted pink eye, including:
- The whites of the eyes seem pink or red.
- The eyes are burning or itching.
- Enlarged or swollen eyelids.
- Gritty feeling in the eyes.
- Excessive tearing.
- Leakage from the eye.
Refractive Errors
Refractive errors are the most common kind of vision problem that makes it hard to see clearly. They can happen when the shape of your eye changes, preventing light from properly focusing on your retina. These types of errors can usually be corrected by a new pair of glasses or contact lenses, and include the following conditions:
- Astigmatism
- Nearsightedness
- Farsightedness
- Age-related vision deterioration
- Anisometropia (unequal refraction), among others.
When Should I See an Optometrist?
Sudden or rapidly worsening vision changes are a cause for concern, as they can be caused by age-related macular degeneration, refractive errors, or illness-related vision problems. It is vital to seek professional attention if sudden blurry vision occurs. This can help identify underlying issues that may threaten more than just your vision if not treated.
Contact the Michigan Eye Institute About Correcting Blurry Vision
Michigan Eye Institute is a nationally recognized eye clinic that prioritizes patient care. We provide a variety of eye exams, treatments, and optical services across our Michigan centers. Our clinic partners with local optometrists, hospitals, teaching institutions, and primary care physicians to provide necessary care for patients and their families. We offer premium cataract treatment, vision correction options like LASIK surgery, and eyewear products, aiming to help everyone see real results.
If you or a loved one is experiencing sudden blurry vision in one eye, contact the specialists at Michigan Eye Institute to schedule an appointment for necessary eye exams, diagnosis, and treatment to restore your sight.
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