Blurry vision in one eye: Causes, treatments, and what to do - Medical News Today

There are a number of causes of blurry vision in one eye. Among the most common ones are refractive errors, which can lead to long- or short-sightedness. Other possible causes include infections, migraine, and cataracts.

Most causes of blurry vision are not serious. However, it is important to consult a doctor about sudden or persistent blurry vision, as it could be a symptom of a condition that requires treatment.

This article will look at some of the causes of blurry vision in one eye, along with the symptoms and treatments.

In many cases, blurry vision is not a sign of a life threatening condition. However, sudden vision changes can sometimes mean a person needs emergency treatment. Being aware of the signs of these conditions can help with deciding when to seek help.

Anyone who experiences blurry vision along with any of the following symptoms should seek emergency medical attention:

• a sudden, severe headache
• a headache following a knock to the head
• difficulty staying awake
• loss of consciousness
• drooping or numbness on one side of the face
• inability to raise one or both arms
• slurred speech

People with diabetes should also seek help right away if they experience:

• sudden vision changes, such as flashes of light
• many more eye floaters than usual
• vision that resembles a curtain being pulled over the eyes

Read on to find out about some of the more common causes of blurry vision in one eye.

Bacteria, fungi, and viruses can all cause an eye infection, and they can affect one or both eyes. Potential symptoms of an eye infection include:

Conjunctivitis, or pinkeye, is a common type of eye infection. Other types, such as cellulitis, can be severe if a person does not receive treatment.

If a person has the symptoms of an eye infection, they should seek medical care. Depending on the cause, treatment could involve eye drops, topical medications, or oral antibiotics.

Learn about types of eye infection and their treatments here.

Migraine is a condition that causes moderate to severe headaches. Some people also experience auras, which are sensory disturbances that occur before or during a headache.

Aura symptoms can include:

• blurry vision
• short-term vision loss
• seeing shapes or zig-zag lines
• tingling
• weakness
• difficulty speaking

According to the American Migraine Foundation, these symptoms will usually last 20–60 minutes for those who experience aura. People can also have silent migraine, which is a migraine with aura but no pain.

Treatment for migraine usually involves pain relievers. Over-the-counter medications may be sufficient for those with an occasional migraine. However, those with frequent episodes may require prescription options, such as triptans, to manage the condition.

Learn more about managing migraine at home here.

Cataracts develop when the lens of the eye clouds over, causing blurry vision. This can happen in one or both eyes. Cataracts tend to be age-related and are common in older adults.

The symptoms of cataracts can come on over time. They include:

• blurry vision
• hazy vision
• less colorful vision
• difficulty seeing at night
• difficulty reading
• seeing double
• seeing a halo around lights

The only way to treat cataracts is through surgery. During the operation, a surgeon will replace the clouded lens with an artificial one.

Learn about cataract surgery and recovery here.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the macula, which is the part of the eye that enables people to see fine details. The condition can start in one eye and progress to the other, causing a loss of sharp or central vision.

There are two types of AMD:

Wet AMD

Wet AMD occurs when blood vessels form behind the retina and under the macula. These bleed and leak into the eye, scarring and damaging it.

Straight lines appearing wavy is an early symptom of wet AMD.

Dry AMD

As people get older, the macula gets thinner, leading to blurry vision. This is the most common form of AMD, accounting for 70–90% of cases. Drusen, or tiny yellow or white deposits under the retina, are the most common early sign of dry AMD.

There is no cure for either type of AMD. However, there are things people can do to slow its progression, including:

In people with wet AMD, doctors may also recommend anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs or laser treatment.

For people living with diabetes, blurry vision may be a sign of diabetic eye disease. This occurs when high blood glucose levels damage the blood vessels in the eye, causing conditions such as:

There are often no early symptoms of diabetic eye disease, but a person may experience:

• blurry vision
• vision that changes from day to day
• areas of darkness or vision loss
• a loss of color vision
• dark strings or floaters
• flashes of light

It is important for people with diabetes to get annual dilated eye exams, as these can help doctors detect early signs of damage.

People can lower the risk of these complications by managing their blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.

Treatment for existing diabetic eye disease may involve medications, laser procedures, surgery, or a combination of all three.

Sometimes, blurry vision is a sign of stroke. A stroke happens when something stops blood from getting to part of the brain. This might be a blood vessel blockage or rupture.

People can remember the symptoms of a stroke by acting F.A.S.T. This acronym stands for:

• face drooping
• arm weakness
• speech difficulty
• time to call 911

Sudden trouble seeing or walking or a severe headache can also be symptoms of stroke. Treatment may include medications to break up blood clots, procedures to repair blood vessels, or surgery.

If a person has these symptoms, do not hesitate to call for an ambulance. Paramedics can begin treatment on the way to the hospital.

Some people with COVID-19 experience conjunctivitis, which can cause blurry vision, red or watery eyes, and a sensation that a foreign object is in the eye. As with other types of viral conjunctivitis, these symptoms will usually go away on their own.

However, it is important to stay indoors and seek testing if COVID-19 is a possibility. Even with few or mild symptoms, it is possible to transmit the virus that causes COVID-19 to others.

Other symptoms of COVID-19 include:

Anyone who suspects they have COVID-19 can find out how to get tested by contacting their local health authority or visiting its website.

A number of things can cause blurry vision in one eye. Refractive errors are a common cause, as are age-related conditions, such as cataracts and AMD. Some people with migraine may experience blurry vision if they get aura or silent migraine.

A doctor can diagnose the cause of blurry vision and recommend the best options for treatment. However, if a person may have conjunctivitis as a result of COVID-19, it is important to call ahead before visiting a healthcare professional in person.

People with sudden vision changes or loss should seek immediate medical help, particularly if they also have underlying conditions, such as diabetes.