Blurry vision can feel a little unsettling, especially if it comes on suddenly or starts interfering with everyday tasks like reading, driving, or working on a screen. In many cases, the cause is simple and easily corrected. In others, it can be a sign that your eyes need closer attention.
Understanding why your vision is blurry is the first step toward getting it back on track. Below, we’ll walk through the most common causes, warning signs to watch for, and when it’s time to see an optometrist (or seek urgent care).
Common Causes of Blurry Vision
Blurry vision is often linked to refractive errors, which occur when light doesn’t focus properly on the retina.
Myopia (Short-Sightedness)
Distant objects appear blurry, while close-up vision remains clear. You might notice trouble seeing road signs, the TV, or the whiteboard.
Hyperopia (Long-Sightedness)
Close-up tasks like reading or phone use can feel blurry or tiring, sometimes causing headaches or eye strain.
Astigmatism
Vision may appear blurred or distorted at all distances due to an irregularly shaped cornea or lens.
Presbyopia
An age-related condition that usually starts around your forties, making it harder to focus on close objects like menus or text messages.
These issues are very common and usually corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or updated prescriptions.
Eye Health Conditions That Can Cause Blurry Vision
Sometimes, blurred vision isn’t just about needing glasses. Certain eye conditions can also affect clarity.
Dry Eye
Dry, irritated eyes can cause fluctuating or hazy vision, especially after long screen use or in air-conditioned environments.
Cataracts
A clouding of the eye’s natural lens, cataracts often cause gradual blurriness, glare sensitivity, and faded colours.
Glaucoma
Often symptom-free in early stages, glaucoma can eventually affect peripheral vision and clarity if left untreated.
Macular Degeneration
This condition affects central vision and can make reading or recognising faces difficult.
Regular eye exams help detect these issues early, even before noticeable symptoms appear.
Lifestyle Factors That Affect Vision
Your daily habits can also contribute to blurry vision, especially if it comes and goes.
- Digital Eye Strain: Long hours on screens can lead to tired, dry eyes and temporary blur, especially at the end of the day.
- Fatigue: Lack of sleep makes it harder for your eyes to focus efficiently, leading to intermittent blurriness.
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can contribute to dry eyes, which impacts visual clarity.
- Poor Lighting: Working or reading in dim or overly bright lighting can strain your eyes and cause blur.
Small changes like taking screen breaks, blinking more often, staying hydrated, and improving your lighting can make a noticeable difference.
Warning Signs That Need Urgent Attention
While many causes of blurry vision are harmless, some symptoms should never be ignored. Seek urgent medical care if you experience:
- Sudden or severe vision loss
- Flashes of light
- A sudden increase in floaters
- A dark curtain or shadow across your vision
- Blurry vision accompanied by eye pain, headache, or nausea
These symptoms may indicate serious conditions such as retinal detachment, stroke, or acute glaucoma and require immediate assessment.
When to See an Optometrist vs Emergency Care
Knowing where to is important. See an optometrist if:
- Blurry vision develops gradually
- You’re squinting or straining to see
- Your glasses or contacts no longer feel right
- You experience recurring headaches or eye fatigue
At City Optics Australia, comprehensive eye exams assess both vision and eye health to determine the cause and recommend the right solution.
Seek emergency care if:
- Vision changes are sudden or severe
- You notice flashes, floaters, or vision shadows
- There is eye trauma or intense pain
When in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
How an Eye Exam Diagnoses the Cause
A comprehensive eye exam does more than check if you need glasses. It helps pinpoint why your vision is blurry. An exam may include:
- Vision testing to assess clarity at different distances
- Refraction to determine prescription needs
- Eye pressure checks
- Retinal and optic nerve examination
- Assessment of tear quality for dry eye
These tests are painless and provide a clear picture of your eye health.
Clear Vision Starts with Understanding
Blurry vision is common, but it’s not something you should ignore. Whether the cause is a simple prescription change, digital eye strain, or an underlying eye condition, identifying it early makes all the difference.
If your vision isn’t as clear as it used to be, an eye exam is the easiest way to get answers and peace of mind. Your eyes are trying to tell you something, listening early can help to keep your vision sharp for the long term.