Introduction
Blurry, unclear or burning eyes is a common eyesight problem. Any trouble with any of the components of your eye such as retina, cornea or optic nerve can cause sudden blurred vision. The lack of sharpness in vision results in the inability to see fine details. Clear vision helps you navigate the world, from reading traffic signs to making sure you do not miss a step in any wrong direction. In contrast to this, blurry vision makes you feel like someone has put a filter over your eyes and your life is no longer in focus.
Burning eyes can cause several problems, ranging from simple to complex. Itching, tearing, eye pain or eye discharge are the main symptoms of burning eyes. Mostly, burning eyes are caused by environmental influences such as high pollen count or strong winds. Moreover, similar sensations can indicate serious eye problems that require medical evaluation.
So, to select appropriate treatment, it’s important to first know the causes of burning eyes and blurred vision.
5 possible causes of blurry vision
Some of the common causes of blurry vision include-
- Myopia
Nearsightedness or myopia is a condition in which you can see near objects but objects placed farther are blurry. Along with eye strain, squinting and headaches can also occur. It can affect one eye or both the eyes. Myopia often develops during childhood and adolescence.
- Hyperopia
The condition in which you see distant objects clearly but objects nearby may be blurry is a symptom of hyperopia or farsightedness. You may not be able to focus properly on close-up objects or doing so can cause unusual eye strain and fatigue. Also, in case of severe farsightedness, even distant objects may appear blurred.
- Astigmatism
When you have a blurred vision at all distances , it is a symptom of astigmatism. It is usually caused by an irregularly shaped cornea which changes the way light passes, or refracts to your retina which causes fuzzy, blurry and distorted vision.
- Presbyopia
If you’re over 40 and start experiencing blurry vision up close- when reading small print or newspaper, chances are this is due to presbyopia, a naturally occurring age-related condition.It is caused by a hardening of the lens of your eye, which occurs with age.
- Over wearing contact lenses
Wearing contact lenses for longer than your doctor prescribes can lead to abnormal blood vessels growing in the cornea, known as pannus.
Contact lens overwear will cause proteins and other debris in your tear film to build up on the lenses. This may cause blurry vision and increase the risk of eye infections.
Treatment for Blurry Vision
Having mild blurry vision that comes and goes could simply mean tiredness, eye strain or over-exposure to sunlight.
But, if there are sudden or continuing changes in vision such as double vision, blind spots, dimness, tunnel vision, these could be signs of a serious eye disease, which requires you to contact a doctor immediately.Juice and candies help when blurred vision is a result of a decrease in blood sugar. Consuming foods that are high in fast-aching sugars are given for treatment.
To sum up, treatment for blurred vision depends upon the underlying condition that’s’ causing your symptoms.
Eye drops, laser surgeries or medications are generally prescribed to control the underlying conditions.
5 possible causes of burning eyes
There are some causes of burning eyes which may require specialized treatment. The common causes of burning eyes include –
- Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a condition when you have flaky, dandruff-like skin at the base of your eyelids. Commonly, it affects both the eyes along the edges of the eyelids. Blepharitis’ main cause is bacterial infection. Blepharitis can be uncomfortable as you will have redness and swelling in the eye , but it does not cause permanent damage to your eyesight and it is not contagious.
- Dry eyes
When the tear ducts do not produce enough tears or when the tears don’t work correctly it results in dry eyes. Dry eyes can make you feel uncomfortable and it can also cause vision problems. Additional symptoms include eye pain, eye redness, blurred vision and heavy eyelids.
- Eye allergies
Eye allergies also known as allergic conjunctivitis, occur when irritating substances get into the eye. The mast cells present in your eyes release histamine and other chemicals that cause inflammation which results in itching, redness and watering of the eyes.
Rubbing your eyes with your hands can make things worse as it causes mast cells to release more chemicals.
The most common triggers of eye allergies include: dust, smoke, pet dander, perfumes, pollen and foods.
- Eye sunburn
Sunburned eyes are caused by overexposure of ultraviolet (UV) rays, which is also known as photokeratitis or ultraviolet keratitis. Ultraviolet keratitis affects the corneas of the eyes instead of the skin.Sunburn can affect one or both eyes. Symptoms include swelling, pain, blurred vision, redness and sensitivity to light.
- Pterygium –
The growth of fleshy tissue on the cornea of the eye is known as pterygium. It usually occurs on the cornea near the nose, although it can also appear on the outer portion of the eye. Too much exposure to UV light and dry eyes can lead to these growths.
Pterygium usually goes away on it’s own and it doesn’t require treatment but you may need to consult an ophthalmologist if it interferes with your vision. You might have to discontinue using contact lenses when you have a pterygium as it can cause discomfort.
Treatment for Burning Eyes
Compresses and eye drops can cure the symptoms, but it is necessary to get appropriate diagnosis and medical treatment from professionals if the burning sensation does not go away within a few hours.For someone who is allergic to particular substances , your doctor might prescribe specific eye drops that minimize the burning sensation.Always consult your doctor before discontinuing the medication which causes your eyes to burn.
Dry eye condition can be relieved with frequent use of lubricating eye drops (also known as artificial tears) which is suggested by your doctor.
Conclusion
People with insoluble sudden blurry vision and burning eyes should seek advice from a healthcare professional, ophthalmologist or optometrist, as soon as possible. It is always suggested by professionals to rinse your eyes regularly with clean, warm water and use artificial tears to soothe them.
