Does everything suddenly look blurry? Before you panic, rest assured that blurred vision is more common than you may think- in fact, it is the most common eyesight problem, and it often isn’t anything to worry about. If you are experiencing blurry vision, there is likely a good explanation for it, as well as a way to correct it. Here are some of the most common causes of blurry vision, why they occur, and what you can do about it.
You need glasses
Have you been noticing that it’s getting difficult to read things from far away? Are the words on a page or your computer screen are blurring in front of your eyes? If so, these are all clues that you may need to wear glasses or contact lenses to correct your vision. Nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism are caused by the curve of your eye blocking light from focusing directly on your retina, and are all easily treatable with the use of glasses or contacts. According to ClearSight LASIK of Oklahoma City , LASIK is an effective treatment for all three of these vision issues as well.
Your prescription has changed
If you currently wear glasses or contact lenses and have noticed that things are looking blurry, it may be time to schedule an appointment with your optometrist or ophthalmologist. The blurred vision you are experiencing is probably due to a change in your existing lens prescription, and you’ll need to get new lenses to make everything clear again.
It’s time for bifocals
If you already have a prescription pair of glasses or contact lenses for myopia, more commonly known as nearsightedness, but are now having difficulty seeing close-up words on a page when reading a book, magazine, or restaurant menu, it may mean it is time to look into transitional lenses, commonly called bifocals. By replacing your current prescription lenses with transitional lenses, you can make a seamless, clear transition between seeing things that are far, near, and in the mid-range (like a computer screen) without having to keep changing pairs of glasses. Multifocal lenses are now available in both glasses and contacts, so ask your eye care professional whether they may be right for you.
You have an eye infection
It’s possible that your blurry vision is not a direct result of needing glasses or contacts at all. If you have been exposed to conjunctivitis, commonly known as “pink eye”- a highly-contagious virus that can last up to two weeks, one of the main symptoms is blurriness caused by the accompanying, swelling, irritation, and itchiness. In addition to conjunctivitis, it is also possible to develop an eye infection from using old eye makeup, sharing cosmetics and other eye care products with people, and leaving your contacts in while you sleep. It is essential that you practice good hygiene, wash hands and pillowcases often, and avoid touching your eyes with your fingers as often as possible to reduce the chance of infection. If you believe your blurry vision may be caused by an infection, contact your eye care professional without delay.
