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Blurry vision –
how to manage eye problems that affect your daily life
Eye problems such as blurry vision can drastically influence your quality of life. It’s difficult to perform daily tasks such as driving, reading or working at your computer when your vision is hazy and out of focus. On top of the fact that blurred vision can affect your daily life, it can also be a sign of other more serious health conditions or eye problems. BETTER VISION explains what the possible causes are, and what can be done to improve eyesight.
Symptoms of blurry vision
You need good eyesight to perform daily tasks. We often take it for granted that we’re able to do simple things such as walking up the stairs without missing a step, check messages on our smartphones, or drive to work. But as soon as you experience a loss of sharpness in vision, you may realise how important your eyesight really is. Some may even only realise how bad their vision us until they receive treatment, or a visual aid such as correcting glasses.
Blurry vision is mostly described as a loss in contrast, or limited resolution in sight. Things may appear foggy and out of focus at various distances. Some people experience blurry vision in one eye (you’ll only notice this when you close the “good” eye), and for others it affects both eyes.
Cloudy or milky vision is a fairly common symptom associated with cataracts. It’s often experienced together with blurred vision. If it feels like you are looking through a whitish cloud or film, consult an eye doctor immediately.
Dizziness and blurry vision combined can also be a sign of a serious health issue, and you should seek emergency medical attention if it occurs suddenly or persistently.
What causes blurry vision and other eye problems?

Vision problems

Myopia

Eye fatigue
Hyperopia

Presbyopia
Astigmatism
Diabetes

Eye inflammation
Low blood pressure
Glaucoma
Cataracts
Corneal damage
Retinal damage

Pregnancy
Dry eyes
Eye surgery
Contact Lenses

Eye injury of trauma
Migraine

Age-related macular degeneration
Neurological, systemic, or cardiovascular problems
When to seek medical help
Blurry vision can be a sign of a health emergency. Call your local ambulance service, or ask a family member or friend to take you to the nearest medical emergency facility with the sudden onset of blurred vision and any of the following symptoms:
- Intense headache
- Severe eye pain
- A feeling of disorientation
- Sudden visual impairment
- Difficulty speaking or moving
- Halos or floaters in your field of vision
It’s also important to consult a doctor if you consistently experience any of the above symptoms, even at a low level of pain or intensity.
Blurry vision combined with chronic eye fatigue, dryness, or difficulty with focusing and sight is enough reason to visit your eye care professional for an eye examination and vision test.
How to improve eyesight if you have blurry vision
Your doctor or eye care professional will treat your hazy sight depending on the diagnosis.
Serious eye diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma may be treated with surgery, whilst other health-related problems will require medication and lifestyle changes.
Refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia can all be managed with prescription glasses or contact lenses. In some cases, corrective laser surgeries can also improve eyesight.
A connected and on-the-move lifestyle, combined with individual needs related to your age can also affect your vision. Always give your optometrist or optician a full breakdown of your daily visual tasks to help them find your ideal prescription. Ask for more information about ZEISS SmartLife Lenses, which are specifically designed to accommodate your modern visual behaviour and age-related needs.