When we lose visual clarity, we usually immediately think that it is an eye problem or a refractive defect such as astigmatism. However, there are many causes of blurred vision, so this problem cannot be exclusively associated with conditions of the visual system.
In the event of any loss of visual acuity It is essential to visit the medical specialist to know the cause and receive the correct treatment in time.
Therefore, in Área Oftalmológica Avanzada we explain why blurred vision can occur and what to do if you have this symptom.
Blurred vision due to eye problems
One of the main causes of blurred vision are refractive defects or vision problems. These can cause blurred vision in one eye or in both eyes at the same time depending on whether we have it in one or both eyes. Identifying what is the condition that generates this distortion is basic to apply the indicated treatment.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism It is one of the most common refractive problems and occurs due to an abnormal curvature in the composition of the cornea. This defect causes that, when the light enters the eye, the image is focused at the same time in different parts of the retina, which generates the most important symptom of astigmatism: blurred vision.
This condition can be treated with glasses or, in some cases, completely eliminated thanks to a laser operation for astigmatism.
Myopia
This condition is characterized by causing blurred vision of objects that are long distance, why? Unlike astigmatism, in myopia the image is formed in front of the retina due to some defect in the cornea, the crystalline or even by the shape of the eye. Myopia, like astigmatism, is treated with glasses and, depending on the patient, can be permanently eliminated with a laser surgery for myopia.
Farsightedness
It is the opposite of myopia, that is, it causes blurred vision of near objects. As the years go by, farsightedness can worsen and also make it difficult to see objects clearly at long distances. farsightedness It happens because the image is formed behind the retina and not on it. Its treatment also consists of the use of glasses, contact lenses or through hyperopia operation.
Presbyopia
Also known as eyestrain, this refractive problem is a consequence of the natural aging of the lens, for this reason its symptoms progress progressively. Everybody they will suffer presbyopia at a certain age and the most common symptom is blurred vision caused by the lack of flexibility of the lens to correctly focus the images.
Cataract
Over the years, the crystalline lens may lose its transparency and gradually become opaque. This condition is one of the causes of blurred vision and is not corrected with the use of glasses but only with a operation to remove the cataract.
Although sooner or later we will all suffer cataracts it should be noted that there are certain Risks that cause cataracts to come out prematurely, among them we find diabetic patients, poor diet, not protecting the eyes against ultraviolet rays or alcoholism and smoking.
Double vision
The eye is much more complex than is commonly thought, and although it may seem easy to open the eyes and see a single image, for this to happen, the cornea, the lens, the eye muscles, the brain and the optic nerve work properly If not, you can present what we know as diplopia or double vision, condition that distorts the depth of reality causing blurred and double vision of the same image.
Other conditions that cause blurred vision
In addition to refractive errors and problems directly related to the eye, other non-ophthalmological factors can lead to blurred vision, the most common are:
Stress
Maintaining a busy pace of life and improper handling of emotions can cause chronic stress y Eye fatigue, conditions that if not properly controlled may be associated with blurred vision. Changing certain habits such as improving eating, exercising and resting properly can be a great help in managing stress.
Anxiety
Anxiety is another cause of blurred vision. The relationship between blurred vision and anxiety it is related as a causation factor, that is, anxiety causes blurred vision. Usually, a fish after the anxiety episode restores normal vision. If this does not happen, it is highly recommended to go to the ophthalmologist for an eye and retinal review.
Migraine
La blurred vision and headache is usually caused by migraine, a severe, throbbing headache that can occur on only one side and sometimes affects one or two eyes. Migraine is caused by abnormal brain activity that can be linked to various factors.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a degenerative disease that affects vision and it happens when the pancreas does not correctly synthesize the amount the body needs to keep blood glucose levels under control. One of the most common symptoms of excess blood glucose is blurred vision.
Inflamed cornea
La inflamed cornea it is one of the causes of blurred vision. Among the main causes that cause this inflammation we find the trauma or blows to the eye and eye infections.
Hypoglycemia
Just as an abrupt increase in blood glucose can cause blurred vision, a decrease in this substance can cause the same symptom. During an episode of hypoglycemia the person may also experience double vision, fainting, confusion, seizures, sensitivity to light y drooping eyelid.
High blood pressure
Blood pressure is the force that blood exerts against the walls of the arteries each time the heart beats. When this pressure is very high there is talk of arterial hypertension, a condition that can cause blurred vision and represents one of the most important risks for cardiovascular health.
What do I do if I have blurred vision?
As we have seen, the causes of blurred vision are many and of different nature, which makes its diagnosis complex. In the presence of this symptom, our recommendation is to schedule an appointment with the ophthalmologist so that, through an ophthalmological review, we can know what is causing this discomfort.
Ignoring blurred vision or assuming it's just a consequence of aging can lead to major complications that should be avoided.
