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Common Questions About Blurry Vision
Waking up with blurry vision can be caused by a variety of factors, including a buildup of fluid in the cornea during sleep (known as corneal edema), dry eyes, sleeping with your face pressed against a pillow, or an underlying eye condition such as nearsightedness or astigmatism. If your blurry vision persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as eye pain or redness, be sure to speak with a doctor for further evaluation and treatment.
Yes, dry eyes can cause blurry vision. When the eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, this can lead to a dry and irritated cornea that can cause unevenness in the surface of the cornea. The result can be blurred vision. Treatment typically involves using artificial tears and avoiding certain factors that can exacerbate dryness, such as wind, smoke, and dry air.
Blurry vision can be caused by a variety of eye conditions. Refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, occur when the shape of the eye doesn’t bend light correctly. Cataracts can cause blurry vision when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. Glaucoma, a group of eye conditions that can damage the optic nerve, can sometimes cause blurry vision as well. And macular degeneration, a condition that affects the macula and is most common in older adults, can result in vision that’s distorted or blurry. Acute conditions such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) or a large stye can cause vision to become blurred as well.
Yes, allergies can make your eyes itchy and irritated. These symptoms in themselves can cause vision to become blurred — as can the act of rubbing your eyes to find relief. Someone with eye allergies may also have mucus buildup in the eyes and in the corners of the eyelids, which can affect vision. Keep in mind: double vision or eye pain are not typical symptoms of eye allergies. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, be sure to seek prompt medical attention.
Yes, COVID-19 can cause blurry vision, although it appears to be a relatively rare symptom. Blurry vision may happen due to the virus affecting the eyes directly or as a result of the immune response to the infection. COVID-19 can cause inflammation in various parts of the body, including the eyes. Some studies also suggest that the virus may be able to enter and infect cells in the eyes, leading to damage to the tissues.
Remember that blurry vision can also be caused by other factors such as eye strain, or underlying eye or brain conditions. If you’re experiencing any changes in your vision, it's important to speak with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment.
Yes. When blood pressure is consistently high, it can damage the small blood vessels in the eye, leading to a condition known as hypertensive retinopathy. This damage can cause swelling in the retina, leading to distorted vision, and even vision loss in severe cases. Additionally, high blood pressure can also cause the optic nerve to swell, which can result in blurred or double vision.
If you have high blood pressure and are experiencing any changes in your vision, it's important to speak with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of your vision changes so you can get the appropriate treatment.
Yes. Dehydration can affect the balance of electrolytes and fluids in the body, including the fluids in the eyes. This can cause dryness and irritation of the eyes, leading to blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and eye fatigue. Additionally, dehydration can cause a decrease in blood volume and blood pressure, which can affect blood flow to the eyes and lead to vision changes. It's important to stay hydrated by drinking enough water and fluids, especially during hot weather or when engaging in physical activity.
Yes, a sinus infection can cause blurry vision. When the sinuses become inflamed and congested, this can put pressure on the eyes and the optic nerve and cause vision problems. In addition, a sinus infection can cause swelling and inflammation in the tissues around the eyes, which can lead to blurred vision or double vision. Sinus infections can also cause headaches, which may further exacerbate vision problems.
If you’re experiencing persistent blurry vision or other vision changes, along with other symptoms such as nasal congestion, pain, or pressure, it's important to speak with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment.
Yes, blurry vision can come and go depending on the underlying cause. For example, if blurry vision is caused by dry eyes, it may be more pronounced in certain situations and then improve when the eyes have a chance to rest or are lubricated with eye drops. Similarly, if blurry vision is caused by fluctuations in blood sugar levels, it may come and go depending on how well you’re managing your levels with diet and medication.
Keep in mind that if blurry vision is persistent or severe, you should consult with a doctor to rule out all underlying conditions.