Introduction:
Blurred vision is a sign that a person cannot view things clearly. Various conditions can cause this. For example, blurred vision progressing slowly is often caused by an underlying medical condition. Whereas an injury can cause a sudden blurry vision.
What Is Blurred Vision?
An eye is made of various layers like cornea, retina, iris, pupil, sclera, optic nerve, lens, etc. Damage or infection in any of these layers can cause blurred vision. Blurred vision can be seen as a sign in neurological disorders too. The various conditions that show blurred vision as a sign or a symptom are,
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Hyphema.
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Detached retina.
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Concussion.
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Macular hole.
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Macular degeneration.
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Stroke.
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Endophthalmitis.
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Optic neuritis.
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Keratitis.
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Conjunctivitis.
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Uveitis.
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Orbital cellulitis.
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Straining the eye.
What Are Some Conditions That Lead to Blurred Vision?
The following conditions may lead to blurred vision-
1) Hyphema
It occurs due to an injury to the eyes. The injury will cause the pooling of blood in the front part of the eyes, that is, in the anterior chamber of the eyes. Blurry or a blocked vision with a red tint is a classic sign of hyphema.
Most hyphema cases can be treated with medicines alone. Topical corticosteroids are the first line of drugs for hyphema. The patient will be advised to limit eye activity and rest his or her head at 45 degrees to prevent blood from flowing back from the inferior chamber. Surgery will be required only in 5 % of cases.
2) Detached Retina
Retina is the layer present at the back of the eye. Due to age-related changes or an injury, the retinal layer will detach from the back of the eye and become devoid of nutrients and oxygen, due to decreased supply by the blood vessels. Blurred vision, the presence of floaters in the path of vision, and peripheral vision are the classic signs of a detached retina.
In case of retinal detachment, the treatment option available is only surgery. The surgical procedures include pneumatic retinopexy, vitrectomy, and scleral buckling. All these procedures are aimed at reattaching the detached retina.
3) Concussion
Concussion is a mild brain injury. It is not life-threatening but can cause serious vision damage. Blurred vision, pain in the eyes, and loss of vision are the classic eye-related changes a concussion can cause, along with amnesia, confusion, drowsiness, and dizziness.
If the concussion case is mild, the treatment will be mostly focused on limiting the symptoms. The patient will be advised to rest.
4) Macular Hole
Macula is the central part of the retinal layer. It is responsible for the central vision during reading, driving, etc. In older age, the macula can get stretched, and a hole can form, known as the macular hole. Due to this, the central vision gets affected. Blurry vision will be the first sign. Later, the objects may become wavy and not in line. As it goes untreated, the central vision can be lost.
Vitrectomy is the most preferred line of treatment for managing the macular hole. It includes injecting a bubble into the eye space that will act as a binding element in the place of the macular hole. To maintain this hole at place, the patient will be instructed to limit eye movements for some time.
5) Macular Degeneration
Degeneration, in general, means the loss of original functions and structure. Macula as discussed earlier is the central part of the retina responsible for clear vision. As a person ages, this macular layer will thin out and degenerate. Due to which, the affected person will experience difficulty in reading, driving, etc. Inability to recognize faces, blurry vision, wavy images, loss of central vision, etc, are a few of the signs and symptoms of macular degeneration.
There are no treatment options available to manage macular degeneration as of now, however, many researchers are trying to find solution. It is only possible to adapt to the changes through low vision rehabilitation. One of the upcoming management modalities is the implantation of a telescopic lens.
6) Stroke
Stroke is caused due to a blocked blood vessel to the brain or when a blood vessel supplying the brain ruptures or bleeds. Stroke is characterized by numbness in one side of the body including arms, legs, and face. Blurry vision in one of the eyes is very common. Patients may find it difficult to view things with one eye and there will be difficulty in speaking as well. Stroke is a serious medical condition and needs to be addressed immediately.
Treatment for stroke involves clearing the clot using medications or surgery. Antiplatelets, anticoagulants, and statins (medicines to lower cholesterol levels) will be prescribed. If the blood vessels are found to be weak, a stent will be placed to strengthen it.
7) Endophthalmitis
Endophthalmitis is an infection of the tissues of the eyeball caused by bacteria, fungi, punctures, or an eye injury. It is an emergency condition and it needs immediate medical care. Blurry vision, loss of vision, red eyes, and eye discharge are classic signs of endophthalmitis.
Vitrectomy surgery, antibiotics, and steroids are the preferred line of treatment to treat endophthalmitis.
8) Optic Neuritis
Optic nerve is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eyes to the brain. Swelling and damage to the optic nerve is known as optic neuritis. Optic neuritis shows signs of blurred vision, loss of vision in one eye, eye pain, fading colors, and flashing lights.
Optic neuritis generally heals on its own. In serious cases, steroidal therapy will be needed.
9) Keratitis
Keratitis is an inflammatory condition of the corneal layer of the eyes. Cornea is the clear layer of the eye. Pain and redness of the eyes, and cloudy or blurry vision are signs of keratitis.
Cold compresses, artificial tears, eye ointments, and eye drops are the line of treatment for keratitis.
10) Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is an inflammatory condition of the conjunctival layer of the eyes. It is also known as pink eyes. It is caused by bacteria, viruses, irritants, fungi, parasites, etc. Symptoms include redness of the white part of the eyes, inflammation, blurred vision, swollen eyes, itching and burning sensation of the eyes, and green or white eye discharge.
Cleaning and washing the eyes regularly is very important. Warm compresses and artificial tears will provide ease. Eye drops usage is limited in order to not worsen the redness of the eyes.
11) Uveitis
Inflammation of the uvea of the eyes is known as uveitis. It can be caused by an injury, or bacterial or viral infection to the eyes. There are three types of uveitis - anterior, intermediate and posterior. It usually presents with eye pain, cloudy or blurry vision, and redness of the eyes.
Eye drops and corticosteroids treatment at the right time will help prevent uveitis from causing complications.
12) Orbital Cellulitis
Orbital cellulitis is an inflammatory condition of the soft tissues that hold the eye in its place (eye socket). It shows symptoms of protruded eyes (proptosis), double vision, blurry vision, pain around the eyes, inability to open the eyes, discharge from the eyes, etc.
Broad-spectrum antibiotics administered intravenously and surgery are the preferred and effective treatment modalities to heal orbital cellulitis.
13) Straining of the Eyes
Eyes can get strained due to continuously looking at a computer screen. It may cause itchiness, dry eyes, and blurry vision. It is advised to take breaks in between and wear appropriate glasses.
Conclusion
An emergency or serious condition does not necessarily cause blurry vision. But it is always good to address it to avoid complications. Always seek help from an ophthalmologist for any eye changes noticed so that they can be healed right at the beginning. Vision is the greatest gift of life, and it cannot be taken for granted any day.
