Blurry vision is one of the most common eye complaints people experience. Sometimes it’s mild and temporary. Other times, it’s a sign that something deeper is going on. The tricky part is that many eye conditions start silently and progress slowly, which makes timely evaluation essential.
At Dr. Pawan Sthapak’s Eye Centre, patients often arrive thinking they “just need new glasses,” only to discover an underlying condition that needed attention sooner. Here’s a clear breakdown of the most common causes of blurry vision and the signs you should never ignore.
1. Refractive Errors
These are the most frequent reasons for blurred vision. They include:
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Hyperopia (farsightedness)
- Astigmatism
- Presbyopia (age-related reading difficulty)
A simple eye exam and an updated prescription usually solve the issue. But delaying checkups can worsen strain and headaches.
2. Dry Eyes
If your eyes don’t produce enough tears—or the tears evaporate too quickly—you may notice blurred or fluctuating vision.
Common triggers include:
- Excessive screen time
- Air conditioning
- Dehydration
- Long hours of reading
Lubricating drops or targeted dry-eye treatment often make a big difference.
3. Cataract
Cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside the eye. People usually describe it as looking through fog or dirty glass.
Early signs include:
- Blurred or dim vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Faded colours
- Sensitivity to bright light
Cataract progresses slowly, and early diagnosis helps in planning timely surgery.
4. Glaucoma
Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, often due to increased eye pressure.
Early symptoms can be subtle:
- Blurry side vision
- Halos around lights
- Occasional headaches
If left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss. Regular exams are important especially after age 40.
5. Diabetic Eye Disease
High blood sugar can affect the tiny blood vessels in the retina, causing vision changes.
Warning signs include:
- Blurred or patchy vision
- Fluctuating clarity
- Eye floaters
Diabetic patients should schedule routine eye checkups even when vision feels normal.
6. Eye Infections or Inflammation
Conjunctivitis, uveitis, and corneal infections can cause sudden blurry vision along with redness, pain, or light sensitivity.
These need immediate medical attention—self-treatment can make the condition worse.
7. Migraine-Related Blurring
Some migraines trigger visual disturbances before the headache begins. These auras often cause temporary blurry vision or zigzag lines.
While temporary, frequent episodes should be evaluated to rule out other causes.
When Should You See Dr. Pawan Sthapak?
You should get your eyes checked if:
- Your vision becomes blurry suddenly
- The blurring is getting worse over time
- You have pain, redness, or halos
- You’re experiencing frequent headaches with visual strain
- You have diabetes or a family history of eye disease
Early diagnosis keeps your vision safe and helps prevent long-term complications.
Expert Care at Dr. Pawan Sthapak’s Eye Centre
With advanced diagnostic tools and years of experience, Dr. Sthapak offers comprehensive eye evaluations, personalized treatment, and surgical care for conditions like cataract, glaucoma, refractive errors, and diabetic eye disease.
Your vision matters—don’t wait for symptoms to worsen.
FAQs
1. Can blurred vision go away on its own?
Sometimes it can, especially due to dryness or fatigue. But if it continues, get a proper checkup.
2. Is blurry vision always a sign of a serious problem?
Not always, but persistent or sudden blurring can indicate conditions that need timely treatment.
3. Can screen time cause blurry vision?
Yes. Long screen hours reduce blinking, leading to dryness and temporary blurring.
4. What tests are done for blurry vision?
A complete eye exam may include refraction, slit-lamp evaluation, eye pressure testing, and retinal examination.
5. When should I worry about sudden blurred vision?
If blurring appears suddenly with pain, headache, or halos, visit an eye specialist immediately.