Blurry vision is a common problem experienced by people of all ages and can have various causes. Dr. Zurcher has encountered numerous cases of blurry vision and has compiled a list of some of the most common causes to help you better understand this condition. Keep in mind that each cause is unique, and a comprehensive eye examination is essential to pinpoint the specific reason for your blurry vision.
Refractive errors are the leading blurry vision cause and affect millions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 153 million people globally suffer from visual impairment due to uncorrected refractive errors. The most common causes of blurry vision related to refractive errors include:
This occurs when the eye is longer than normal or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina. Myopia affects nearly 30% of the US population, making it a prevalent cause of blurry vision. Learn more about myopia and the importance of controlling the progression in children here.
This happens when the eye is shorter than normal or the cornea is too flat, causing light to focus behind the retina. Approximately 5-10% of the US population has hyperopia, contributing to the causes of blurry vision. Learn more about farsightedness here.
An irregularly shaped cornea or lens can cause astigmatism, leading to blurred vision at all distances. Around 30% of the US population has some degree of astigmatism, making it another common cause of blurry vision. Learn more about astigmatism here.
Age-related loss of flexibility in the lens results in difficulty focusing on close objects. Nearly 100% of people over the age of 45 experience presbyopia to some extent. Learn more about presbyopia here.
Chronic dry eye syndrome is characterized by insufficient tear production or poor tear quality. This leads to irritation, discomfort, and, in severe cases, blurred vision. It is estimated that around 4.9 million Americans aged 50 and above suffer from dry eye syndrome, making it a notable cause of blurry vision. Learn more about dry eyes here.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases characterized by progressive damage to the optic nerve, leading to vision loss. In the early stages, glaucoma causes peripheral vision loss, which can progress to central vision loss and eventually blindness if left untreated. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, approximately 3 million Americans have glaucoma, but only half are aware of their condition. Learn more about glaucoma here.
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that damages blood vessels in the retina, causing blurry vision or even vision loss. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that over 7.7 million Americans aged 40 and above have diabetic retinopathy, contributing to the causes of blurry vision. Learn more about diabetic retinopathy here.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in people aged 60 and above. It affects the central part of the retina, known as the macula, causing blurry or distorted central vision. An estimated 14 million people in the US suffer from some form of AMD. Learn more about macular degeneration here.
Conditions like conjunctivitis (pink eye), uveitis (inflammation of the uvea), and corneal ulcers can cause blurry vision due to inflammation, swelling, or scarring. Proper diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial in preventing long-term damage to your vision.
A retinal detachment is a medical emergency where the retina separates from the back of the eye, leading to blurry vision, floaters, and flashes of light. If not treated promptly, retinal detachment can result in permanent vision loss. The American Society of Retina Specialists estimates that approximately 1 in 10,000 people experience a retinal detachment each year, adding to the list of blurry vision causes. Learn about retinal detachment here.
Optic neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve, often associated with autoimmune conditions like multiple sclerosis. It can cause sudden vision loss or blurriness, along with pain upon eye movement. The prevalence of optic neuritis is estimated to be around 1-5 cases per 100,000 people.
Migraines are severe headaches often accompanied by visual disturbances, including blurry vision, blind spots, and zigzag patterns. Migraine-related blurry vision typically affects both eyes and resolves once the headache subsides. The Migraine Research Foundation states that about 12% of the US population suffers from migraines, contributing to the causes of blurry vision.
Floaters are small, shadowy specks or strands that float in the vitreous gel within the eye. They can cause temporary blurry vision when they cross the line of sight. Although generally harmless, a sudden increase in floaters can indicate a more serious condition, such as retinal detachment, and warrants immediate medical attention from our optometrist. Learn more about flashes and floaters here.
Prolonged screen time, reading, or other close-up work can strain the eye muscles, leading to blurry vision, headaches, and discomfort. The American Optometric Association recommends following the 20-20-20 rule: take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and look at something 20 feet away to reduce eye strain, helping to alleviate this cause of blurry vision. Learn more about eye strain here.
If you don’t already have a trusted optometrist or you live too far from our optometry clinic in Olympia, you could start your online search by typing in phrases such as "eye doctor near me," "optometrist near me," or "eye specialist near me."
It's important to remember that each case of blurry vision is unique, and a comprehensive eye examination is essential to determine the specific cause. We encourage you to schedule regular comprehensive eye exams, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and see our eye doctor if you experience any sudden changes in your vision. Please call us at (360) 491-2121 to schedule an eye exam for blurry vision.
Patients with blurry vision visit our clinic from all over Washington, and we are proud to be a leading provider of comprehensive eye care services for patients from Olympia, Lakewood, Tacoma, and Lacey.
Such a nice optician. My grandson is only 4 and needs glasses. We were so sad, but he explained the issues, and we will follow up as he suggested.
I had such a good experience with the clinic. Very friendly staff and doctor, did not have to wait for long to be called, and was treated respectfully. Thanks, American Family.
Dr. Zurcher has gone above and beyond what any other eye doctor has ever done to figure out what is going on with my eyes. Very happy with American Family Vision.
Family Vision Clinic changed our lives! My daughter was frequently car sick, and she was getting headaches every day, often painful enough that they brought her to tears. We saw a string of doctors and therapists, but we made no progress. Finally, we found Dr. Levi Zurcher and his eye therapist Rain. After ten weeks of eye therapy my daughter no longer gets headaches, and she no longer gets car sick. Daily tears are a thing of the past. I really can’t say enough about this clinic. It was fascinating to watch Dr. Zurcher work. For the first time, someone who knew what they were doing was intently studying my daughter, really trying to figure out all of her eye issues, and his therapist Rain is one of the most patient and lovely people that I’ve ever had the good fortune to meet. We’re finished with eye therapy—yay!—and I have switched to American Family Vision Clinic for all of my family’s other eye health needs.
Very professional, yet kind and helpful. They do what they can to make the appointment comfortable. I was running a bit late, I made sure ti call. They were able to switch me with a patient who was already there, they treated me with respect, and helped my son have confidence by getting him the eye care he needed that day. Thank you so much! Would recommend to anyone. It's a blessing that they care enough to work with people who have all different types of insurance from work to state coverage.
The staff is friendly. The Doc is very knowledgeable. The office is family friendly and everyone is so patient with the little ones.
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