Recognizing signs and causes helps you determine when to seek examination for early diagnosis and treatment.

Cataracts are often linked to aging, occurring when proteins in the lens denature and clump, causing the lens to lose its transparency. Early stages may show few symptoms, but as the condition progresses, vision becomes cloudy, images are less clear, and contrast decreases. Patients experience glare, perceive colors as faded, see halos around lights, and may have monocular double vision. Vision tends to become more nearsighted and poor in low light, especially at night.

Risk factors include advanced age, diabetes, prolonged corticosteroid use, eye injury, UV exposure, radiation therapy, Down syndrome, and congenital rubella.

Age-related macular degeneration causes blurred vision due to damage to the macula—the retinal area responsible for central vision and sharpness. Patients often experience blurred central vision, perceive straight lines as bent or distorted, notice dark spots in their field of vision, and see faded colors. The risk increases in individuals over 55, those with a family history of the condition, smokers, or those with cardiovascular disease.

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when blood sugar is uncontrolled, due to abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina. Early stages are often asymptomatic. As the disease progresses, vision can rapidly decline, images appear distorted and darker than normal, vision may be unevenly blurred between the two eyes, and there may be an increase in dark spots in the eyes, resembling floaters.

Eye infections or inflammation, such as keratitis, uveitis, or scleritis, can cause blurred vision by directly affecting visual structures. Certain autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, giant cell arteritis, or Graves' disease, can also impact the eyes, potentially leading to optic neuritis and vision loss.

Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy is a progressive degenerative condition of the corneal endothelium, causing a gradual decline in corneal cells. This leads to swelling and fluid accumulation, resulting in cloudy vision. In early stages, patients may experience mild blurring. As the disease worsens, individuals might feel a gritty sensation in their eyes, become light-sensitive, and notice symptoms intensifying in humid weather. The risk of developing the condition is higher in women and those with a family history of corneal endothelial dystrophy.

When experiencing blurred vision, patients should consult an eye specialist to determine the cause. Early examination is necessary if symptoms include double vision, progressively worsening blurriness, eye pain, light sensitivity, seeing flashes of light, or unusual floaters.

Bao Bao (According to Very Well Health)