Our vision is one of the primary ways in which we perceive the world around us, so any type of vision loss or impairment is of great concern. Many of the causes of blurry vision and other vision ailments are serious medical conditions, while others are minor and simple to correct. The best treatment for blurry vision will depend on what is causing it in the patient.
Blurry vision should be distinguished from other similar conditions affecting vision. It is also important to determine whether it is one or both eyes which are affected. Another thing which will help decide the correct treatment is whether the vision problem occurs constantly or intermittently, and if it seems to be brought on by any environmental factors.
The most common cause of blurred vision is the need for corrective lenses. If the cornea or the eye itself has the incorrect shape, light will not focus directly on the retina, and as a result, images will always appear blurry if they are too close or too far away. Correction for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism is often easily accomplished by glasses or contact lenses. An incorrect prescription for glasses or contacts may also lead to blurry vision.
Slightly more serious eye conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma may require treatment by surgery or medication, respectively. Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the United States, and is very safe. In certain cases, blurriness occurs due to the taking of certain medications such as birth control drugs, blood pressure medication, and anti-depressants. If you and your doctor establish a link between these drugs and your vision problems, it may be best to discontinue use or find a substitute. In people with diabetes, changes in blood sugar levels can cause blurry vision, and these can be treated and controlled by proper regulation of glucose levels.
Although there are numerous possible causes for blurry vision, hypertension and diabetes are probably the biggest risk factors, other than simple refractive disorders that can be corrected by glasses. These conditions can cause the deterioration of the lens and retina of the eye at a faster-than-normal rate. Because of this, keeping these conditions well-managed is essential to maintaining clear and healthy vision throughout one’s life. A diet with plenty of vitamin A has also been shown to support long-term eye health.