Blurred vision is a symptom of a disease or an injury. Because the causes can be varied and permanent damage to vision cannot be ruled out, medical treatment is generally always necessary.
What is blurred vision?
By the term blurred vision, medical professionals understand a restriction of vision in which there is a disturbance of perception. By the term blurred vision, physicians understand a limitation of vision in which there is a disturbance of perception. The environment or individual objects appear indistinct or as if obscured by a fog to the person affected. Both eyes or only one eye can be affected. The blurred vision may also occur only temporarily and then temporarily disappear again. Since blurred vision is always a symptom of a disease or damage to the eye or other organs involved, it is always advisable to consult a doctor. Depending on the cause, blurred vision may also be accompanied by other symptoms such as headaches.
Causes
Blurred vision can have a variety of causes. For those who wear glasses, the current prescription of the visual aid may no longer be adequate and new glasses may be needed. A rapid and significant clouding of vision should definitely be taken seriously, as it may be due to a disease such as a cataract or even glaucoma. Diabetes, multiple sclerosis or a migraine attack can also contribute to blurred vision. Disorders in the brain, such as those caused by a stroke, also not infrequently affect vision. Anxiety and panic sufferers often suffer from blurred vision, which can only be exacerbated by fear of permanent blindness. Ultimately, direct damage to the eye, such as that resulting from an accident or injury, may also be responsible for the discomfort.
Diseases with this symptom
- Cataract
- Glaucoma
- Diabetes mellitus
- Multiple sclerosis
- Migraine
- Stroke
Diagnosis and course
If blurred vision has occurred, a doctor should be consulted, who will first talk in detail with the patient. He thus brings more about the nature of the visual disturbance, the first appearance of the same and any accompanying symptoms. An examination of the eyes including an eye test, eye pressure measurements and possibly also an ophthalmoscopy can provide further information about the cause of the symptoms. A blood test and/or performing an ultrasound may support the diagnosis. Blurred vision should always be medically clarified, as it can hide a serious condition. In some cases, the symptoms worsen to the point of temporary or permanent blindness. Some diseases can even lead to death if left untreated.
Complications
Blurred vision can greatly affect daily and professional life. Affected people are no longer properly receptive, especially in road traffic, and accidents can thus become more frequent. In addition, this is often a psychological burden for the person, who may develop depression as a result if the blurred vision becomes chronic. A cataract, for example, which causes blurred vision, can lead to blindness in the worst case if left untreated. However, cataract surgery can also cause various complications in rare cases. On the one hand, the capsule can tear during the operation. Through the resulting opening, the gelatinous mass in the eye, namely the vitreous body, can escape. As a result, the retina can detach and worsen the visual impairment. On the other hand, pathogens may enter the eye or bleeding may occur. Furthermore, multiple sclerosis can lead to severe muscle weakness, which can even lead to a restriction of movements. The affected person usually also suffers from incontinence, so that he or she becomes in need of care. The immune system is also somewhat weakened, so that infections accumulate, especially in the respiratory tract. In some cases, changes in personality are also observed.In addition, multiple sclerosis is a heavy psychological burden for the affected person, since the disease is not curable.
When should you see a doctor?
Blurred vision that occurs due to blood pressure fluctuations during or after physical exertion usually disappears on its own within a short time and does not require medical treatment. Strong psychological tension or a brief overload of the eyes, for example due to too long screen work, can also lead to temporary blurred vision that does not require treatment. On the other hand, sudden onset of vision problems with no apparent cause should be clarified as soon as possible by an ophthalmologist who, unlike general practitioners, has the appropriate technical diagnostic equipment. If vision deteriorates due to chronic diseases such as elevated blood pressure or diabetes mellitus, the underlying disease must be treated appropriately by the general practitioner or internist. Blurred vision due to defective vision can easily be compensated by glasses or contact lenses: The fitting of a suitable visual aid can be carried out by the optician – to rule out eye diseases, a check-up with the ophthalmologist should still be carried out. The sudden worsening of a known visual impairment also makes an ophthalmological examination necessary. The family doctor or medical emergency service should be consulted immediately if the blurred vision is accompanied by other complaints such as nausea, dizziness and headaches.
Treatment and therapy
If the cause of blurred vision has been found out, the attending physician (usually the ophthalmologist) can initiate an appropriate therapy. This is always based on the particular reason for the complaints. If the visual disturbances occur due to nearsightedness or farsightedness, it is usually sufficient to provide an appropriate visual aid to eliminate the symptoms. A surgical intervention is also possible as an alternative to eliminate the visual disturbances. If a migraine is the trigger for the blurred vision, medications known as antiemetics are usually used to alleviate the symptoms. Diseases that cause diabetes require the regulation of insulin levels so that vision can be fully restored. Retinal detachment, which can also lead to blurred vision, must be treated surgically in many cases. This procedure is performed with the help of laser beams and promises good results. As a general rule, the sooner a doctor is consulted, the greater the likelihood that vision can be restored and permanently preserved.
Outlook and prognosis
Blurred vision can occur in many situations and disappear after a short time. This is a harmless symptom that does not require treatment. It is not uncommon for it to occur during a migraine or severe headache. After a short time, however, the blurred vision disappears on its own. Should the visual acuity decrease, a visit to an ophthalmologist or optician is necessary. The affected person should in no case do without a visual aid, because if he does not wear a visual aid, the visual acuity usually deteriorates even further and decreases. In most cases, long-term visual impairment does not disappear on its own. However, it can worsen the other way around over time. In adulthood, it is possible to correct the visual defects with a laser. This procedure is not performed in children and adolescents, because the visual acuity usually changes at a young age. Due to the blurred vision, everyday life is limited only if no visual aid is used. With a visual aid, there are no longer any particular limitations or difficulties in this day and age.
Prevention
Blurred vision can be prevented only to a limited extent. Certainly, a healthy lifestyle helps maintain vision as well as general health and prevent disease. Nevertheless, if the first symptoms appear and blurred vision is detected, it is advisable to seek medical help promptly, because this increases the chances of recovery even in the case of a more serious disease. The contact person in this case is the ophthalmologist.
What you can do yourself
Depending on the cause, blurred vision can be alleviated with various home remedies and measures.If foreign bodies in the eye (shampoo, dust, etc.) lead to the visual disturbances, it is usually sufficient to rinse the eyes and prevent further irritation. Special eye rinses from the pharmacy as well as home remedies such as chamomile tea or rose water reliably rid the eyes of foreign bodies and act acutely against itching and pain. Blurred vision as a result of conjunctivitis should be treated by an ophthalmologist. Accompanying the treatment, vision can be improved by cold compresses and rest. In addition, irritant sources and substances such as bright light, pollen or allergens should be avoided. Anyone who regularly suffers from blurred vision may need a visual aid. The pinch test provides information on whether the blurred vision is due to poor eyesight. In addition to visiting an eye doctor, vision can sometimes be improved with simple eye exercises. If the blurred vision is caused by contact lenses, switching to glasses often provides relief. In addition, eye drops and a balanced diet with sufficient iron, zinc and vitamins can improve vision and alleviate blurred vision in the long term. If these measures show no effect, an ophthalmologist should be consulted.
