Blurred Vision Correction: Nipping Eye Issues in the Bud

Blurred vision generally refers to a lack of sharpness in vision resulting in the inability to see fine detail. While it may be a result of common abnormalities—nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism—it may be a sign of serious disease. Blurriness due to the common conditions mentioned above is corrected through LASIK surgery or eyewear prescriptions. More severe conditions are a bit tricky and may require significant lifestyle changes.

What to Look For

The following are symptoms of blurred vision:

• Pain in one eye or both
• Loss of field of vision
• Gradually deteriorating vision
• Double vision

Any of these symptoms could signal something serious going on. People with the following disorders should be especially mindful.

• Immune disorders, such as HIV or AIDS
• Diabetes or high blood pressure
• Thyroid disease

These conditions not only leave the body weakened but can directly cause damage to the delicate workings of the eye.

Chronic Thyroid Eye Disease

Hyperthyroidism (TED) impacts the tissue around your eyes, including the fat behind your eyeballs, eye muscles, and neighboring facial tissues. The result is a thyroid eye disease and Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition identified by bulging eyeballs, eye pain, and impaired vision.

Diabetic Macula Endema (DME)

Macular edema, swelling in the part of the retina (the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of your eye), causes blood vessels to leak into the retina. Blurred vision is a major sign of the condition and should never be ignored.

Diabetic Retinopathy (DME)

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes caused by high blood sugar levels that damage the back of the eye (retina). If left untreated, it may result in seriously impaired vision and, eventually, blindness. The disease presents in four stages.

• Mild. Patients experience balloon-like swelling in certain areas of the blood vessels in the retina.
• Moderate. Marked by damage to some of the blood vessels in the retina by leakage of blood and fluid into the retinal tissue.
• Severe non-proliferative. More blood vessels are blocked, and more leakage into the retina is present. Impact and blurred vision are significantly present.
• Proliferative. Damage to the eyes’ blood vessels is severe. New blood vessels are abnormal and fail to nourish the retina. Vision loss is likely if left untreated.
• Macula Degeneration. Often found in older people, a degenerative condition affects the central part of the retina (the macula), resulting in blurriness, distortion, or loss of central vision.
• Inherited Retinal Disease. A gene-related condition marked by gradual blurriness in vision. The condition should be noted on an eye-health questionnaire to aid the doctor in diagnosing and determining treatment.

General Eye Health

Blurriness is not something to take lightly. Also, be sure to mention any medications you are currently taking which may be contributing to blurred vision. Always check with your eye doctor if you are experiencing headaches, sensitivity to light, redness, and/or irritation of the eyes. These could be signs of a serious problem that, if untreated, may cause loss of vision or blindness.

Get Your Sight Right, New York

Dr. Craig Beyer comes to the New York area as one of the first 10 doctors in the country authorized to perform LASIK surgery by the FDA. He has personally performed over 15,000 surgeries. His experience in all corrective surgeries and advanced eye care has been noted by top Ophthalmology Publications nationwide.
If you live in New York or the surrounding areas and are considering LASIK surgery, call 877-274-1797 to schedule a consultation for the best in eyecare and LASIK surgery.