Experiencing blurry or double vision can be alarming, especially when it occurs suddenly or persists over time. While occasional changes in vision might not be cause for concern, persistent or severe visual disturbances could indicate underlying health issues that require immediate attention. Understanding when to worry about blurry or double vision is crucial to protecting your eye health.
Below, our Sunnyvale eye care team at Dr. Gary Gold & Associates discusses common causes of blurry or double vision, when these symptoms may be a cause for concern, and how we can help.
Common Causes of Blurry or Double Vision
Blurry vision can result from several factors, ranging from minor inconveniences to serious issues. The most common causes include:
Refractive errors: Conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism can cause blurry vision, especially when not corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
Dry eyes: Insufficient tear production can lead to blurry vision, particularly during activities that require prolonged focus, such as reading or using a computer.
Eye strain: Spending too much time on digital devices or reading without breaks can strain the eyes, leading to temporary blurry vision.
Cataracts: A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which can cause gradual blurring of vision, especially at night.
Presbyopia: This age-related condition, typically starting around age 40, makes it difficult to focus on close objects, causing near vision to become blurry.
Double vision, or diplopia, occurs when the eyes fail to work together properly, leading to two images of a single object. It can be caused by:
Eye muscle problems: Conditions like strabismus or muscle paralysis can lead to misalignment of the eyes, resulting in double vision.
Corneal issues: Problems with the surface of the eye, such as scarring or dry eye syndrome, can lead to double vision.
Lens problems: Cataracts can cause double vision in one eye as they develop.
Neurological issues: Conditions affecting the nerves that control eye muscles, like multiple sclerosis or a stroke, can cause sudden double vision.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
While some causes of blurry or double vision are benign and can be corrected with proper eyewear or rest, others may indicate more serious health problems. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
Sudden onset of symptoms: If you suddenly experience blurry or double vision, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like severe headache, dizziness, or difficulty speaking, it could be a sign of a stroke or other neurological emergency.
Persistent double vision: Continuous double vision that doesn’t resolve on its own should be evaluated by our eye doctors to rule out serious underlying conditions.
Pain and redness: Blurry vision accompanied by eye pain, redness, or swelling may indicate an infection, inflammation, or other acute conditions that need prompt treatment.
Vision loss: If your blurry or double vision is accompanied by a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, seek emergency care immediately.
How Your Eye Care Team Can Help
If you are experiencing blurry or double vision, don’t hesitate to schedule an eye exam with your optometrist today. A comprehensive eye exam can help determine the cause of your symptoms and guide appropriate treatment. Your eye care team may recommend corrective lenses, medications, or further tests to diagnose and address any underlying health issues.
In many cases, early detection and treatment can prevent vision problems from worsening and help you maintain clear, comfortable vision for years to come.
