Morning Blurry Vision: Causes and When to Seek Help

Q: Morning Blurry Vision: Causes and When to Seek Help

Hello, Miaomiao： 1. It could be a different issue. 2. This kind of blurred vision is difficult to diagnose without an examination. 3. If it is due to high intraocular pressure, it is important to get checked promptly to avoid complications. I recommend get

Blurred vision upon waking up?

Hello Doctor, sometimes when I wake up in the morning, my vision is blurry.
Sometimes it's in both eyes, and sometimes just one eye.
Usually, the blurry vision in both eyes resolves within a few minutes, but the blurry vision in one eye can last for a whole morning or even all day (it can be either the left or right eye; it feels slightly better than when I woke up, but it doesn't return to normal.
It doesn't significantly affect my near vision, but my distance vision feels blurry, although I can still see; it just feels like a decrease in vision).
Recently, I've been feeling that my eye pressure might be higher, and my eyes feel swollen.
As a heavy user of digital devices, I was previously prescribed artificial tears by an ophthalmologist.
After using the artificial tears, my vision improves slightly for about a minute, but then it starts to blur again.
Sometimes, when I suddenly stand up from sitting, I experience temporary darkness in my vision, but it returns after I stabilize myself against a wall.
I've read a lot of information online; some say it could be due to lack of oxygen to the eyes or corneal edema (caused by insufficient sleep or excessive eye strain), while others suggest it could be serious eye conditions (like glaucoma or retinal stroke).

1.
Is it possible that this blurry vision or temporary darkness could indicate a serious disease?
2.
I have floaters in my left eye, and I previously had a fundus examination.
If my left eye is blurry today, should I go for another examination?
3.
Since there is no ophthalmologist nearby, I would like to self-monitor.
How long should this blurry phenomenon persist before I definitely need to seek medical attention? Thank you, Doctor.

Miao Miao, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/07/23

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello, Miaomiao: 1.
It could be a different issue.
2.
This kind of blurred vision is difficult to diagnose without an examination.
3.
If it is due to high intraocular pressure, it is important to get checked promptly to avoid complications.
I recommend getting an examination as soon as possible to clarify the cause.
Online answers can only serve as a reference; it is necessary to seek medical attention at a healthcare facility.
Gao Pilin.

Reply Date: 2021/07/23

More Info

Morning blurry vision can be a common issue for many individuals, and it can arise from various causes. Understanding these causes is essential for determining whether you need to seek medical attention.
1. Causes of Morning Blurry Vision:
- Dry Eyes: Given your history of dry eye syndrome, it's possible that your eyes are not adequately lubricated upon waking. During sleep, tear production decreases, and if you sleep in a dry environment or with your eyes partially open, this can exacerbate dryness, leading to blurry vision upon waking.

- Corneal Edema: Overnight, fluid can accumulate in the cornea, especially if you have been wearing contact lenses. This can cause temporary swelling and result in blurry vision that usually resolves after a few minutes.

- Ocular Pressure Changes: You mentioned feeling a sensation of pressure in your eyes. This could be related to fluctuations in intraocular pressure, which can occur during sleep and may lead to transient blurry vision.

- Visual Disturbances: Conditions like floaters or flashes of light can also contribute to visual disturbances upon waking. If you have a history of retinal issues, these symptoms may warrant further investigation.

- Systemic Issues: Conditions such as hypertension or diabetes can also affect vision. If you have a history of these conditions, it’s important to monitor your eye health closely.

2. When to Seek Help:
- If your blurry vision lasts for several minutes and resolves, it may not be a cause for immediate concern. However, if you experience persistent blurry vision in one eye, especially if it lasts for an entire day, it is advisable to seek an eye examination. This is particularly important if you have a history of eye conditions like floaters or if you notice any changes in your vision.

- The sensation of "seeing black" when standing up could indicate a temporary drop in blood pressure, which is not uncommon. However, if this happens frequently or is accompanied by other symptoms like dizziness or fainting, it warrants a medical evaluation.

3. Self-Monitoring:
- If the blurry vision persists for more than a few hours or is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, redness, or significant changes in vision, you should seek medical attention.
- Keep a log of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their duration, and any associated factors (like time spent on screens or changes in your environment). This information can be valuable for your healthcare provider.

4. Preventive Measures:
- Ensure you are using artificial tears regularly, especially before bed, to help maintain moisture in your eyes.

- Consider adjusting your screen time and taking regular breaks to reduce eye strain. The 20-20-20 rule is a helpful guideline: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

- Maintain a humid environment while sleeping, which can help alleviate dryness.

In conclusion, while morning blurry vision can often be benign, it is essential to pay attention to the duration and associated symptoms. If you have concerns about your eye health or if your symptoms change, it is always best to consult with an eye care professional. Regular eye exams are crucial, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions or those experiencing new symptoms.

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