What Causes Blurry Vision in One Eye?
Blurry vision can happen to anyone, but when it’s limited to just one eye, it can be especially concerning. While many instances are caused by minor or temporary issues, sudden or persistent blurry vision may indicate an underlying problem that needs immediate attention from an eye care professional.
Knowing when to seek help is essential for protecting your vision and overall eye health. Read Clarkson Eyecare’s guide to the potential causes of blurry vision in one eye and discover when it’s time to visit an expert for a comprehensive evaluation.
Common Symptoms That May Accompany Blurry Vision in One Eye
Blurry vision in one eye is often paired with additional symptoms that can provide important clues about its underlying cause. Recognizing these accompanying signs can help you determine whether you need immediate medical attention. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may appear suddenly or develop gradually over time. If you notice any of the following alongside blurry vision, it’s essential to consult an eye doctor promptly.
Headaches: Frequent or severe headaches may point to conditions like migraines, eye strain, or other vision-related concerns.
Eye Pain: Sharp or persistent discomfort in the affected eye could indicate inflammation, an infection, or an injury that requires medical evaluation.
Light Sensitivity: Sensitivity to light, also known as photophobia, is commonly linked to dry eye, corneal abrasions, or infections.
Floaters or Flashes of Light: A sudden increase in floaters or flashes can signal a serious issue, such as retinal detachment, which needs urgent care.
Tearing or Discharge: Watery or sticky discharge may suggest infections like conjunctivitis or conditions like dry eye syndrome.
Redness: Red or bloodshot eyes are often signs of irritation, inflammation, or infections like conjunctivitis or uveitis.
Halos or Distorted Vision: Seeing halos around lights or experiencing visual distortions may be a symptom of cataracts or corneal abnormalities.
Serious Conditions That Require Immediate Attention from an Eye Doctor
Blurry vision in one eye isn’t always a cause for alarm, but certain situations demand urgent medical care. Recognizing these critical conditions can help protect your vision and ensure you receive timely treatment. Below are some serious issues associated with blurry vision in one eye that require immediate attention from an eye care specialist.
Corneal Abrasion and Scratch
The cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of your eye, plays a vital role in focusing light and protecting the eye from debris. Its exposed location makes it susceptible to scratches from everyday activities, such as putting in contact lenses or rubbing your eyes.
A corneal abrasion can cause significant discomfort, sensitivity to light, and blurry vision. These injuries are often caused by contact lens overuse, foreign objects entering the eye, or accidental trauma. If left untreated, a scratched cornea can lead to serious complications, including infections or corneal ulcers, which could result in lasting damage to your vision. If you suspect a corneal abrasion, schedule an appointment with an eye doctor right away.
Retinal Detachment
The retina is a thin, light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye responsible for converting light into visual signals. Retinal detachment occurs when the retina pulls away from its normal position, cutting off its blood supply and impairing its function. This condition can happen suddenly or progress over time, depending on the cause.
Warning signs of retinal detachment may include flashes of light, a sudden increase in floaters, or shadows across your field of vision. In some cases, retinal detachment can occur without symptoms until significant vision loss develops. People at higher risk for this condition include those with:
High levels of trauma
Ocular degenerative conditions
Uncontrolled diabetes
Chronic inflammation
Recent retinal surgery
Family history of this condition
If you notice any symptoms of retinal detachment, seek immediate medical care. Early treatment is essential to prevent permanent vision loss.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Angle-closure glaucoma is a rare but critical condition that occurs when the eye’s drainage system becomes suddenly blocked. This rapid blockage causes intraocular pressure to rise sharply, potentially damaging the optic nerve and leading to vision loss within hours.
Symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma include intense pain in the eye or head, blurred vision, halos around lights, and nausea. Unlike open-angle glaucoma, which develops gradually, angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency. Immediate attention from an eye doctor is necessary to protect your vision.
Stroke
Blurry vision in one or both eyes can sometimes indicate a stroke, a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted. This lack of oxygen can affect vision and other critical functions. Strokes are alarmingly common, occurring approximately every 40 seconds in the U.S.
If blurry vision is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, call 911 immediately:
Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
Confusion
Trouble walking
Blurry vision
Common Non-Urgent Causes of Blurry Vision
Blurry vision isn’t always a sign of a medical emergency. It can result from a variety of factors, such as natural changes in vision or easily manageable conditions. While some issues may resolve on their own, others may require evaluation by an eye care professional to ensure your long-term eye health.
Age-Related Vision Changes
Gradual changes in vision are a natural part of aging, often caused by refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. These conditions affect how light is focused on the retina, leading to blurry vision that can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or other treatments.
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens has an irregular shape, preventing light from focusing properly on the retina. This can result in blurred or distorted vision at various distances and may also cause eye strain or headaches.
Nearsightedness (myopia) happens when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is overly curved, making it difficult to see distant objects clearly. It often begins during childhood or adolescence.
Farsightedness (hyperopia) causes difficulty seeing nearby objects, while distant vision remains clear. It occurs when the eyeball is too short or the cornea is too flat, leading to light focusing behind the retina.
If blurry vision is interfering with your daily life, a comprehensive eye exam at Clarkson Eyecare can help identify the cause and provide tailored solutions, such as updated corrective lenses or other treatments.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome affects nearly 16 million people and occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. This condition can cause discomfort, irritation, and blurry vision.
Common triggers include aging, prolonged screen use, certain medications, and environmental factors such as dry or windy conditions. Over-the-counter artificial tears may offer temporary relief, but they often don’t address the root cause. Scheduling an appointment with an eye doctor at Clarkson Eyecare ensures you receive a personalized treatment plan to effectively manage dry eye syndrome and restore clarity to your vision.
Vision Changes Cause by Medications
Some medications can have side effects that impact your vision, causing temporary or persistent blurriness. Drugs commonly linked to vision issues include antihistamines, corticosteroids, antimalarials, and antipsychotics.
People with pre-existing conditions such as glaucoma or diabetes may be particularly vulnerable to medication-related vision changes. If you suspect your medication is affecting your eyesight, consult an eye doctor or pharmacist for advice. They can recommend alternatives or adjust your treatment plan to minimize side effects. Never discontinue a prescribed medication without professional guidance.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a condition that affects central vision and becomes more common with age, impacting approximately 11 million Americans. It is categorized into two main types: dry and wet macular degeneration.
Dry Macular Degeneration: This more common type occurs when the macula’s light-sensitive cells deteriorate over time, leading to blurry central vision and difficulty seeing in low-light conditions.
Wet Macular Degeneration: In 10% to 15% of cases, dry macular degeneration progresses to the wet form. This occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak fluid or blood, causing rapid vision loss, often beginning with blurry or distorted central vision in one eye.
Visit Clarkson Eyecare for Personalized Blurry Vision Treatment
Blurry vision in one eye can result from a variety of factors, ranging from minor and temporary issues to more serious conditions requiring prompt attention. No matter the cause, seeking professional evaluation is essential to protect your vision and address any underlying concerns. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing complications and maintaining long-term eye health.
At Clarkson Eyecare, our dedicated team of eye care experts is here to help diagnose the cause of your blurry vision and provide personalized treatment options designed to meet your specific needs. With expert care and timely intervention, we’ll work with you to restore clarity and ensure the health of your eyes for years to come. If you’re experiencing blurry vision in one eye or have questions about your eye health, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Clarkson Eyecare today.