Blurry vision can be very uncomfortable and annoying. It can significantly reduce the quality of your eyesight and make even simple tasks difficult. Whether occasional or chronic, blurry vision can make it difficult to read, watch TV, or even drive. If you’re experiencing blurry vision, it could be a symptom of an underlying condition.
Read on to learn more about common causes of blurry vision and the best treatments for each.
Common Causes of Blurry Vision
A recent study published in the journal Ophthalmology found that blurred vision can be caused by several factors, including refractive errors such as nearsightedness or farsightedness or even more severe eye diseases such as glaucoma or cataracts. Here’s a brief overview of each:
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is one of the most common causes of blurry vision. Astigmatism is an eye condition that occurs when the cornea (the eye’s clear front surface) or lens is irregularly shaped, resulting in blurred images at any distance.
Astigmatism usually affects both eyes and can lead to eye strain and headaches if left untreated. Fortunately, astigmatism can easily be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or laser surgery.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is a natural part of aging in which your eyes gradually lose their ability to focus on nearby objects due to decreased flexibility in the lens of your eyes. Presbyopia commonly affects those over 40 years old. It typically causes difficulty reading small print and eyestrain when focusing on nearby objects for long periods. Presbyopia can also be corrected with glasses or contact lenses with corrective power for near vision.
Myopia
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is another common cause of blurry vision that occurs when distant objects appear blurry due to a refractive error in the eye caused by an elongated eyeball shape or increased curvature in the cornea.
Myopia often runs in families and typically worsens if left untreated. Fortunately, myopia can usually be corrected with glasses or contact lenses prescribed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Eye fatigue
Eye fatigue is another common cause of blurry vision caused by various factors, including spending long hours focusing on digital screens or engaging in intense physical activities without taking breaks. Eye fatigue usually results in irritation, dryness, and blurred vision that can last several hours.
Best Treatments for Blurry Vision
The best way to treat your blurry vision depends on its cause. In general, visiting an eye doctor would be the best way to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Your eye doctor can conduct a comprehensive eye exam to determine if you have any of the conditions mentioned above and measure your glasses or contact lens prescription if needed.
Here are some ways you might improve your sight:
LASIK Surgery
LASIK surgery can be an effective way to improve eyesight by reshaping the cornea. The procedure is exact and involves using a laser to reshape the cornea, correcting a person’s refractive error and reducing their dependency on glasses or contact lenses. Most patients experience dramatic results after just one treatment. They can return to their daily activities as soon as the next day.
Also, LASIK could reduce the discomfort associated with dry eyes, astigmatism, or nearsightedness. Thousands of people have experienced improved vision quality, better eye health, increased confidence, and improved clarity in daily life thanks to LASIK surgery.
Corrective Lenses
In many cases, corrective lenses are a fast, simple, and cost-effective way to provide better vision without surgery. Of course, they require regular check-ups to monitor the need for any lens adjustment or correction because the prescription can change over time.
Corrective lenses provide a wide field of view and better depth perception, making it easier to do everyday tasks like reading signs and menus or watching television that wasn’t easy due to your vision condition. While certain types of eye surgeries may be more permanent solutions in some cases, others don’t have the same risks associated with them as corrective lenses do.
Eye Exercises or Relaxation Techniques
These exercises help relax the muscles around your eyes, promoting increased circulation and nerve impulses to the retina, leading to improved vision. They can also reduce eyestrain caused by looking at screens for too long or focusing on details for extended periods of time.
Taking regular breaks and focusing on different distances can greatly improve your eyesight in just a few minutes per day. Doing simple exercises such as rolling up your eyes and rotating them clockwise several times, focusing between two distances, or cupping your palms over your closed eyelids can be very helpful.
Final Thoughts
No matter what type of blurry vision you may experience, there are ways to improve it, so don’t hesitate to seek treatment options if needed! Proper diagnosis is essential in helping identify what type of condition is causing the blurriness so you can get the most effective treatment possible! By taking care of yourself and understanding why blurred vision may happen, along with finding solutions specifically tailored to your needs, you should soon find relief!
