Not all cases of blurry vision are the same. Some people experience increasingly cloudy images, while others notice straight lines appearing curved, many black spots in their vision, or difficulty seeing objects to the sides. The characteristics of the symptoms and their time of onset can help determine the location of the damage within the eye.

According to Doctor Phung Van Thanh, from the High-Tech Eye Center at Tam Anh Hanoi General Hospital, these changes can be related to various structures such as the lens, macula, retina, or optic nerve. Recognizing blurry vision symptoms helps patients proactively seek early eye examinations, especially when symptoms appear suddenly or progressively worsen.

Nearsightedness

Nearsighted individuals often experience blurry distant vision but can see relatively clearly when objects are brought closer. They may need to squint when looking at boards, signs, or other distant objects. This condition occurs when light focuses in front of the retina, typically related to the eyeball's length or the cornea's shape. If distant vision gradually decreases, individuals should undergo a refraction test and a comprehensive eye health examination.

Doctor Thanh examines a child with blurry vision due to nearsightedness. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*

Cataracts

Individuals with cataracts often perceive images as cloudy, similar to looking through a fog or a dusty pane of glass. This occurs because the lens becomes opaque, obstructing light from focusing on the retina. Vision typically diminishes gradually, accompanied by less vibrant colors, difficulty seeing at night, light sensitivity, or halos around lights. If blurry vision impacts daily activities such as reading, driving, or general living, it is advisable to seek an eye examination rather than simply increasing spectacle prescription.

Macular disease

Macular diseases frequently cause blurring or distortion in the central field of vision. This is often noticeable when normally straight lines, such as door frames, table edges, or text, appear curved, bent, or wavy.

Age-related macular degeneration, macular edema, and macular holes can all lead to these manifestations, sometimes accompanied by a blurred area or a blind spot in the center. If images appear distorted, particularly if it occurs in only one eye, individuals should seek an early examination to check the macula and retina.

Retinal detachment

Retinal detachment can manifest with sudden changes in vision accompanied by numerous "floaters" (black spots, strings, or cobweb-like shapes) and flashes of light at the periphery of the visual field. If a dark area or a sensation like a curtain or black shade covering a portion of the vision appears, immediate eye examination is crucial, as this is an ophthalmic emergency. Early treatment helps limit the risk of vision loss.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma often does not cause noticeable blurry vision in its early stages but rather subtly narrows peripheral vision, making it difficult for individuals to perceive objects to the sides while still seeing relatively clearly ahead. As the disease progresses, the visual field narrows like tunnel vision, and optic nerve damage can become permanent. Therefore, regular eye examinations, including intraocular pressure measurement, visual field testing, and optic nerve assessment, are vital for early detection.

Eye trauma

Blurry vision following eye trauma typically appears suddenly, affecting either a portion or the entire visual field, depending on the injury's location. Individuals may experience distorted or hazy images, or a significant reduction in vision after an impact, a foreign object, or strong force to the eye.

Trauma can cause damage to the cornea, lens, vitreous humor, retina, or optic nerve. If vision decreases immediately after an injury or becomes progressively blurrier, individuals should seek an eye examination promptly. A doctor can determine the cause and extent of the damage, as well as the appropriate treatment method.

Doctor Thanh emphasizes that each type of blurry vision can be associated with different eye conditions. Patients should pay attention to the time of onset, severity, and accompanying symptoms such as "floaters", flashes of light, pain, red eyes, or distorted images, to provide doctors with more information to determine the cause.

Thu Giang