Blurred vision is a common symptom with many possible causes, ranging from simple refractive error to serious eye disease. Understanding the pattern and onset of blur helps guide investigation.
Common ocular causes
Short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism can all cause general blur that improves with glasses or contact lenses. Other causes include cataract, macular disease, corneal problems and raised eye pressure.
- Sudden blur in one eye may signal retinal or vascular disease
- Gradual change in both eyes is often refractive or lens-related
- Systemic conditions such as diabetes can affect vision
- Comprehensive eye examination is important to identify the underlying issue