Is Temporary Blurriness Normal When Closing One Eye? - Ophthalmology

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Hello, doctor.
When I test my eyes by closing one eye tightly to look at something, I notice that although there is no distortion or shadow, there is a momentary blurriness when I first close my eye, but it clears up in about one or two seconds.
Is this a normal phenomenon? I previously visited an ophthalmologist who performed a dilated eye exam and said there were no issues.
I'm wondering if this could be due to the pressure I apply when closing one eye.
Thank you.

Er, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/09/02

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology


Hello, when you close one eye, you are using only one eye to see, which may result in different prescriptions for each eye.
Therefore, when you close one eye, you may need to adjust the focus of the open eye to see clearly.
This should not be a problem.

Taiwan E-Hospital Puzi Hospital Ophthalmology: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM; Wednesday from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Online responses can only serve as a reference; if necessary, you should visit a medical facility for treatment.
We hope to have the opportunity to serve you.

Gao Pilin

Reply Date: 2020/09/02

More Info


When you close one eye and experience temporary blurriness, it can be a normal phenomenon, especially if it lasts only a second or two before your vision stabilizes. This temporary blurriness can be attributed to several factors related to how our visual system functions.

Firstly, when you close one eye, your brain has to adjust to the sudden change in visual input. Each eye provides slightly different perspectives, and when one eye is closed, the brain may take a moment to recalibrate and process the information from the open eye. This adjustment period can lead to a brief sensation of blurriness or a change in focus as your visual system adapts.

Additionally, if you are exerting pressure on the closed eye or squinting, this can also affect your vision. The muscles around the eye may be tense, which can momentarily distort your vision. Furthermore, if you have any underlying conditions, such as dry eyes or fatigue, these can exacerbate the sensation of blurriness when one eye is closed.

It's also worth noting that the phenomenon you are experiencing is not uncommon among individuals who have undergone eye examinations, especially if dilation drops were used. Dilation can temporarily affect your vision, making it more sensitive to light and potentially leading to visual distortions.

In your case, since you mentioned that you have previously undergone an eye examination and the doctor found no issues, it is likely that this temporary blurriness is a benign and normal response. However, if you notice that this blurriness persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, significant visual changes, or discomfort, it would be prudent to consult with an eye care professional for further evaluation.

In summary, temporary blurriness when closing one eye can be a normal occurrence due to the brain's adjustment to visual input changes, muscle tension, or other benign factors. If the sensation is fleeting and does not recur frequently, it is generally not a cause for concern. However, maintaining regular eye check-ups and discussing any new or unusual symptoms with your eye care provider is always a good practice to ensure your eye health remains optimal.

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