Browse Medications by Everyday Health Concerns: Blurred vision

Blurred vision is a condition where your sight becomes unclear or unfocused. It can affect one or both eyes and may occur suddenly or develop gradually. The blurriness might appear as a haze or a loss of sharpness, making it hard to see fine details. While sometimes linked to minor issues like fatigue or dry eyes, persistent blurred vision may signal an underlying health problem. Understanding the cause of your blurred vision can help you take the necessary steps to preserve and improve your sight.

Symptoms associated with blurred vision include:

• Difficulty seeing objects clearly, even when they are close
• A general haze or cloudiness in your field of vision
• Trouble focusing on small text or details
• Sudden or gradual loss of clarity in vision

Blurred vision can be caused by:

• Refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism
• Dry eyes, which can lead to a lack of moisture and blurry vision
• Cataracts, which cloud the lens of the eye and blur vision over time
• Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina
• Glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerve, often without symptoms until later stages
• Macular degeneration, which affects the central vision

Risk factors for blurred vision include:

• Age, especially as conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration become more common with aging
• Chronic conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension, which can affect eye health
• Uncorrected refractive errors, like nearsightedness or farsightedness
• Smoking, which increases the risk of eye diseases
• Family history of eye conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration

Diagnosing blurred vision typically involves:

• A comprehensive eye exam, including tests for refractive errors, pressure in the eyes, and retinal health
• Blood tests or scans to check for conditions like diabetes or hypertension
• Imaging tests, such as retinal scans, to look for signs of macular degeneration or other retinal conditions

Treatment for blurred vision depends on the cause and may include:

• Corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses) for refractive errors
• Medications, like eye drops, for conditions such as dry eyes or inflammation
• Surgical options, such as cataract surgery, if needed
• Laser treatments for conditions like diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma

For conditions like dry eyes, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy, medications such as eye drops or oral medications may be prescribed. NiHowdy can help you save on prescription costs, making it easier to manage your condition and improve your eye health.

To prevent blurred vision, consider:

• Regular eye exams to catch conditions like cataracts or glaucoma early
• Managing chronic health conditions, such as controlling blood sugar levels in diabetes
• Protecting your eyes from UV light by wearing sunglasses and avoiding smoking
• Maintaining a healthy diet rich in nutrients for eye health, like vitamins A, C, and E

To manage blurred vision at home, try:

• Using artificial tears or humidifiers to alleviate dry eyes
• Taking regular breaks from screens to prevent eye strain
• Practicing good eye health habits, like eating nutrient-rich foods and staying hydrated
• Organizing your home to ensure good lighting and reduce the strain on your eyes

If blurred vision occurs suddenly, is accompanied by pain or headaches, or doesn't improve with rest or eye drops, it's important to seek medical help. Early intervention can prevent further damage and help manage underlying conditions.

NiHowdy helps make medications and treatments for eye conditions more affordable, including those for glaucoma, dry eyes, or cataracts. With Bitcoin rebates, NiHowdy helps you access the care you need while saving money.

John had been experiencing blurred vision due to cataracts. After undergoing surgery and using prescribed eye drops, his vision significantly improved. Thanks to NiHowdy's savings on his medications, John could stay consistent with his eye care, restoring his ability to see clearly and enjoy life again.