Blurred Vision Symptoms
Symptom Checker: Symptoms & Signs Index
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Blurred vision refers to a lack of sharpness of vision resulting in the inability to see fine detail. Blurred vision may result from abnormalities present at birth such as
near- or farsightedness that require corrective lenses (glasses) or it may signal the presence of eye disease. Blurred vision can also be a symptom of numerous conditions that do not directly involve the eye, such as migraine or stroke. A number of medications may also lead to temporary blurring of vision as a side effect.
REFERENCE:
Fauci, Anthony S., et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2008.
Causes of Blurred Vision
-
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a common eye condition that's easily corrected by eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery. Symptoms of astigmatism...learn more »
In This Article
Astigmatism Article
- What is astigmatism?
- What causes an astigmatism?
- What are astigmatism symptoms?
- How are astigmatisms diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for astigmatisms?
-
Brain Tumor
A brain tumor can be either benign (non cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), primary, or secondary. Causes and risk factors...learn more »
In This Article
Brain Tumor Article
- Brain tumor facts*
- What is the brain?
- What are the tumor grades and types?
- Tumor grade
- Types of primary brain tumors
- What are the risk factors for brain tumors?
- What are the symptoms of a brain tumor?
- How are brain tumors diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for a brain tumor?
- What type of surgery is available for brain tumors?
- Radiation therapy for brain tumors
- Chemotherapy for brain tumors
- What about a second opinion for brain tumor treatment?
- Nutrition during brain tumor treatment
- What supportive care is available for patients and caregivers?
- What about rehabilitation after brain tumor treatment?
- What about follow-up care after brain tumor treatment?
- Sources of support
- Taking part in cancer research
-
Cataracts
A cataract is an eye disease that causes the eye's lens to become cloudy and opaque with decreased vision. Causes of cataracts...learn more »
In This Article
Cataracts Article
- Facts about cataracts
- What is a cataract?
- What are the different types of cataracts?
- What are causes of cataracts?
- What are risk factors for cataracts?
- What are the symptoms of cataracts?
- What are the signs of cataracts?
- How are cataracts diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for cataracts?
- What are the different types of cataract surgery, and what risks are
involved?
- What are complications of cataracts?
- What is the prognosis of cataracts?
- Can cataracts be prevented?
- Where can people get more information on cataracts?
-
Corneal Ulcer
A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the cornea. Infection is a common cause of corneal ulcer. Symptoms and signs of corneal ulcer...learn more »
In This Article
Corneal Ulcer Article
- What is a corneal ulcer?
- What does a corneal ulcer look like?
- What are the causes of a corneal ulcer?
- What are corneal ulcer symptoms?
- What are corneal ulcer signs?
- How is a corneal ulcer diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for a corneal ulcer?
- What is the healing time for a corneal ulcer?
- Can corneal ulcers be prevented?
- Corneal Ulcer At A Glance
-
In This Article
Diabetes and Eye Problems Article
- Eye problems and diabetes introduction
- Cataracts and diabetes
- Glaucoma and diabetes
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Preventing eye problems with diabetes
- When to contact your doctor about eye problems in diabetes
-
Dry Eyes
Dry eyes are caused by an imbalance in the tear-flow system of the eye, but also can be caused by the drying out of the tear...learn more »
In This Article
Dry Eyes Article
- Dry eye syndrome facts
- What is dry eye syndrome?
- What causes dry eye syndrome?
- What is the impact of dry eye syndrome?
- What are dry eye syndrome symptoms and signs?
- What are the complications of dry eye syndrome?
- What are the risk factors for dry eye syndrome?
- What is the treatment for dry eye syndrome?
- Can self-care treatments and remedies help alleviate dry eyes?
- What is the medical treatment for dry eye syndrome?
- What medications are used to treat dry eye syndrome?
- Can surgery treat dry eye syndrome?
- What other therapies are used to treat dry eye syndrome?
-
Eye Care
Many common eye disorders resolve without treatment and some may be managed with over-the-counter (OTC) products. It's important...learn more »
In This Article
Eye Care Article
- Eye care introduction
- What is the structure of the eye?
- Which common disorders of the eye can (sometimes) be self-treated?
- What common eye conditions usually require treatment by a doctor?
- What types of OTC eye care products are there?
- What inactive ingredients are contained in OTC eye care products?
-
Farsightedness
Farsightedness makes it difficult to focus on objects that are close up. The condition runs in families and occurs because light...learn more »
In This Article
Farsightedness Article
- Introduction to farsightedness
- What causes farsightedness?
