Blurry vision in one eye can be concerning. While often minor, it warrants proper evaluation. This article provides general information on potential causes and when to seek professional medical attention.
Common Reasons for Unilateral Blurry Vision
Several everyday factors and less severe conditions can cause blurriness in one eye. Prolonged digital screen use or extensive reading can cause eye strain, leading to temporary blurred vision. Dry eye syndrome, characterized by insufficient tear production or poor tear quality, can also cause irritation and blurred vision.
Minor physical irritations, such as a corneal abrasion (a scratch on the clear outer layer of the eye) or a foreign body like dust, can temporarily affect vision. A corneal abrasion causes pain, redness, and blurred vision. Changes in vision prescription, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, can also result in blurriness. Allergic reactions or conjunctivitis (pink eye) can lead to blurred vision with redness, itching, and discharge.
Urgent Causes of Single Eye Blurriness
Some conditions causing blurry vision in one eye require immediate medical evaluation due to their potential for serious vision loss. Retinal detachment is an eye emergency where the retina pulls away from its supportive tissue. This presents with sudden blurred vision, flashes of light, increased floaters, or a shadow in the visual field. Optic neuritis involves inflammation of the optic nerve, causing blurred vision, reduced color vibrancy, and often pain with eye movement.
Acute angle-closure glaucoma is an urgent condition with a sudden increase in eye pressure. This can damage the optic nerve, leading to blurred vision, severe eye pain, and sometimes nausea. Conditions affecting brain blood flow, such as a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), can also cause sudden blurry vision or vision loss. Amaurosis fugax is a temporary loss of vision in one eye due to a temporary blockage of blood flow to the retina; it can signal a risk of stroke. A corneal ulcer, an open sore, causes pain, redness, and blurred vision, risking permanent impairment if untreated. Direct eye injury or trauma can also result in sudden blurriness.
Consulting an Eye Care Professional
Seek professional evaluation for blurry vision in one eye, especially if specific symptoms are present. An immediate consultation with an eye doctor is advised for:
Sudden vision loss
Eye pain
Flashes of light
New or increased floaters
A shadow obscuring vision
Other accompanying symptoms that warrant prompt attention include severe headaches, difficulty speaking, or numbness on one side of the face, as these might indicate a stroke. Persistent blurriness that does not resolve quickly also indicates a need for professional assessment.
During an examination, an eye care professional, such as an optometrist or ophthalmologist, will perform several diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause. These tests typically include a visual acuity test, a slit-lamp examination, and a dilated eye exam to inspect the retina and optic nerve. Tonometry may check eye pressure if glaucoma is suspected. Visual field tests assess peripheral vision and detect any blind spots. These comprehensive evaluations help pinpoint the cause and guide management.
Addressing Unilateral Blurry Vision
Managing blurry vision in one eye depends on the diagnosis. For common refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses) can restore clear vision. Conditions like dry eye syndrome, conjunctivitis, or minor corneal abrasions are often managed with eye drops or topical medications. Artificial tears alleviate dry eye symptoms, while antibiotic or antiviral drops may be prescribed for infections.
More serious conditions may require advanced interventions. Retinal detachment necessitates surgical repair. Acute angle-closure glaucoma may be treated with medications to reduce eye pressure, followed by laser procedures. If blurriness stems from underlying systemic conditions, such as diabetes or neurological issues, managing these health problems is important for vision stability. Adherence to prescribed treatments and follow-up appointments supports successful outcomes and eye health.