Are you experiencing blurry vision when reading small text up close or street signs and other distant objects? Blurry vision of any kind can be concerning, especially when you don’t know what’s causing it. In this blog post, Dr. Sandra Belmont reveals a few common eye conditions that can cause your vision to become blurred.
REFRACTIVE ERRORS
A refractive error refers to an abnormality in the eye’s ability to refract or bend light, making it difficult for the eyes to focus. The most common eye conditions caused by refractive errors include hyperopia, myopia, astigmatism and presbyopia. People with hyperopia (farsightedness) can see objects in the distance clearly, but close-up objects appear blurry to them. On the other hand, people with myopia (nearsightedness) can see close-up objects clearly, but see objects in the distance blurry. People with astigmatism have difficulty seeing objects at all distances clearly. All three conditions can be treated with prescriptive eyeglasses, contact lenses or vision correction surgery such as LASIK.
Presbyopia is a common eye condition that affects people age 40 and older. It is caused by the hardening of the lens, which makes focusing on near objects difficult. Presbyopia can be treated with reading glasses, multifocal lenses, and certain types of vision correction surgery such as monovision LASIK.
CATARACT
A cataract is a gradual clouding of the lens, which can develop in one or both eyes. Many people liken the condition to looking through a cloudy piece of glass. While it mostly affects people over age 40, anyone can develop cataracts. While cataracts can be treated with prescription eyewear, the most effective treatment is surgery. Cataract surgery involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a clear, plastic intraocular lens (IOL).
GLAUCOMA
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision loss and blindness, and yet approximately half of the people with the disease are unaware that they have it. Glaucoma occurs when the fluid inside the eye cannot properly pass through the eye’s drainage channel, causing pressure to build inside the eye. High pressure can permanently damage the eye’s optic nerve, causing blurry vision and eventually blindness. The condition can be treated with laser eye surgery or prescriptive medication.
EYE INFECTION, INFLAMMATION OR INJURY
Many people suffer blurry vision as a result of an eye infection or injury. Conjunctivitis, or “pink eye,” is a common eye infection that causes blurry vision and can usually be treated with medication. Eyelid and eyelash makeup can also infect the eye and impair vision. Most eye infections and inflammations are caused by bacteria and are treatable with medication prescribed by your doctor.
CONTACT DR. BELMONT TODAY
The best way to find out what is causing your blurry vision is by scheduling an appointment with an experienced eye doctor like Dr. Sandra Belmont. Dr. Belmont will conduct a comprehensive eye exam and evaluate your symptoms to determine the cause and recommend an appropriate treatment. Call the Belmont Eye Center today at (212) 486-2020.