- What are the symptoms of farsightedness?
- How is farsightedness diagnosed?
- How is farsightedness corrected?
-
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a common eye condition in which the fluid pressure inside the eye rises because of slowed fluid drainage from the...learn more »
In This Article
Glaucoma Article
- What is glaucoma?
- How common is glaucoma?
- What causes glaucoma?
- What are glaucoma risk factors?
- What are the different types of glaucoma?
- What are glaucoma symptoms and signs?
- How is glaucoma diagnosed?
- How often should someone be checked (screened) for glaucoma?
- What is the treatment for glaucoma?
- Glaucoma medications (eyedrops)
- Glaucoma surgery or laser
- Can glaucoma be prevented?
- What is in the future for glaucoma?
- Glaucoma At Glance
-
Iritis
Iritis is inflammation of the iris, the colored portion of the eye. Symptoms include a red, painful eye, blurry vision, and light...learn more »
In This Article
Iritis Article
- What is iritis?
- What causes iritis?
- What are symptoms and signs of iritis?
- How is iritis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for iritis?
- How long does iritis last?
- What are complications of iritis?
- What is the prognosis for iritis?
- What research is being done for iritis?
- Where can I find out more information about iritis?
- Iritis At A Glance
-
Keratitis
Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea. Symptoms and signs include pain, tearing, blurred vision, eye redness, watery eyes, or...learn more »
In This Article
Keratitis Article
- What is keratitis?
- What are the causes of keratitis?
- What are the different types of keratitis?
- What are the risk factors for keratitis?
- What are symptoms and signs of keratitis?
- How is keratitis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for keratitis?
- What are the possible complications of keratitis?
- Can keratitis be prevented?
- Keratitis At A Glance
-
Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea bulges outward like a cone. The cause of the condition is unknown, but genetics...learn more »
In This Article
Keratoconus Article
- Introduction to keratoconus
- What causes keratoconus?
- Can keratoconus damage vision?
- How is keratoconus diagnosed?
- How is keratoconus treated?
- Will surgery correct keratoconus?
-
In This Article
Macular Degeneration Article
- Macular degeneration facts
- What is macular degeneration?
- What is the retina?
- What is the macula?
- What is age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?
- What is wet age-related macular degeneration?
- What are retinal drusen?
- What is dry age-related macular degeneration?
- What causes macular degeneration?
- What are risk factors for macular degeneration?
- What are macular degeneration symptoms?
- What are signs of macular degeneration?
- How is macular degeneration diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for wet macular degeneration?
- What is the treatment for dry macular degeneration?
- What are complications of macular degeneration?
- What is the prognosis for macular degeneration?
- Can macular degeneration be prevented?
- What research is being done on macular degeneration?
-
Migraine
Migraine is usually periodic attacks of headaches on one or both sides of the head. These may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting,...learn more »
In This Article
Migraine Article
- What is a migraine headache?
- What are the symptoms of migraine headaches?
- What are some of the variants of migraine headaches?
- How is a migraine headache diagnosed?
- How are migraine headaches treated?
- What is the treatment for moderate to severe migraine headaches?
- What other medications are used for treating migraine headaches?
- How are migraine headaches prevented?
- What are migraine triggers?
- What should migraine sufferers do?
- What are prophylactic medications for migraine headaches?
- What is the proper way to use preventive medications?
- What is the treatment for menstrual migraine?
- Conclusions
-
Myopia
Myopia, or nearsightedness, makes it difficult to focus on objects that are far away. The condition runs in families and occurs...learn more »
In This Article
Myopia Article
- Introduction to Myopia
- What causes Myopia?
- What are the symptoms of Myopia?
- How is Myopia diagnosed?
- How is Myopia treated?
-
Optic Neuritis
Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve, the structure that connects the eye to the brain. The precise cause of optic...learn more »
In This Article
Optic Neuritis Article
- What is optic neuritis?
- What causes optic neuritis?
- What are symptoms of optic neuritis?
- What are signs of optic neuritis?
- How is optic neuritis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for optic neuritis?
- What is the prognosis for optic neuritis?
- Can optic neuritis be prevented?
- Where can I find more information on optic neuritis?
- Optic Neuritis At A Glance
-
In This Article
Polymyalgia Rheumatica Article
- Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis facts
- What is polymyalgia rheumatica?
- What causes polymyalgia rheumatica?
- What are symptoms and signs of polymyalgia rheumatica?
- How is polymyalgia rheumatica diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for polymyalgia rheumatica?
