Blurred Vision Symptoms
Symptom Checker: Symptoms & Signs Index
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Blurred vision refers to a lack of sharpness of vision resulting in the inability to see fine detail. Blurred vision may result from abnormalities present at birth such as near- or farsightedness that require corrective lenses (glasses) or it may signal the presence of eye disease. Blurred vision can also be a symptom of numerous conditions that do not directly involve the eye, such as migraine or stroke. A number of medications may also lead to temporary blurring of vision as a side effect.
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REFERENCE:
Fauci, Anthony S., et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2008.
Causes of Blurred Vision
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Astigmatism Astigmatism is a common eye condition that's easily corrected by eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery. Symptoms of astigmatism...learn more »In This ArticleAstigmatism Article
- What is astigmatism?
- What causes an astigmatism?
- What are astigmatism symptoms?
- How are astigmatisms diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for astigmatisms?
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Brain Tumor A brain tumor can be either benign (non cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), primary, or secondary. Causes and risk factors...learn more »In This ArticleBrain Tumor Article
- Brain tumor facts*
- What is the brain?
- What are the tumor grades and types?
- Tumor grade
- Types of primary brain tumors
- What are the risk factors for brain tumors?
- What are the symptoms of a brain tumor?
- How are brain tumors diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for a brain tumor?
- What type of surgery is available for brain tumors?
- Radiation therapy for brain tumors
- Chemotherapy for brain tumors
- What about a second opinion for brain tumor treatment?
- Nutrition during brain tumor treatment
- What supportive care is available for patients and caregivers?
- What about rehabilitation after brain tumor treatment?
- What about follow-up care after brain tumor treatment?
- Sources of support
- Taking part in cancer research
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Cataracts A cataract is an eye disease that causes the eye's lens to become cloudy and opaque with decreased vision. Causes of cataracts...learn more »In This ArticleCataracts Article
- Facts about cataracts
- What is a cataract?
- What are the different types of cataracts?
- What are causes of cataracts?
- What are risk factors for cataracts?
- What are the symptoms of cataracts?
- What are the signs of cataracts?
- How are cataracts diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for cataracts?
- What are the different types of cataract surgery, and what risks are involved?
- What are complications of cataracts?
- What is the prognosis of cataracts?
- Can cataracts be prevented?
- Where can people get more information on cataracts?
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Corneal Ulcer A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the cornea. Infection is a common cause of corneal ulcer. Symptoms and signs of corneal ulcer...learn more »In This ArticleCorneal Ulcer Article
- What is a corneal ulcer?
- What does a corneal ulcer look like?
- What are the causes of a corneal ulcer?
- What are corneal ulcer symptoms?
- What are corneal ulcer signs?
- How is a corneal ulcer diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for a corneal ulcer?
- What is the healing time for a corneal ulcer?
- Can corneal ulcers be prevented?
- Corneal Ulcer At A Glance
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Diabetes and Eye Problems Diabetes and eye problems are generally caused by high blood sugar levels over an extended period of time. Types of eye problems...learn more »In This ArticleDiabetes and Eye Problems Article
- Eye problems and diabetes introduction
- Cataracts and diabetes
- Glaucoma and diabetes
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Preventing eye problems with diabetes
- When to contact your doctor about eye problems in diabetes
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Dry Eyes Dry eyes are caused by an imbalance in the tear-flow system of the eye, but also can be caused by the drying out of the tear...learn more »In This ArticleDry Eyes Article
- Dry eye syndrome facts
- What is dry eye syndrome?
- What causes dry eye syndrome?
- What is the impact of dry eye syndrome?
- What are dry eye syndrome symptoms and signs?
- What are the complications of dry eye syndrome?
- What are the risk factors for dry eye syndrome?
- What is the treatment for dry eye syndrome?
- Can self-care treatments and remedies help alleviate dry eyes?
- What is the medical treatment for dry eye syndrome?
- What medications are used to treat dry eye syndrome?
- Can surgery treat dry eye syndrome?
- What other therapies are used to treat dry eye syndrome?
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Eye Care Many common eye disorders resolve without treatment and some may be managed with over-the-counter (OTC) products. It's important...learn more »In This ArticleEye Care Article
- Eye care introduction
- What is the structure of the eye?
- Which common disorders of the eye can (sometimes) be self-treated?
- What common eye conditions usually require treatment by a doctor?
- What types of OTC eye care products are there?
- What inactive ingredients are contained in OTC eye care products?
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Farsightedness Farsightedness makes it difficult to focus on objects that are close up. The condition runs in families and occurs because light...learn more »In This ArticleFarsightedness Article
- Introduction to farsightedness
- What causes farsightedness?
- What are the symptoms of farsightedness?
- How is farsightedness diagnosed?
