Most people naturally expect their vision to be balanced, but ultimately each eye is a separate organ. Plus, with how essential eyesight is for experiencing the world, a sudden change of vision in one eye can be unsettling. Not only do everyday tasks like reading, driving, or working become that little bit harder, but you might also be worried about the cause of these changes.
There are various reasons why you may experience blurry vision in one eye, ranging from minor issues to more serious health conditions, including:
- Refractive errors
- Eye infections
- Retinal detachment
- Cataracts
- Strokes
- Migraines
- Dry eye
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Macular degeneration
- Glaucoma
Refractive Errors
Refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism are some of the most common causes of blurry vision. These occur when light doesn’t focus correctly on the retina, leading to vision problems.
When one eye has a significantly different focusing power, this is called anisometropia, and it can cause disorienting, uneven vision. Fortunately, the same corrective measures for other refractive errors apply. This can include glasses or contact lenses, providing a simple fix.
Eye Infections
Eye infections come in a lot of different varieties. Some of the most common infections include conjunctivitis (commonly known as pink eye) and keratitis, which can cause discharge, redness, and blurry vision in the affected eye.
These infections are often the result of bacteria, viruses, or fungi entering the eye, meaning that it’s possible to have only a single eye be infected. Treatment depends on the type of infection, but typically involves medicated eye drops or ointments. Remember, good eye hygiene can help prevent infection in the first place.
Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment is a serious condition that occurs when the retina separates from the back of the eye. The most noticeable outcome from this disruption is blurry vision, but it can appear like a shadowy curtain in one eye. Additional symptoms may include floaters or flashes of light.
Any internal damage to your eye, including retinal detachments, is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Early intervention is vital in preserving vision.
Cataracts
Cataracts form as a cloudy area in the lens of the eye. They gradually impair vision in one or both eyes. Cataracts are a natural part of aging as the proteins in your lens break down and become more opaque. However, they can occur earlier or more severely due to injury, genetics, or disease.
While at first, cataracts may only cause mild blurriness, advanced cataracts can significantly blur vision. In this case, cataract surgery is a highly effective option for restoring clarity.
Strokes
A stroke or a transient ischemic attack (often called a “mini-stroke”) can disrupt blood flow to the brain or eye, affecting vision on one or both sides.
While sudden blurred vision can be jarring, it’s often accompanied by other notable symptoms like disorientation, headaches, and numbness. Strokes, even “mini-strokes,” require urgent medical attention. Seek immediate care if your blurry vision is accompanied by any of these additional concerning symptoms.
Migraines
Migraines are often noted for how they affect vision. For example, you may need to shut off bright lights or close the curtains until the pain goes away.
Retinal migraines (or ocular migraines) cause repeated visual disturbances in one eye. These issues usually resolve on their own, but can be alarming while they last. What’s more, they can keep coming back. Some find that avoiding common triggers like stress, certain foods, or dehydration can reduce the frequency of migraines.
Dry Eye
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when your tears evaporate too quickly. It’s a fairly common condition that can lead to irritation and blurry vision. It normally affects both eyes equally, but you can have dryness in just one eye.
This could be because one eye hasn’t been cleaned as well as the other, causing the tear glands to become clogged. An eye surgery could leave one eye drier than the other. Alternatively, one eye could have much more severe symptoms, which makes it feel like only that eye is affected.
Treatments can include artificial tears, eyelid cleansers, and adjusting your environment to reduce irritants such as dry air.
Diabetic Retinopathy
For people living with diabetes, high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to a complication known as diabetic retinopathy. Vision in one or both eyes may become blurry as the condition progresses.
Managing blood sugar levels and attending regular eye exams are critical to preventing or slowing the effects of diabetic retinopathy.
Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the central part of your vision, making tasks like reading or recognizing faces difficult. While it typically occurs in both eyes, early stages might cause blurry vision in just one.
Risk factors include age, genetics, and lifestyle choices, such as smoking. While there’s no cure, management strategies like nutritional supplements and lifestyle adjustments can help slow its progression.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve. While there are many different forms, it’s most often due to increased eye pressure.
Often, there are no early signs, so regular eye exams are essential for early detection. A less common form of glaucoma is angle-closure glaucoma. This type causes rapid, noticeable vision loss in one eye. In such cases, contact your eye doctor as soon as possible to avoid permanent vision loss.
When to Seek Medical Attention
You should consult an eye care professional if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent or sudden blurry vision in one or both eyes
- Accompanying symptoms like pain, redness, or flashes of light
- Changes in vision that interfere with daily activities
You should also be careful if you have a known medical condition like diabetes or hypertension, which may contribute to vision issues. Early diagnosis and intervention can make a significant difference in preserving your vision and addressing underlying health problems.
From Blurry to Brilliant Vision Starts Here
Your vision is an invaluable part of your life, and maintaining it begins with taking proactive steps. If you’ve noticed blurry vision in one eye, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Contact Bettner Vision and let us put your mind at ease. Our team of experienced optometrists is here to help you uncover the cause and find a solution.Book an eye exam with our clinic today, and take the first step toward clearer, healthier vision. Your eyes will thank you!
