Blurry vision is something many people experience from time to time. It can happen if you’re tired, have dry eyes, or simply need an updated glasses prescription. However, there are times when blurry vision can signal a more serious condition requiring immediate medical attention. Knowing the difference could help protect your eyesight and overall health.

Common Causes of Blurry Vision

In many cases, blurry vision is not an emergency. Some common, non-urgent causes include:

• Refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism

• Eye strain from prolonged computer or screen use

• Dry eyes

• Outdated prescription for glasses or contact lenses

If your blurry vision improves with rest, blinking, or updated corrective lenses, it’s usually not cause for alarm.

When Blurry Vision Becomes a Medical Emergency

Blurry vision should be treated as an emergency if it happens suddenly, without warning, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms. Seek immediate medical care if you notice:

• Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes - Even temporary loss can indicate a retinal detachment, stroke, or blockage in the eye’s blood vessels.

• Blurriness with flashes of light or floaters - Flashes, a sudden shower of floaters, or a dark curtain in your vision may signal a retinal tear or detachment.

• Blurry vision with eye pain or headache - Severe eye pain, headache, halos around lights, and nausea could point to acute angle-closure glaucoma.

• Blurriness with neurological symptoms - Dizziness, facial drooping, numbness, slurred speech, or loss of coordination may be signs of a stroke.

• Sudden blurriness after an eye injury - Trauma to the eye causing blurred vision should be examined promptly to rule out internal damage.

What to Do If You Experience Sudden Blurry Vision

If you experience sudden or severe changes in your vision, don’t wait for the symptoms to improve on their own. Call our doctor or go to the emergency room right away. Acting quickly can often mean the difference between recovery and permanent damage.

Urgent Eye Care You Can Count on in Pismo Beach

Blurry vision can be harmless in many cases, but sudden or severe changes should never be ignored. Knowing when it’s an emergency can help safeguard your eyesight and overall well-being.

At Advanced Eyecare Central Coast, we’re here to provide both routine eye care and urgent attention when you need it most. Visit our office in Pismo Beach, California, or call (805) 773-6000 immediately if you’re experiencing sudden vision changes.