Blurry vision in the right eye is a common experience, ranging from a temporary annoyance to a sign of a more serious underlying health issue. Any sudden or persistent change in vision warrants attention. Understanding potential causes helps determine if professional medical evaluation is needed.
Everyday Reasons for Blurry Vision
Temporary blurriness in the right eye can stem from common daily activities or minor irritations. Prolonged digital screen use often leads to eye strain and blurry vision as eye muscles fatigue. Dry eyes, a condition where the eyes do not produce enough quality tears, can also cause fluctuating blurriness, as the tear film is crucial for clear vision. Blinking often provides temporary relief.
Environmental factors like allergies can trigger eye irritation, resulting in redness, itchiness, and blurry vision. Contact lens issues, such as a dirty or misplaced lens, or sleeping in them, can cause temporary blurriness. Minor eye infections, like conjunctivitis (pink eye), can also lead to blurry vision alongside redness, itching, and discharge. A foreign object entering the eye can cause immediate irritation and blurriness. These common causes often resolve with rest, over-the-counter remedies, or simple adjustments to daily habits.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Significant medical conditions can also lead to blurry vision in the right eye, sometimes requiring prompt attention. Refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, are common causes. While typically affecting both eyes, they can manifest more noticeably in one, a condition known as anisometropia.
Cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, commonly cause blurry or hazy vision that worsens over time. Glaucoma, characterized by optic nerve damage, can lead to blurry vision and is often associated with increased eye pressure. Angle-closure glaucoma, an urgent form, can cause sudden blurriness with severe eye pain and headache.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) impacts central vision, leading to blurry spots or distortions. Retinal detachment, an emergency where the retina pulls away from its supporting tissue, typically presents with sudden blurry vision, flashes of light, and increased floaters, often feeling like a curtain descending across vision. Optic neuritis, an inflammation of the optic nerve, often causes sudden blurry vision and pain with eye movement, commonly affecting one eye and sometimes signaling conditions like multiple sclerosis. Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes, involves damage to retinal blood vessels, leading to blurry vision and floaters. Neurological events like a migraine with aura, transient ischemic attack (TIA), or stroke can also cause temporary or sudden vision changes.
When to Consult a Doctor
When to seek medical attention for blurry vision in your right eye depends on its nature and accompanying symptoms. Immediate emergency care is necessary if blurriness appears suddenly, especially with severe eye pain, a throbbing headache, or double vision. Other urgent signs include sudden loss of peripheral vision, flashing lights, increased floaters, or a shadow moving across your vision, which can indicate a retinal detachment. Neurological symptoms like a drooping eyelid, difficulty speaking, or weakness on one side of the body, combined with blurry vision, could signal a stroke or TIA. Any recent eye trauma followed by blurry vision also warrants urgent assessment.
For non-urgent situations, schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist or optometrist. This includes blurry vision that develops gradually, persists despite rest, or is associated with new or worsening eye discomfort. Consult an eye care professional if you notice colors appearing less vibrant, difficulty seeing at night, or if your current corrective lenses no longer seem effective. Regular eye exams are important for detecting underlying conditions early.
What to Expect at the Eye Doctor
When visiting an eye doctor for blurry vision, expect a comprehensive examination to determine the cause. The process begins with a detailed discussion of your medical history and symptoms, including when blurriness started and any associated discomfort. A complete eye exam will assess your visual acuity, often by reading an eye chart.
The doctor will also check your eye pressure, important for detecting conditions like glaucoma. Pupil dilation allows the doctor to thoroughly examine the back of your eye, including the retina and optic nerve. Specialized tests may be ordered, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) for retinal images, visual field tests for blind spots, or blood tests/MRI if neurological conditions are suspected. Treatment varies based on diagnosis, from corrective lenses for refractive errors to medicated eye drops, laser treatments, or surgery for serious conditions like cataracts or retinal detachment.