Morning Blurry Vision: Single Eye Focus Issues - Ophthalmology

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Difficulty focusing with one eye upon waking up in the morning?


Hello Doctor, in the past two weeks, I have experienced difficulty focusing in one eye upon waking up in the morning.
It occurs in either eye, approximately four to five times, and each episode resolves within about two hours.
The night before these episodes, I usually spend a longer time reading and feel more fatigued.
I would like to ask if there is a correlation between these two factors.
I had an eye exam a month ago; do I need to go to the hospital for another check-up? Thank you!

xuesheng, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/10/24

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology


Hello: Your symptoms are not common.
If they persist without improvement, you should seek medical examination.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cai Wenyuan, Director of the Ophthalmology Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2018/10/24

More Info


Morning blurry vision, particularly when it occurs in one eye, can be concerning and may have several underlying causes. Based on your description, it seems that you experience difficulty focusing in one eye upon waking, which resolves within a couple of hours. This pattern, especially following a night of prolonged reading and fatigue, suggests a few potential connections and considerations.

Firstly, the phenomenon you are experiencing could be related to dry eyes. When we sleep, our eyes are closed, and tear production decreases. If you have a history of dry eye syndrome, this could lead to temporary blurry vision upon waking, especially if you have been reading for an extended period before bed. The fatigue from prolonged screen time or reading can exacerbate this condition, leading to discomfort and difficulty focusing in one eye.

Another possibility is that you are experiencing a form of transient visual disturbance, which can occur due to changes in the eye's refractive state or even slight shifts in the cornea's shape overnight. This can be particularly true if you are wearing contact lenses or if your eyes are under strain from excessive screen time. The fact that your vision returns to normal after a short period suggests that it may not be a serious issue, but rather a temporary condition related to eye fatigue or dryness.

Moreover, the occurrence of blurry vision in one eye could also be indicative of other conditions, such as a mild corneal edema or even a transient ischemic attack (TIA) if accompanied by other neurological symptoms. However, given that your vision returns to normal and you have had a recent eye examination, it is less likely that you are experiencing a severe underlying condition.

Regarding your question about whether you need to see a doctor again, it is always prudent to consult with an eye care professional if you notice any changes in your vision, especially if they are recurrent or worsening. Since you had a comprehensive eye exam a month ago, it may not be immediately necessary to return unless your symptoms persist or escalate. However, if you experience additional symptoms such as persistent blurry vision, pain, or changes in your field of vision, you should seek medical attention promptly.

In summary, while your symptoms may be related to fatigue and dry eyes, it is essential to monitor your condition. If the episodes of blurry vision become more frequent or last longer, or if you experience any new symptoms, do not hesitate to consult with an eye care professional for further evaluation. Regular eye exams are crucial, especially if you have pre-existing conditions like dry eyes or high myopia, to ensure that your eye health is maintained and any potential issues are addressed promptly.

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