- How is farsightedness corrected?
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Glaucoma Glaucoma is a common eye condition in which the fluid pressure inside the eye rises because of slowed fluid drainage from the...learn more »In This ArticleGlaucoma Article
- What is glaucoma?
- How common is glaucoma?
- What causes glaucoma?
- What are glaucoma risk factors?
- What are the different types of glaucoma?
- What are glaucoma symptoms and signs?
- How is glaucoma diagnosed?
- How often should someone be checked (screened) for glaucoma?
- What is the treatment for glaucoma?
- Glaucoma medications (eyedrops)
- Glaucoma surgery or laser
- Can glaucoma be prevented?
- What is in the future for glaucoma?
- Glaucoma At Glance
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Iritis Iritis is inflammation of the iris, the colored portion of the eye. Symptoms include a red, painful eye, blurry vision, and light...learn more »In This ArticleIritis Article
- What is iritis?
- What causes iritis?
- What are symptoms and signs of iritis?
- How is iritis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for iritis?
- How long does iritis last?
- What are complications of iritis?
- What is the prognosis for iritis?
- What research is being done for iritis?
- Where can I find out more information about iritis?
- Iritis At A Glance
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Keratitis Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea. Symptoms and signs include pain, tearing, blurred vision, eye redness, watery eyes, or...learn more »In This ArticleKeratitis Article
- What is keratitis?
- What are the causes of keratitis?
- What are the different types of keratitis?
- What are the risk factors for keratitis?
- What are symptoms and signs of keratitis?
- How is keratitis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for keratitis?
- What are the possible complications of keratitis?
- Can keratitis be prevented?
- Keratitis At A Glance
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Keratoconus Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea bulges outward like a cone. The cause of the condition is unknown, but genetics...learn more »In This ArticleKeratoconus Article
- Introduction to keratoconus
- What causes keratoconus?
- Can keratoconus damage vision?
- How is keratoconus diagnosed?
- How is keratoconus treated?
- Will surgery correct keratoconus?
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Macular Degeneration Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that gradually destroys the central vision. In people over 60, AMD is a...learn more »In This ArticleMacular Degeneration Article
- Macular degeneration facts
- What is macular degeneration?
- What is the retina?
- What is the macula?
- What is age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?
- What is wet age-related macular degeneration?
- What are retinal drusen?
- What is dry age-related macular degeneration?
- What causes macular degeneration?
- What are risk factors for macular degeneration?
- What are macular degeneration symptoms?
- What are signs of macular degeneration?
- How is macular degeneration diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for wet macular degeneration?
- What is the treatment for dry macular degeneration?
- What are complications of macular degeneration?
- What is the prognosis for macular degeneration?
- Can macular degeneration be prevented?
- What research is being done on macular degeneration?
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Migraine Migraine is usually periodic attacks of headaches on one or both sides of the head. These may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting,...learn more »In This ArticleMigraine Article
- What is a migraine headache?
- What are the symptoms of migraine headaches?
- What are some of the variants of migraine headaches?
- How is a migraine headache diagnosed?
- How are migraine headaches treated?
- What is the treatment for moderate to severe migraine headaches?
- What other medications are used for treating migraine headaches?
- How are migraine headaches prevented?
- What are migraine triggers?
- What should migraine sufferers do?
- What are prophylactic medications for migraine headaches?
- What is the proper way to use preventive medications?
- What is the treatment for menstrual migraine?
- Conclusions
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Myopia Myopia, or nearsightedness, makes it difficult to focus on objects that are far away. The condition runs in families and occurs...learn more »In This ArticleMyopia Article
- Introduction to Myopia
- What causes Myopia?
- What are the symptoms of Myopia?
- How is Myopia diagnosed?
- How is Myopia treated?
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Optic Neuritis Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve, the structure that connects the eye to the brain. The precise cause of optic...learn more »In This ArticleOptic Neuritis Article
- What is optic neuritis?
- What causes optic neuritis?
- What are symptoms of optic neuritis?
- What are signs of optic neuritis?
- How is optic neuritis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for optic neuritis?
- What is the prognosis for optic neuritis?
- Can optic neuritis be prevented?
- Where can I find more information on optic neuritis?
- Optic Neuritis At A Glance
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Polymyalgia Rheumatica Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a disorder of the muscles and joints that causes pain and stiffness in the arms, neck, shoulders,...learn more »In This ArticlePolymyalgia Rheumatica Article
- Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis facts
- What is polymyalgia rheumatica?
- What causes polymyalgia rheumatica?
- What are symptoms and signs of polymyalgia rheumatica?
- How is polymyalgia rheumatica diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for polymyalgia rheumatica?
- What is the prognosis (outlook) for patients with polymyalgia rheumatica?
