General Eye Conditions and Tests
Why is my vision blurred?
Blurring that comes and goes and clears with blinking usually points to the tear film or an uncorrected prescription. Steady blurring that develops over months suggests cataract or a refractive change. Central distortion suggests the macula. Sudden blurring, especially in one eye, needs prompt assessment because it can indicate a retinal, optic nerve or blood supply problem.
Gradual blurring
- Refractive error, meaning the eye needs glasses or a new prescription
- Presbyopia, the normal loss of near focus from about the early forties
- Cataract, giving misty vision, glare and dull colours
- Dry eye, causing fluctuating blur that clears on blinking
- Macular disease, giving distortion and difficulty reading
- Glaucoma, which usually affects the side vision before central blur appears
Sudden blurring
- Retinal problems such as a vein occlusion, macular swelling or a detachment
- Optic nerve problems, including reduced blood supply or inflammation
- A stroke affecting the visual pathway, often causing loss of the same side of vision in both eyes
- Acute angle closure glaucoma, with pain and haloes
- Bleeding inside the eye, particularly in diabetes
- Very high blood sugar or a rapid change in sugar control, which can blur vision temporarily
How it is assessed
Vision is measured with and without your glasses and a careful refraction is done, since an uncorrected prescription is a common and easily solved cause. The tear film, cornea and lens are examined, eye pressure is measured, the retina and optic disc are examined after dilation, and imaging or visual fields are added where the findings suggest it.
When to seek urgent assessment
- Sudden blurring or loss of vision, which needs assessment the same day
- Blurring with eye pain, redness, haloes or vomiting
- New distortion of straight lines, or a dark patch at the centre of vision
- Blurring with weakness, numbness or slurred speech, which needs emergency care
Frequently asked questions
- Could my blood sugar be making my vision blurry?
- Yes. Large swings in blood sugar change the focus of the lens temporarily. Vision usually settles once sugar levels are stable, and a glasses test is best done then.
- Can blurred vision come from my blood pressure tablets?
- Some medicines cause dry eye or focusing changes. Do not stop any prescribed medicine. Mention it at your eye examination so the link can be assessed.
Concerned about these symptoms?
Arrange an eye examination with our consultant ophthalmologist in Garki, Abuja.
Related answers
- What should I do if I suddenly lose vision?
- Why do I need reading glasses after forty?
- What is a refractive error?
Return to all general eye conditions and tests answers.