Amelia Grant

Blurred vision is a common problem that often remains underestimated. It can arise because of long work at a computer and eye overstraining. For this reason, people often ignore this symptom. But apart from harmless causes like eye overstraining, blurred vision can result from serious health conditions that require emergency medical help. 

Below are 6 serious conditions that may cause blurred vision. 

1. Stroke

Stroke is a life-threatening health condition. It occurs when the blood supply to your brain reduces or stops. As a result, the tissues of your brain cannot get enough nutrients and oxygen, thereby resulting in brain cells’ death. By delaying the treatment, you run the risk of serious complications. The symptoms of stroke include trouble speaking, face numbness, blurred vision in one or both eyes, headache, and difficulty walking. 

Some of the stroke complications include paralysis, memory loss, mental health problems, and difficulty talking. Fortunately, prompt treatment can help prevent serious complications and permanent brain damage. If you suspect you have a stroke, you should seek emergency medical help. 

2. Transient ischemic attack

A transient ischemic attack is a mini-stroke. With this condition, you experience symptoms similar to those of a stroke, including sudden blurred vision. This condition usually lasts for several minutes and doesn’t cause permanent damage to the brain. But it doesn’t mean that you can ignore this condition, because one in three people who has a transient ischemic attack will eventually have a stroke.

A transient ischemic attack usually occurs several days before a stroke. Seeking medical help is crucial to prevent strokes and preserve overall health. 

3. Wet macular degeneration

Wet macular degeneration is a common age-related eye condition, but it may also affect younger people. This condition is caused by abnormal blood vessels that leak blood or fluid in the retina. This may result in blurred vision and the development of blind spots. Without treatment, this condition can contribute to vision loss and even visual hallucinations. 

Early detection and treatment can help you improve and even recover vision. For this reason, you need to visit an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. 

4. Detached retina

The detachment of the retina is an emergency. In this condition, the layer of the retina (tissue that covers the back of your eye) starts flaking off. When your retina separates from the blood vessels, it no longer gets a nutrient and oxygen supply. Untreated, this condition can result in permanent vision loss. Unfortunately, it is impossible to reverse the effect of retina detachment and recover vision. 

The symptoms of retina detachment include sudden blurred vision, flashes, and reduced vision. It is important to contact an eye doctor immediately to prevent permanent vision loss.

5. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition in which the pressure in your eye becomes high, thereby damaging an optic nerve. The optic nerve is crucial for good vision. There are several types of glaucoma, but not all of them have noticeable symptoms. Acute angle-closure glaucoma is one of the types that can cause symptoms like blurred vision, headaches, eye redness, and nausea. Untreated acute angle-closure glaucoma will eventually cause blindness. 

Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency. If you suspect you have this condition, seek medical help immediately. 

6. Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological condition that slowly destroys your brain. It can cause a wide range of symptoms like difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and difficulty planning. One of the early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease is blurred vision. This condition is incurable, but with proper treatment, you can slow down its development. This helps preserve the healthy function of your brain and improve your quality of life.