- Can polymyalgia be prevented?
- What are complications of polymyalgia rheumatica?
- What is giant cell arteritis?
- What causes giant cell arteritis?
- What are symptoms of giant cell arteritis?
- How is giant cell arteritis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for giant cell arteritis?
- What is the prognosis for patients with giant cell arteritis?
- Can giant cell arteritis be prevented?
- What are complications of giant cell arteritis?
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Presbyopia Presbyopia is the age-related loss of the ability to focus on objects that are close up. The condition generally affects people...learn more »In This ArticlePresbyopia Article
- Introduction to presbyopia
- What are the symptoms of presbyopia?
- How is presbyopia diagnosed?
- How is presbyopia treated?
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Retinal Detachment Retinal detachment is the separation of the retina from its attachments to the underlying eye tissue. Symptoms of retinal...learn more »In This ArticleRetinal Detachment Article
- What is the retina?
- What is a retinal detachment?
- What are retinal detachment symptoms and signs?
- What are retinal detachment causes and risk factors?
- Which diseases of the eyes predispose to the development of a retinal detachment?
- How does cataract surgery lead to a retinal detachment?
- What other factors are associated with a retinal detachment?
- Why is it mandatory to treat retinal detachments?
- What is the treatment for retinal detachment?
- What are complications of surgery for a retinal detachment, and what is recovery like after retinal detachment surgery?
- What are the results of surgery for a retinal detachment?
- Retinal Detachment At A Glance
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Scleritis Scleritis is inflammation of the white part of the eye. It may be caused by a serious underlying condition, such as an autoimmune...learn more »In This ArticleScleritis Article
- Scleritis facts
- What is scleritis?
- What is the sclera?
- What causes scleritis?
- What are risk factors for scleritis?
- What are symptoms of scleritis?
- What are signs of scleritis?
- How is scleritis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for scleritis?
- What are the complications of scleritis?
- What is the prognosis for scleritis?
- Can scleritis be prevented?
- What research is being done on scleritis?
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Stroke A stroke results from impaired oxygen delivery to brain cells via the bloodstream. A stroke is also referred to as a CVA, or...learn more »In This ArticleStroke Article
- Stroke facts
- What is a stroke?
- What causes a stroke?
- What are the risk factors for stroke?
- What is a transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
- What is the impact of strokes?
- What are stroke symptoms?
- What should be done if you suspect you or someone else is having a stroke?
- How is a stroke diagnosed?
- What is the treatment of a stroke?
- What complications can occur after a stroke?
- What can be done to prevent a stroke?
- What is in the future for stroke treatment?
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Toxoplasmosis Toxoplasmosis (toxo) is a parasitic infection that causes flulike symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle aches and pains that...learn more »In This ArticleToxoplasmosis Article
- Toxoplasmosis facts
- What is toxoplasmosis?
- What is the cause of toxoplasmosis?
- What factors increase the risk of acquiring toxo?
- What are the usual symptoms of toxoplasmosis?
- Why do some people develop severe problems from toxo?
- Can toxoplasmosis develop into a more serious illness in babies?
- What is meant by a baby developing "a more severe case of toxo"?
- How is toxo diagnosed in the lab?
- How can toxoplasmosis be prevented?
- Am I able to keep my cat?
- Once infected with toxo, is my cat always able to spread the infection to me?
- What is the treatment for toxoplasmosis?
- What is the prognosis for toxoplasmosis?
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Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA, Mini-Stroke) When a portion of the brain loses blood supply, through a blood clot or embolus, a transient ischemic attack (TIA, mini-stroke)...learn more »In This ArticleTransient Ischemic Attack (TIA, Mini-Stroke) Article
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA) facts
- What is a transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
- What are the causes of transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
- What are the risk factors for transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
- What are the symptoms of transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
- How is transient ischemic attack (TIA) diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
- What is the prognosis for transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
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Uveitis Uveitis is inflammation of the eye. Symptoms include blurred vision, eye pain, eye redness, photophobia, and floaters. Treatment...learn more »In This ArticleUveitis Article
- What is uveitis?
- What causes uveitis?
- What are symptoms of uveitis?
- What are the signs of uveitis?
- What are the different types of uveitis?
- What other medical conditions are associated with uveitis?
- How is uveitis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for uveitis?
- What is the prognosis for uveitis?
- What are the complications of uveitis?
- Can uveitis be prevented?
Other Causes of Blurred Vision
- Bleeding Into the Eye
- Convergence Insufficiency
- Corneal Abrasion
- Eye Infection
- Foreign Body in the Eye
- Incorrect Eyeglass Prescription
- Lens Dislocation
- Medications
- Trauma to the Eye or Head
Symptoms & Signs A-Z List
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