Unilateral blurry vision refers to a decrease in sharpness or clarity of sight in only one eye. This common experience can range from a minor, temporary issue to a sign of a more significant health concern. The causes vary widely, encompassing everything from simple daily occurrences to serious medical conditions.
Everyday Causes
A single blurry eye can stem from simple, everyday factors. Extended screen time causes eye strain and temporary blurriness due to reduced blinking. Dry eyes, where eyes lack quality tears, can also cause intermittent blurriness, often with a gritty sensation. A smudged contact or glasses lens, or a small foreign body like dust or an eyelash, can obstruct vision or cause irritation. These common irritants typically resolve quickly with simple measures.
Common Eye Conditions
Persistent blurry vision in one eye often indicates specific eye conditions requiring diagnosis. Astigmatism, a common refractive error, involves an irregularly curved cornea or lens, causing distorted vision. Cataracts involve the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, gradually leading to blurry or hazy vision. Glaucoma, which damages the optic nerve, can cause peripheral vision loss, while macular degeneration affects the central retina, causing blurred central vision or a blind spot. Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes, damages retinal blood vessels, leading to blurry vision or dark spots.
Urgent Medical Concerns
Sudden or severe blurriness in one eye can signal an urgent medical situation. Retinal detachment occurs when the retina pulls away from its supporting tissue, causing a sudden onset of blurry vision, flashes of light, or an increase in floaters. Optic neuritis, an inflammation of the optic nerve, can lead to sudden, painful vision loss or blurriness, while a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) can manifest as sudden, painless blurry vision or loss of vision. Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a sudden increase in eye pressure that can cause severe eye pain, headache, nausea, and rapid, significant blurriness. Recognizing these symptoms and seeking immediate care is crucial for preserving vision and overall health.
Seeking Professional Guidance
When experiencing blurry vision in one eye, knowing when and how to seek professional help is important. If the blurriness is sudden, severe, accompanied by pain, headache, or other neurological symptoms, immediate medical attention is necessary. For less urgent but persistent blurriness, consulting an optometrist or ophthalmologist is the appropriate next step. During an eye exam, the eye care professional will conduct various tests, including vision acuity assessments, a slit-lamp examination, and possibly tests for eye pressure or a dilated retinal exam. Based on the diagnosis, management may involve corrective lenses, medical treatments like eye drops or oral medications, or surgical interventions, while lifestyle adjustments can also support eye health and improve vision.