If blurred vision is detected in an eye, whether it appears suddenly or progressively, the patient should consult an ophthalmologist without delay. In most cases, the cause will be a refractive defect or will have a benign explanation, which is always treatable. But there are serious cases that compromise vision, so it is always best to consult a specialist.
If you suddenly experience blurred vision in one eye only and you do not suffer from migraines or this episode is different from the aura you usually experience, go immediately to the emergency department to rule out or confirm problems that require immediate attention, such as a stroke or retinal detachment. Afterwards, if the examination rules out the most urgent problem, ask for a consultation with a team of ophthalmologists specialised in advanced diagnostics, such as those we treat at Clínica Oftalmológica Nebro.
We will now review the possible causes for which we ophthalmologists often receive concerned patients: "I have blurred vision in one eye".
What is meant by blurred vision
Blurred vision can occur in one or both eyes. Although today we are going to look at the possible ophthalmological causes of this symptom when it affects only one eye, we talk about blurred vision when there is a loss of sharpness or clarity of vision.
This loss can be sudden or progressive, and occur only when focusing at certain distances, as in the case of refractive errors (myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia) and presbyopia. But it can also be present regardless of the focusing distance, or even be intermittent.
As for the level of visual acuity impairment, some patients are unaware of the blurred vision when it is very slight and appears gradually, while others may report that they would not be able to cope with everyday tasks if they could not rely on the unaltered vision of the other eye.
Also included in what we call blurred vision is the sensation of the existence of a haze that does not prevent us from carrying out delicate tasks.
Causes of blurred vision in one eye
This is such a general symptom that we are not able (in some cases) to make an accurate diagnosis with just one consultation. Some diagnostic tests cannot be performed immediately. You will understand this better by reviewing the list of common causes.
Causes not due to vision problems per se
- Some deficiency states.
- Side effects of some drugs.
- Migraines.
- Trauma resulting in inflammation that compresses the eyeball or any point along the pathway from the optic nerve to the place in the brain where the stimuli captured by the macula are processed.
- Strokes or neurological injuries associated with diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Trauma resulting in irreversible neurological or structural damage.
- Alterations in blood pressure.
- Anxiety (would only occur at the time of crises and not always).
Causes that ophthalmologists diagnose and treat
- Refractive defects, which are treated with ophthalmological surgery or are simply compensated for by the use of glasses or contact lenses, as they are cases with few dioptres. They may affect or be more pronounced in only one eye.
- Presbyopia. This problem, associated with ageing, usually occurs equally in both eyes, although there may be exceptions.
- Diabetic retinopathy.
- Glaucoma. It does not always cause blurred vision when it starts, hence the importance of regular ophthalmological check-ups, even if there are no symptoms.
- Eye fatigue. Another cause that usually affects both eyes.
- Dry eyes.
- Waterfall affecting only one eye.
- Macular degeneration age-associated AMD or AMD.
- Partial retinal detachment.
- Inflammatory or infectious processes in the eyeball itself, such as acute conjunctivitis.
- Migraines. We mention migraines as a cause of blurred vision related to and outside ophthalmology because their treatment requires a joint approach between ophthalmologist and neurologist.
What symptoms may be related
As this is a symptom with so many possible causes, any additional information helps in the diagnosis.
The most important thing in a first consultation is to know how it started and whether it was gradual or sudden. We will also ask you about your medical history or about the pharmacological treatments you are currently following, both chronic and temporary.
Otherwise, there are a number of symptoms that may accompany blurred vision in one eye when the cause is ophthalmological:
- Eye redness.
- Tearing, with or without secretions.
- Itching or foreign body sensation in the affected eye.
- Photophobia.
- Severe headaches, without pattern and distribution.
- Loss of consciousness in the patient.
- Presence of spots or blind spots within the ocular field of the affected eye.
- Viral cases.
What to do if you have blurred vision in one eye
We insist that, in the presence of symptoms suggestive of stroke or retinal detachment, the first thing to do is to go to the emergency department. Also whenever fainting has occurred, as the cause must be determined, and when blurred vision is accompanied by symptoms such as high fever.
If the problem is not fully diagnosed in the emergency department or if ophthalmological tests are needed, then a visit to the ophthalmology specialist and sometimes also to a neurologist is necessary.
You can save some time, if you wish, in cases of blurred vision in one or both eyes that suggest a mild refractive defect or incipient presbyopia, by having your vision checked by an optometrist. However, when the patient has diseases compatible with the symptom we are discussing today or is following certain pharmacological treatments, these mild refractive defects must also be assessed by the ophthalmologist, as the tests to measure possible dioptres could produce altered results.
Experiencing blurred vision in one eye is a symptom that should always be consulted. Usually it will have a trivial or easily treatable cause, but at other times it may be a warning of something more serious.
Depending on the symptoms accompanying this loss of visual acuity or loss of sharpness, it may be necessary to go to the emergency department without delay or wait to be seen by an ophthalmology specialist. In the latter case, it is likely that several tests will be needed to reach an accurate diagnosis, so it is advisable to choose professionals who have the necessary equipment to perform them. in situso as not to delay diagnosis.