Why is my vision blurry?

Have you noticed that your vision is not as clear as it used to be?

Blurred vision can be a frustrating problem that affects your daily activities and quality of life.

What are some possible causes of blurry vision?

• Wrong spectacles: If you are wearing the incorrect prescription glasses, it can lead to blurry vision.
• Eye conditions: Conditions like cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), dry eye, and diabetes can all contribute to blurry vision.
• Presbyopia: As we age, our ability to focus on objects up close decreases. This condition, known as presbyopia, can cause blurry vision when reading or performing close-up tasks.
• Tiredness: Lack of sleep may mean that you are unable to compensate for small refractive errors as effectively which can cause temporary blurry vision in the morning.
• Diabetes: Fluctuations in blood sugar levels can cause the lens in your eye to swell, resulting in blurred vision. Diabetic retinopathy and macular oedema, conditions where fluid or blood may leak into the retina, are also common in individuals with diabetes.
• Certain medications: Many medications can potentially cause blurry vision as a side effect. Additionally, the conditions these medications are used to treat can also impact your vision. It's crucial to consult with your doctor or pharmacist if you suspect that your medication is affecting your vision.
• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes can affect different parts of your body, including your eyes, which can lead to pregnancy blurry vision. Changes to your tear film (a thin layer of fluid that covers the surface of the eye) could cause dryness and thus blurry vision in pregnancy. Additionally, as you may retain more fluid when you're pregnant, this could result in corneal swelling and further affecting your vision. If you're in your early pregnancy and your vision is blurry, it's important to speak to your healthcare provider.
• Eye surgery: Blurry vision after eye surgery is relatively common, especially during the healing process when inflammation is present.

What does blurry vision look like?

It can vary depending on the underlying cause. It may appear as:

• Difficulty reading small print or seeing details clearly
• Objects appearing hazy or out of focus
• Seeing double or experiencing distorted vision
• Feeling like your eyes are unable to adjust properly to different distances

Is it normal for my eyes to be blurry when I first wake up?

Experiencing blurry morning vision when you first wake up is not uncommon.

If you're not getting enough sleep, you might find it more challenging to compensate for minor refractive errors, leading to temporary blurred vision in the morning.

In some instances, it could be due to corneal conditions, such as Fuchs Dystrophy, which can cause the cornea to swell overnight and result in morning vision blurry.

Another factor is dry eye. Dry eye upon waking can be due to reduced tear production, incomplete blinking during sleep, environmental factors (e.g., low humidity), or eyelid issues. This could be another reason why you've woken up with blurry vision.

For those who have diabetes, blurry vision when waking up could be associated with overnight changes in blood sugar levels.

If you've woke up with blurry vision, it's important to understand the possible causes and seek medical advice if it persists.

Can COVID-19 make my vision blurry?

While COVID-19 is not known to directly cause blurry vision, it can be associated with conditions that affect your eyes.

Conjunctivitis and dry eye are common eye-related symptoms reported in some COVID-19 cases.

Some studies also suggest that inflammation caused by COVID-19 may affect the blood vessels in the retina, which may affect vision.

If you are experiencing blurry vision and have had COVID-19, it's advisable to consult with a medical professional.

How can I get rid of blurry vision?

The treatment for blurry vision depends on its underlying cause. For conditions like dry eye or variable blood sugar levels, addressing the root cause can alleviate blurry vision.

If your blurry vision is due to refractive errors or presbyopia, wearing the correct prescription glasses or contact lenses can significantly improve your vision.

In certain cases, medications or surgical procedures may be necessary to manage conditions like cataracts, retinal issues, or corneal abnormalities.

There is no substantial evidence to suggest that “eye exercises” in an adult eye will help blurry vision.

Remember, it's essential to consult with an eye care professional for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan based on your specific needs.

Can blurry vision be treated naturally?

In some cases, the cause of blurry vision is related to a condition that can be treated naturally.

For instance, omega-3 fatty acid supplements like fish or flaxseed oil have been show to improve the symptoms of dry eye. Likewise, maintaining a diet rich in nutrients, staying hydrated, and removing environmental factors that cause dryness can help to fix blurry vision naturally.

If blurry vision is being caused by environmental factors or eye strain, lifestyle changes can help. Simply taking breaks from screens, improving lighting, and maintaining eye hygiene can help to reduce eye strain and get rid of blurry vision naturally.

However, it's essential to understand that natural treatments may not be appropriate or successful for all instances of blurry vision. Some conditions might necessitate medical intervention or professional advice.

Therefore, whilst it can be tempting to search for answers online, seeking professional medical advice is crucial.

What should I do if I am concerned about my blurred vision?

OutsideClinic offers accessible and comprehensive eye tests conducted in the comfort of your own home. Our eye specialists are based all over the UK.

NHS funded at-home eye tests are available for eligible individuals who find it difficult to leave their home.

Check your eligibility for a sight test at home

If you would prefer the convenience of an at-home eye test, but you don't qualify for NHS funding, private home eye tests are available for £60.

Book a test