Blurry Vision in One Eye - Causes and Solutions

Are you suffering from blurry vision in one eye? This can be a disturbing and often alarming symptom. This might cause you difficulties in reading, driving, and other everyday activities. It indicates serious problems as well. Many people complain of sudden blurred vision because of increased screen time. 

While it may be tempting to ignore the problem, it's essential to find out the causes of this condition and possible treatment. This blog will explore the possible causes of blurry vision including eye conditions, neurological issues, and systemic diseases. 

Blurry Vision in One Eye- 15 Causes And Treatment Options

Vision Blurry in one eye is a common condition that affects many people. There are many factors for eye problems, like health issues and lifestyle habits. The most common causes of blurry vision in one eye include refractive errors, cataracts, and glaucoma. 

Sometimes, it can be a sign of a severe condition, so it is essential to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms.

1. Refractive Errors

It is the most common cause of blurry vision. In this condition, when the eyes do not focus on the images. The eye shape prevents light from focusing correctly on the retina. In this, some terms that are included under the refractive index are:

• Nearsightedness

• Farsightedness

• Astigmatism

Treatment: Eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery (like LASIK) to correct the focus of light on the retina.

2. Cataracts

In cataracts, people usually complain that their vision has become blurry. This usually happens when the eye's lens becomes cloudy and opaque. This could happen in both eyes or one eye at a time. Generally, people reported halos around lights when it get dark. Cataracts are primarily seen in older adults but can also hit young people. The effective treatment for this condition is surgery, usually necessary to remove cataracts.

Treatment: Cataract surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial one.

3. Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration is a condition in which the central vision is affected. This affects the center part of the retina. The retina is in the back side of the eye, which controls the central vision. It could develop in both eyes or one eye as well. People usually ask that they can not see the objects before them. This is majorly caused by diabetes, head injuries, and infection. Blurry vision, low vision, and blank spots are the most common symptoms of this eye condition.

Treatment: Medications, laser therapy, or vitamins to slow down vision loss.

4. Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is when the retina destroys and weakens the eye's blood vessels. There are two types of diabetic retinopathy: nonproliferation diabetes-related retinopathy and proliferative diabetes-related retinopathy. The condition in which the vision gets reduced to the point of blindness. This usually starts from the blurriness of the eyes, followed by color blindness, poor night vision, and eye floaters.

Treatment: Laser surgery, medications, or injections to control the damage to the retina and manage diabetes.

5. Glaucoma

In this condition, the people have optic nerve damage. That means unnecessary pressure builds up inside the eye, creating eyeball tension and damaging the optic nerve. It can cause gradual vision loss and, if left untreated, can lead to blindness. The most often symptoms include pain, redness, and blurred vision. It is said that glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness. 

Treatment: Eye drops, oral medications, laser surgery, or traditional surgery to reduce eye pressure.

6. Optic Neuritis 

Optic neuritis is when the optic nerve gets inflamed and irritated. This disease usually affects women of the age of 20-40 years. In research, optic neuritis occurs more in white people rather than black. The primary cause of optic neuritis is inflammatory demyelination of the optic nerve. Additionally, an autoimmune condition where the immune system starts to attack its own tissues. This usually occurs in one eye, which may cause blurry vision in one eye. Followed by vision loss, reduced color vision, and flickering or flashing lights.

Treatment: Steroid medications to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms.

7. Corneal Swelling 

Corneal swelling or edema in which the fluid builds in the cornea that causes vision to blur and become clouded. The other symptoms people reported are halos around the light, pain, and the feeling of something stuck in the eye. There are many causes, like Fuchs' dystrophy, endothelins, and certain drugs. The other possible causes are injury, eye surgery, and keratitis. A person feels discomfort in the eye, hazy circles, pain, and blurry vision in one eye (affected eye).

Treatment: Eye drops, ointments, or in severe cases, corneal transplant surgery.

8. Corneal Abrasion 

In this condition, a person feels a scratch on the eye's surface or cornea. This can happen if you rub your eye too hard or wear contact lenses that don't fit properly. It usually heals on its own within a few days, but if it's severe, you may need to see a doctor for treatment. Additionally, you can wash your eyes with clean water or saline water. Even blinking could remove the sand or dust particles from the eyes.

Treatment: Lubricating eye drops, antibiotic ointment, or protective patching to help healing.

9. Conjunctivitis 

This is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, a thin membrane covering the white part of the eye. It is commonly called "pink eye." This could occur in both eyes or one eye. It is often caused by bacteria or viruses that cause symptoms such as redness, itching, swollen eyelids, a gritty sensation, discharge from the eye, and you feel one eye blurry. According to the National Institute of Health, you must be shocked by the numbers that 10 to 40% of the total population is affected by conjunctivitis.

