Blurred Vision
Long-term blurry vision is usually caused by refractive error or eye disease. Injury, eye dilation, or foreign bodies in the eye can cause temporary blurry vision. Treatment of this issue all depends on the cause.
Blurry Distant Objects
Blurry distant objects are most commonly caused by myopia. Myopia is a common refractive error in which the eye is too long, causing improper light focus. This condition can be corrected through eyeglasses, contact lenses and LASIK surgery.
Blurry Nearby Objects
Blurry nearby objects can be caused by both hyperopia and presbyopia. Hyperopia is a common refractive error in which the eye is too short, causing improper light refraction. This condition can be corrected through glasses, contact lenses and LASIK. Presbyopia is an age-related refractive error in which the normally flexible lens becomes more rigid. This means that the lens is no longer able to accommodate near vision. Presbyopia can be corrected by laser, reading glasses.
Blurry Vision at All Distances
Astigmatism, eye injury or eye diseases like cataracts can cause blurry vision at all distances. Astigmatism is a refractive error that causes an irregularly shaped cornea, and can be fixed with glasses, contact lenses and LASIK. Cataracts cause blurry vision and can be corrected through cataract surgery.
Clouded, Hazy or Dim Vision
Clouded, hazy or dim vision is most commonly attributed to cataracts. Other culprits include dry eye, macular degeneration, conjunctivitis, foreign object in the eye, retinal detachment, and diabetic eye disease. If you notice any sudden dimness or haziness in your vision, contact your ophthalmologist immediately.
Distorted Vision
Cataracts, macular degeneration and corneal scarring can cause vision distortion. Be sure to report and sudden visual distortion to your ophthalmologist! Visual distortion is almost always a sign of a more serious problem.
Double Vision
Cataracts, refractive error, stroke, neuromuscular imbalances, glaucoma, macular degeneration and infections like shingles or herpes can all cause double vision. Double vision can also be caused by corneal dystrophies like keratoconus. Corneal scarring may also cause double vision in some cases. Sometimes, double vision is caused by neurological problems. Be sure to report double vision to your ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
Eyestrain
Eyestrain is typically caused by refractive error. Unmanaged refractive error can put a strain on your eyes when trying to view blurry objects. Eye strain can cause other symptoms like headache and eye discomfort. A proper prescription for glasses or contacts can usually take care of this issue.
Glare with Bright Lights
Glare when around bright lights, such as headlights when driving at night, can be a side effect of refractive surgery or cataract surgery. They can also occur as a result of refractive error and cataract formation. If glare is a persistent problem for you, consider informing your eye doctor to see what the issue is.
Halos Around Lights
Halos around lights, much like glare, most often occur around bright lights during the night. You may encounter halos around light when looking at streetlights or headlights while driving. It can also be a symptom of refractive error and cataract development. Be sure to contact your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms.
Light Sensitivity
Light sensitivity can be harmless, but is often a sign of a bigger problem. These bigger problems include glaucoma, cataracts, dry eye syndrome and more. If you are experiencing extreme or persistent light sensitivity, be sure to contact your eye doctor right away.
Night Vision Problems
Low night vision is normal in people with cataracts, macular degeneration, refractive error and vision loss. If you experience sudden issues with your night vision, contact a medical professional immediately.
Reduced Vision
Glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts and diabetic eye disease can cause reduced vision. Sudden reduced vision can be a sign of retinal detachment. Be sure to inform your eye doctor immediately of any changes in vision.
Shadow or Dark Curtain Vision
If you experience this symptom, you are most certainly experiencing a retinal detachment. This is a medical emergency and you should see an ophthalmologist immediately. Retinal detachment can result in permanent vision loss, and the quicker it is treated the better the outcome is.
Starbursts Around Lights
Starbursts around lights can make it very difficult to drive at night, especially when accompanied by glare and halos. If you experience these symptoms, avoid driving at night until they are resolved. This issue can be a sign of cataracts and other conditions.
Vision Loss, General/Partial/Total/Temporary
Vision loss can be incurred a number of ways. Damage to the inner structures of the eye through trauma can cause partial or total permanent blindness, as can conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration and rare disorders like retinitis pigmentosa. Temporary vision loss can be caused by injury as well, such as getting household cleaners into the eye or being scratched in the eye. If you are experiencing any kind of sudden vision loss, contact emergency services immediately.