Why Is Your Vision Blurry All Of The Sudden?

When your vision suddenly becomes blurry, it's natural to be a bit scared and worried. You may even fear that you're going blind! But the truth is that while sudden blurriness is sometimes a symptom of a serious problem, it can also have a rather minor cause. Here's a look at the possible causes of sudden visual blurriness and some tips for determining which is most likely to blame.

Ocular Migraines

Have you suffered from migraines in the past, or do they run in your family? Is your blurry vision accompanied by a headache and/or feelings of nausea? Chances are, you're suffering from an ocular migraine. This condition can cause an array of visual symptoms, from general blurriness to the appearance of flashing lights in the visual field. Taking a headache medication and laying down in a dark room for a few hours should help. It's a good idea to see your doctor to rule out possible causes such as brain tumors. However, in most cases, ocular migraines are generally harmless and can be managed with medications and lifestyle changes (like avoiding caffeine and getting enough rest.)

Medications

Did you just start taking a new medication? Some allergy medications, including those that come in eye drop and pill form, can cause blurry vision as a side effect. Diuretics, anti-depressants, and beta blockers can also have this side effect. Often, the blurry vision is accompanied by feelings of eye dryness.

If you feel a medication may be to blame for your blurry vision, contact the doctor who prescribed the medication promptly. He or she can tell you whether it's safe to continue the medication. You may be instructed to adjust the dose or to use lubricating eye drops to help fight the dryness if you do continue using the medication.

Retinal Detachment

Is your vision so remarkably blurry that it looks like a gray curtain is stretching across your visual field? Are you seeing a lot of floaters and flashes? If so, you need to have someone take you to the emergency room, as you may be suffering from a detached or torn retina. In many cases, you can have the retina repaired surgically, but this needs to be done promptly. Otherwise, you risk permanent vision loss.

Whenever your vision gets blurry all of the sudden, it is a good idea to get checked out by an eye doctor – even if the symptoms seem to clear up on their own after a few hours or a few days. This way, you can put your mind at ease, and in the rare case that you are suffering from something like a retinal tear, get the treatment you need. Contact optometrists, like those at Cripe Stephens & Stickel, for more information.

Share