Treatment: Antibiotic eye drops for bacterial infections or lubricating drops for viral cases.

10. Dry Eye Syndrome 

The dry eye condition is caused by various factors like reduced tears, tears evaporating quickly, and when a person doesn't blink their eyes for a more extended period. The most common cause you will see is blurriness. Tears play an important role in covering and protecting the eyes' surface. This syndrome has different types, like aqueous deficient dry eye, evaporation dry eye, and mixed dry eye. It is reported that 10% of people suffer from aqueous deficient dry eye.

Treatment: Artificial tears, prescription eye drops, or lifestyle changes like using a humidifier.

11. Uveitis 

Uveitis is the inflammation of the pigmented structure in the eyes, including the iris. This is an autoimmune disease that is quite painful for a person who is suffering from it. The most common inflammation that comes under uveitis is iritis. Later on, the patient develops photophobia because they become sensitive to light at a later age. 

Treatment: Steroid eye drops, oral medications, or injections to reduce inflammation.

12. Retinal Detachment 

Retinal detachment is an emergency condition and requires medical attention immediately. The separation of the retina from the back of the eye occurs, or the retina is misplaced from its normal position. This is a sight-threatening condition that causes sudden vision loss and blurry vision. People commonly complain of flashes of light or eye floaters and decreased peripheral vision.

Treatment: Emergency surgery to reattach the retina, either through laser surgery or cryopexy.

13. Stroke 

A stroke that affects the eye can cause blurred vision or blurriness in one eye, double vision, or vision loss. This is true because stroke affects some brain parts involving optic nerves. This is an immediate medical condition. If a person suffers from a stroke, you will see severe headaches, disorientation, difficulty speaking, imbalance in walking, numbness, and tingling on both sides. 

Treatment: Immediate medical attention, followed by rehabilitation therapies, and sometimes vision therapy.

14. Tumors 

Tumors like brain tumors put pressure on the visual areas, damaging the nerves. The first sign a person will see severe headache and blurry vision, which is critical to observe. The other signs of a brain tumor include persistent headache, confusion, memory loss, coordination issues, trouble speaking, and weakness on one side of the body. 

Treatment: Surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy to treat the tumor and relieve pressure on the visual areas.

15. Trauma 

It has been reported that trauma, especially brain injury, causes 90% of visual disturbance, including blurred vision, double vision, or vision loss. However, there is neuro-optometric therapy that provides relief to patients and restores their vision problems caused by injury. The therapist worked on a few skills, like eye teaming, eye tracking, visual processing, and peripheral vision. 

Treatment: Neuro-optometric therapy, medications, or surgery to address vision problems and brain injuries.

Is Blurred Vision in One Eye Serious?

An instance of blurry vision in one eye only can be troublesome, especially when it’s acute. This may arise from something less serious like excessive eye use or a dry one, but it can also indicate a more serious health issue. Other than headache, stroke, mental burnout, and the like causes include but are not limited to blurry vision in one eye. But if you have other signs like pain, redness, or sudden change in vision, you have to get to a doctor without delay.

But even when the situation does not seem to be dangerous and Blu-ray is calm, this should not be neglected. But actually, visiting an ophthalmologist is important to find the reason for this problem and avoid all the possible outcomes. Determining in what cases blurred vision in one eye is worthy of concern is closely related to the cause, and here proper assessment is very central. Doing this shortly allows one to maintain one’s vision and the health of the eyes in general.

Can Dehydration Cause Blurry Vision?

Yes, dehydration can cause blurry vision because your body needs enough water to keep your eyes hydrated. Without enough fluids, your eyes may not produce enough tears, leading to dryness and blurry vision. Dehydration can also affect blood flow to the eyes, causing vision problems. 

Here are common ways how dehydration can cause blurry vision:

• Reduced tear production can cause blurry vision in one or both eyes.

• Dry eyes from dehydration may make your vision appear foggy or unclear.

• Dehydration can reduce blood flow to the retina, impacting vision clarity.

• Eye strain can worsen when you’re dehydrated, leading to blurry vision.

• Dehydration can cause headaches, which may affect how you see.

• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded due to dehydration can also impact vision.

• Blurry vision from dehydration may come and go depending on your hydration levels.

• Drinking more water can quickly improve vision and overall eye comfort.

Also Read: Can dehydration cause high blood pressure

Final Thoughts 

There are several potential causes of blurry vision in one Eye, and it is essential to see a doctor if the problem persists. Home remedies such as resting the eyes or using artificial tears can help in some cases, but severe cases may require medication or surgical reference. 

To prevent blurry vision, it is important to see a doctor regularly and to take breaks during extended periods of screen time.