Sudden blurry vision can be alarming, to say the least. This symptom is linked to a variety of conditions ranging in severity. In some cases, sudden blurring indicates a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
Read on to learn about the range of conditions that can cause sudden blurry vision.
Conditions That Can Cause Blurry Vision
Conditions that can cause blurry vision but don’t usually require emergency medical care include:
- Migraine
- Eyestrain
- Mild eye infections, like pink eye and uveitis (you should visit The Eye Clinic of Florida in Zephyrhills, FL for antibiotics if over-the-counter remedies don’t clear the infection)
- Dry eyes
- High blood sugar levels
Sudden Blurry Vision That Requires Emergency Medical Care
Sudden blurry vision from the following conditions requires emergency medical care:
Detached Retina
When a retina is detached, it means that it has torn away from the back of the eye. This can cause blurred or lost vision, and it requires emergency medical care to prevent permanent vision loss.
Wet Macular Degeneration
This form of macular degeneration can cause blurriness that starts suddenly and worsens rapidly. Immediate treatment from your eye doctor is essential to avoid severe vision loss from wet macular degeneration.
Stroke
A stroke impacting the area of the brain that controls vision can cause blurred or lost vision in both eyes. A stroke affecting the eye can trigger blurred vision in just one eye. If you’re having a stroke, you may also experience face drooping, difficulty talking, arm weakness, sudden numbness, confusion, dizziness, lost coordination, and/or severe headache.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a stroke, seek emergency medical care.
Angle Closure Glaucoma
Angle closure glaucoma blocks the eye’s drainage system. It can cause a sudden spike of the pressure within the eye, potentially leading to sudden blurring. Emergency medical care is essential to treat this condition and prevent permanent damage.
Endophthalmitis
Endophthalmitis is an infection of the fluids in the eye, and it’s a medical emergency. It can cause severe inflammation, blurry vision, and discharge from the eyelids.
Concussion
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury resulting from a bump or blow to the head. It can cause blurry vision. Though many concussions are mild, they require prompt medical care to prevent further damage.
To learn more about blurry vision and how to treat it, schedule an appointment at The Eye Clinic of Florida in Zephyrhills, FL today!