Specialty Vision · Vision symptoms
Why is my vision blurry?
Blurry vision means objects look soft or out of focus — the single most common visual complaint, and often the most fixable.
What it looks like
Most blur is a refractive error (near-sightedness, far-sightedness, astigmatism or age-related presbyopia) that glasses correct. Blur that glasses don't fix can come from a clouding lens (cataract) or from the macula at the back of the eye (macular degeneration). Sudden blur, blur in one eye, or blur with pain, flashes or floaters needs prompt attention.
When to see an eye doctor
Gradual blur that improves with glasses is routine — book an eye exam. See an eye doctor promptly for sudden blur, blur in one eye only, or blur with pain, flashes or floaters.
Seek urgent care for:
- Sudden blurring, especially in one eye
- Blur with eye pain, flashes or new floaters
- Blur with a severe headache or weakness
Frequently asked questions
Is blurry vision serious?
Usually it is simply a need for glasses. But sudden blur, one-eyed blur, or blur with pain, flashes or floaters can signal something more serious and should be checked promptly.
Why don't my glasses fix the blur anymore?
If updated glasses no longer sharpen your vision, the blur may be coming from the lens (a cataract) or the retina (such as macular degeneration) rather than focus — an eye exam can tell.
Sources
- Refractive Errors — National Eye Institute