Blurry vision can indicate a wide range of eye conditions, from common problems like nearsightedness to more serious ones like cataracts and glaucoma. If you are experiencing blurry vision, it is important to understand the potential causes and seek expert medical advice if the condition persists or worsens.

Understand the Different Types of Blurry Vision.

Blurry vision can be categorized in two broad groups: refractive errors, which are caused by the way the eye bends light, and other causes such as cataracts or glaucoma. Common refractive errors that cause blurry vision include nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia. Other causes of blurry vision can include eye strain, corneal abrasions, diabetes-related issues, and age-related changes to the eyes.

Identify the Possible Causes of Your Blurry Vision.

Identifying the cause of your blurry vision is the first step in finding a solution. Depending on your symptoms, you may be able to diagnose it yourself. For example, if you have an issue focusing on near objects or have trouble seeing in dim lighting, then you may have nearsightedness or presbyopia, both of which are corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Blurry vision can also be caused by eye strain from spending too much time staring at screens, so taking regular breaks can help reduce this symptom.

Seek Professional Help to Receive an Official Diagnosis and Treatment Plan.

If self-diagnosis is not possible or if your symptom persists, it’s best to seek professional help. Visual abnormalities are symptoms of many eye diseases, including macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. Visiting an optometrist or ophthalmologist is the most effective way to get an accurate diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan that can address the underlying issue causing your blurry vision.

Look Into Nonsurgical, Noninvasive Treatments for Blurry Vision.

While glasses and contact lenses are the most common treatments for vision problems, there are noninvasive treatments like vision therapy, or “visual rehabilitation,” that can help to improve your blurry vision. Vision therapy teaches the muscles around your eyes to work together more efficiently, strengthening them over time and allowing them to better focus on images. Vision therapies can be done both in-office with perceptual exercises and at home with special tools like eye patches.

If Necessary, Consider Surgery as a Last Resort Treatment Option.

Surgery should only be considered as a last resort option to correct conditions that are causing blurry vision. Refractive surgery, like LASIK, can be done to reshape the cornea of your eye in order to improve your vision. Laser-assisted subepithelial keratomileusis (or aka LASEK) and photorefractive keratectomy (or PRK) are two other types of laser surgeries that can help reduce your reliance on eyeglasses or contacts for nearsightedness and farsightedness.