Eyes
Blurred vision
Vision that is not as sharp or clear as usual, in one or both eyes, from a range of eye and general causes.
Education and reference only. This explains the common causes of blurred vision and the warning signs that need urgent help, in plain language — it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for advice from a clinician. If you feel very unwell or are worried, seek medical help.
Quick answer
What is blurred vision?
Blurred vision means things look less sharp, fuzzy or cloudy, in one eye or both. Often it is simply a sign that you need glasses or an updated prescription, or it can come from a dry or tired eye.
- Get urgent help: SUDDEN loss or blurring of vision – get urgent help. Blurred vision with a painful red eye, halos around lights, or feeling sick – a possible acute glaucoma needing urgent eye assessment.
- Self-care: If your vision is only mildly blurry and comes on gradually, the most useful step is to book a sight test with an optician, who can check both your prescription and the health of your eyes.
About blurred vision
Blurred vision means things look less sharp, fuzzy or cloudy, in one eye or both. Often it is simply a sign that you need glasses or an updated prescription, or it can come from a dry or tired eye. Sometimes, though, blurring is caused by conditions inside the eye, such as raised pressure, damage from diabetes or changes at the back of the eye, which need an eye check. A sudden change in vision, or blurring with pain, redness or other symptoms, can be urgent and should not be left. Noticing whether one or both eyes are affected, and how quickly the blurring came on, helps guide what to do next.
When to get help
Call 999 or go to A&E if blurred vision comes with any of these warning signs:
- SUDDEN loss or blurring of vision – get urgent help.
- Blurred vision with a painful red eye, halos around lights, or feeling sick – a possible acute glaucoma needing urgent eye assessment.
- A curtain or shadow over your vision, or sudden flashes and floaters – a possible retinal detachment.
- Sudden blurred vision with weakness or slurred speech – a possible STROKE; call 999.
When to see a doctor
Book a sight test for blurred vision that has come on gradually, comes and goes, or is affecting reading, driving or daily tasks. See a clinician or optician sooner if you have diabetes, as blurring can signal changes at the back of the eye that need attention. Any sudden change in vision, new flashes or floaters, eye pain or redness, however, should be treated as urgent and assessed the same day rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
What can cause it
Common causes of blurred vision
Blurred vision has many possible causes. Each links to a full, plain-language guide to that condition — what it is, how it's treated and when to seek help.
What helps
Self-care and what you can do
If your vision is only mildly blurry and comes on gradually, the most useful step is to book a sight test with an optician, who can check both your prescription and the health of your eyes. For tired or dry eyes, taking regular screen breaks, blinking fully and using lubricating eye drops from a pharmacy can help. Make sure you have good lighting for close work and keep up with routine eye checks, especially if you have diabetes or a family history of eye disease. Any sudden or painful change in vision, however, needs urgent help rather than self-care.
Answers
Blurred vision: frequently asked questions
When is blurred vision an emergency?
Seek urgent help for sudden loss or blurring of vision, a curtain or shadow across your sight, new flashes and floaters, or blurring with a painful red eye and halos around lights. Blurred vision with weakness or slurred speech means calling 999, as it can be a stroke.
Does blurred vision usually just mean I need glasses?
Often it does, especially when it comes on gradually and affects reading or distance. A sight test with an optician can check your prescription and the health of your eyes, but any sudden or painful change in vision needs urgent assessment rather than a routine test.
Can diabetes cause blurred vision?
Yes. High blood sugar can affect the lens in the short term and, over time, damage the small blood vessels at the back of the eye. If you have diabetes and notice blurring, it is important to have your eyes checked, and to keep up with your regular diabetic eye screening.
How can I ease blurry vision from tired or dry eyes?
Take regular breaks from screens, blink fully and often, and use lubricating drops from a pharmacy. Good lighting for close work helps too. If blurring persists, comes with pain or redness, or is sudden, get it checked rather than relying on self-care.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE CKS: Glaucoma.
- RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People).
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