- What is the prognosis (outlook) for patients with polymyalgia
rheumatica?
- Can polymyalgia be prevented?
- What are complications of polymyalgia rheumatica?
- What is giant cell arteritis?
- What causes giant cell arteritis?
- What are symptoms of giant cell arteritis?
- How is giant cell arteritis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for giant cell arteritis?
- What is the prognosis for patients with giant cell
arteritis?
- Can giant cell arteritis be prevented?
- What are complications of giant cell arteritis?
-
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is the age-related loss of the ability to focus on objects that are close up. The condition generally affects people...learn more »
In This Article
Presbyopia Article
- Introduction to presbyopia
- What are the symptoms of presbyopia?
- How is presbyopia diagnosed?
- How is presbyopia treated?
-
Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment is the separation of the retina from its attachments to the underlying eye tissue. Symptoms of retinal...learn more »
In This Article
Retinal Detachment Article
- What is the retina?
- What is a retinal detachment?
- What are retinal detachment symptoms and signs?
- What are retinal detachment causes and risk factors?
- Which diseases of the eyes predispose to the development of a retinal detachment?
- How does cataract surgery lead to a retinal detachment?
- What other factors are associated with a retinal detachment?
- Why is it mandatory to treat retinal detachments?
- What is the treatment for retinal detachment?
- What are complications of surgery
for a retinal detachment, and what is recovery like after retinal detachment surgery?
- What are the results of surgery for a retinal detachment?
- Retinal Detachment At A Glance
-
Scleritis
Scleritis is inflammation of the white part of the eye. It may be caused by a serious underlying condition, such as an autoimmune...learn more »
In This Article
Scleritis Article
- Scleritis facts
- What is scleritis?
- What is the sclera?
- What causes scleritis?
- What are risk factors for scleritis?
- What are symptoms of scleritis?
- What are signs of scleritis?
- How is scleritis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for scleritis?
- What are the complications of scleritis?
- What is the prognosis for scleritis?
- Can scleritis be prevented?
- What research is being done on scleritis?
-
Stroke
A stroke results from impaired oxygen delivery to brain cells via the bloodstream. A stroke is also referred to as a CVA, or...learn more »
In This Article
Stroke Article
- Stroke facts
- What is a stroke?
- What causes a stroke?
- What are the risk factors for stroke?
- What is a transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
- What is the impact of strokes?
- What are stroke symptoms?
- What should be done if you
suspect you or someone else is having a stroke?
- How is a stroke diagnosed?
- What is the treatment of a stroke?
- What complications can occur after a stroke?
- What can be done to prevent a stroke?
- What is in the future for stroke treatment?
-
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis (toxo) is a parasitic infection that causes flulike symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle aches and pains that...learn more »
In This Article
Toxoplasmosis Article
- Toxoplasmosis facts
- What is toxoplasmosis?
- What is the cause of toxoplasmosis?
- What factors increase the risk of acquiring toxo?
- What are the usual symptoms of toxoplasmosis?
- Why do some people develop severe problems from toxo?
- Can toxoplasmosis develop into a more serious illness in babies?
- What is meant by a baby developing "a more severe case of toxo"?
- How is toxo diagnosed in the lab?
- How can toxoplasmosis be prevented?
- Am I able to keep my cat?
- Once infected with toxo, is my cat always able to spread the infection to me?
- What is the treatment for toxoplasmosis?
- What is the prognosis for toxoplasmosis?
-
In This Article
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA, Mini-Stroke) Article
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA) facts
- What is a transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
- What are the causes of transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
- What are the risk factors for transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
- What are the symptoms of transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
- How is transient ischemic attack (TIA) diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
- What is the prognosis for transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
-
Uveitis
Uveitis is inflammation of the eye. Symptoms include blurred vision, eye pain, eye redness, photophobia, and floaters. Treatment...learn more »
In This Article
Uveitis Article
- What is uveitis?
- What causes uveitis?
- What are symptoms of uveitis?
- What are the signs of uveitis?
- What are the different types of uveitis?
- What other medical conditions are associated with uveitis?
- How is uveitis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for uveitis?
- What is the prognosis for uveitis?
- What are the complications of uveitis?
- Can uveitis be prevented?
Other Causes of Blurred Vision
- Bleeding Into the Eye
- Convergence Insufficiency
- Corneal Abrasion
- Eye Infection
- Foreign Body in the Eye
- Incorrect Eyeglass Prescription
- Lens Dislocation
- Medications
- Trauma to the Eye or Head
Symptoms & Signs A-Z List
|
