Blurred vision
Blurred vision refers to a decrease in clarity of vision, which can affect an individual's ability to see fine details and can range from temporary to chronic conditions. This visual impairment may arise from various causes, including refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related difficulty in focusing). Additionally, viral conjunctivitis and other retinal infections, as well as underlying health issues like diabetes or hypertension, can lead to blurred vision. Environmental factors, such as prolonged exposure to computer screens or glare, and certain medications may also contribute to this condition.
Symptoms typically include difficulty reading small text and an overall lack of focus. Treatment options often involve obtaining a new or corrected lens prescription, medications, or surgery, depending on the underlying cause. Regular eye examinations by an ophthalmologist are important for diagnosing the reasons behind blurred vision, while urgent medical attention is necessary for any eye injuries or accompanying symptoms indicative of serious conditions like retinal detachment. Understanding these aspects can help individuals recognize blurred vision's potential significance and seek appropriate care.
Subject Terms
Blurred vision
ANATOMY OR SYSTEM AFFECTED: Eyes
DEFINITION: A decrease in clarity of vision (visual acuity).
CAUSES: Myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, presbyopia, viral conjunctivitis, retinal infections, disease, injury, environmental factors, medications
SYMPTOMS: Difficulty reading small type, lack of visual acuity or focus
DURATION: Temporary to chronic
TREATMENTS: New or corrected lens prescription, medications, surgery
Causes and Symptoms
Blurred vision can result from any disturbance in the pathway of light as it travels from the (the front of the eye) to the retina. By far the most common causes, however, are myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), (failure of the eye to focus light evenly), and presbyopia (age-related difficulty in keeping near objects in focus). With and astigmatism, distance vision tends to be blurred. With farsightedness, near vision is blurred. Presbyopia is first noticed as middle-aged persons find difficulty in reading small type, such as that in telephone directories. Common, too, are incidents of blurred vision caused by improper prescription lenses or by improperly fitted or misused contact lenses.
Viral (pinkeye) may produce blurred vision. It may be a symptom of infections of the by viruses, fungi, or parasites (often seen in AIDS patients) and of many other eye disorders including cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
Blurred vision may also be a symptom of an underlying disease or disorder. Diabetes is a common cause; blurred vision can also result from the fluctuations in blood sugar level common to women in pregnancy. Blurred vision has been connected with kidney and nerve disease and with hypertension; it may be a warning sign or symptom of a stroke. Blurred vision has been associated with migraine and tumors.
Environmental factors may also produce blurred vision. The most common environmental cause is extended exposure to the glare of computer monitors. Blurred vision can also result from injuries to the eye and head, exposure to chemical spills, and reactions to pollen, wind, sunlight, soaps, lotions, or cosmetics. Welders’ exposure to can produce blurred vision. Many prescription medicines, including some antibiotics, antihistamines, antidepressants, appetite suppressants, hormonal supplements, and medications, can cause difficulty in focusing. Steroids, which can lead to glaucoma, may also cause a swift rise in blood sugar, producing blurred vision.
Treatment and Therapy
Therapy and treatment depend on quick and reliable diagnosis of the cause, so examination by an ophthalmologist is advisable; adults should regularly schedule such examinations. Injuries to the eye or head and blurred vision in conjunction with any other symptom of retinal detachment require emergency care. Problems with prescription lenses may be taken either to opticians or ophthalmologists. Persons suffering from computer-screen glare may benefit from antireflective coatings on eyeglasses or glare-cutting filters that fit over computer monitors.
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