Sudden Blurry Vision: Causes and Concerns

Blurred vision

Hello Doctor, my vision suddenly becomes blurry.
The first occurrence was about a year and a half ago, and since then it has happened approximately every few months.
Each episode of blurred vision lasts about half an hour to several hours.
Two weeks ago, I had an eye examination, and the ophthalmologist did not indicate any problems; my vision measurement was similar to the results from nine months ago.
Recently, in the past two weeks, the episodes of blurred vision have become more frequent, often lasting only a very short time, such as 1 to 3 seconds, but occurring frequently.
Additionally, I have experienced two instances in the past two weeks where the blurred vision lasted more than half an hour, similar to previous occurrences.

Note 1: I do not have headaches or dizziness, my intraocular pressure is normal, and my corrected vision is 0.9 in both eyes.
I have been using antipsychotic medication long-term, and the blurred vision has always returned to normal, right?
Note 2: I would like to know how to rule out causes of blurred vision such as ocular stroke, brain tumor, or diabetes.
Could you please help me with a diagnosis? Thank you.

Wu Mou, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/11/02

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology

Hello, your recent episodes of blurred vision have become more frequent, and it is necessary to undergo further examination.
There are many causes of blurred vision, and to avoid unnecessary speculation, I recommend that you seek medical evaluation.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Tsai Wen-Yuan, Chief of Ophthalmology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2016/11/02

More Info

Sudden blurry vision can be a concerning symptom, especially when it occurs frequently or lasts for extended periods. Based on your description, it seems that you have experienced episodes of blurry vision for over a year, with increasing frequency and varying durations. Given that you have already undergone an eye examination and your eye doctor did not find any significant issues, it is important to consider a few potential causes and the necessary steps to further evaluate your condition.

Possible Causes of Sudden Blurry Vision
1. Visual Migraines: One possibility is that you may be experiencing visual migraines, which can cause temporary visual disturbances, including blurry vision. These episodes can occur without the typical headache associated with migraines. They often resolve on their own within a short time.

2. Ocular Conditions: While your recent eye exam did not reveal any issues, conditions such as vitreous detachment or changes in the retina can lead to transient visual disturbances. Vitreous detachment, for example, can cause flashes of light or floaters, and in some cases, it may lead to temporary blurriness.

3. Neurological Issues: Although less common, sudden changes in vision can be indicative of neurological conditions, such as transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or even more serious conditions like brain tumors. These conditions may not always present with other symptoms like headaches or dizziness, making them harder to detect.

4. Systemic Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes can lead to fluctuations in vision due to changes in blood sugar levels. If you have a history of diabetes or other systemic conditions, it is essential to monitor these closely.

5. Medication Side Effects: You mentioned that you are on long-term antipsychotic medication. Some medications can have side effects that affect vision, including blurred vision. It would be beneficial to discuss this with your prescribing physician to determine if your medication could be contributing to your symptoms.

Steps for Further Evaluation
1. Comprehensive Eye Examination: Although you have recently had an eye exam, it may be worthwhile to have a more comprehensive evaluation, including a dilated fundus examination, to assess the health of your retina and vitreous body more thoroughly.

2. Neurological Assessment: Given the nature of your symptoms, it may be prudent to consult a neurologist. They can perform tests such as an MRI or CT scan to rule out any neurological conditions that could be causing your visual disturbances.

3. Blood Tests: Testing for blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and other systemic markers can help identify any underlying conditions that may be affecting your vision.

4. Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your episodes, including the duration, frequency, and any associated symptoms. This information can be invaluable for your healthcare providers in diagnosing the issue.

5. Consultation with Specialists: If your symptoms persist or worsen, consider seeking a second opinion from another ophthalmologist or a specialist in neuro-ophthalmology, who can provide a more focused evaluation of the visual pathways and their potential involvement.

Conclusion
In summary, while your recent eye examination did not reveal any significant issues, the sudden and recurrent nature of your blurry vision warrants further investigation. It is crucial to rule out both ocular and neurological causes, especially given the potential implications of conditions like TIAs or other systemic issues. By taking a proactive approach and consulting with the appropriate specialists, you can work towards identifying the underlying cause of your symptoms and receiving the necessary treatment. Always prioritize open communication with your healthcare providers about your concerns and any changes in your symptoms.

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