Blurry Vision: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Blurred vision

Hello doctor, recently my right eye has been occasionally blurry, and it feels like my two eyes are seeing differently.
This has been happening for about three months.
However, after blinking, my vision becomes clear again.
It’s a cycle of blurriness and clarity.
I have hyperthyroidism, and my right eye is slightly protruding, making it a bit difficult to close completely when I sleep.
Could this be causing my dry eyes? The doctor mentioned that everything is fine for now and that surgery is not necessary.
They also said that the protrusion from hyperthyroidism should not cause blurry vision.
My visual acuity and intraocular pressure tests were normal, with both eyes measuring 1.0.
Initially, when reading, my vision is blurry, but it becomes clearer when I focus or blink.
The doctor said there’s no significant issue at the moment, but it might be due to dry eyes, for which I was prescribed Duratears.
What is Duratears used for? Is the other medication, O.N.S.D, for fatigue? I forgot to ask if I should use it in both eyes.
Currently, my vision tests show no problems, but I still experience blurriness and cannot find the cause.
I looked online and found other potential causes for blurry vision; could this be an early sign of diabetes or related to other endocrine or vascular issues? What tests or blood work should I consider?

sa, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/12/11

Dr. Wang Zhishun reply Ophthalmology

Hello, Duratears is used for dry eye syndrome, while O.N.S.D is for relieving fatigue.
If you sometimes experience blurred vision, it could be due to dry eyes and fatigue caused by hyperthyroid-related exophthalmos.
If there is indeed a pathological condition in the eyes, blinking should not return to normal.
As for whether to use it in both eyes, please refer to the instructions on the medication packaging.
For other internal medicine issues, you may also consult your metabolic specialist.

Reply Date: 2015/12/11

More Info

Blurry vision can be a frustrating and concerning symptom, especially when it seems to fluctuate between clarity and fuzziness. Based on your description, it appears that you have been experiencing intermittent blurry vision in your right eye for about three months, which may be related to your hyperthyroidism (甲亢) and associated eye issues. Let's explore the potential causes, symptoms, and treatment options for your condition.

Causes of Blurry Vision
1. Dry Eye Syndrome: Given that you mentioned using Duratears, which is an artificial tear solution designed to relieve dry eye symptoms, it's possible that your blurry vision is related to dry eyes. Dryness can lead to fluctuating vision, especially when focusing on tasks like reading or using a computer. The act of blinking helps to refresh the tear film on the surface of the eye, so if your eyes are dry, you may notice that blinking temporarily improves your vision.

2. Thyroid Eye Disease (TED): Hyperthyroidism can lead to thyroid eye disease, which may cause symptoms such as bulging eyes (protrusion), dryness, and visual disturbances. While your doctor indicated that your eye protrusion should not affect your vision, it can still contribute to discomfort and dryness, leading to intermittent blurry vision.

3. Refractive Errors: Although your vision tests indicate that you have 1.0 vision, it's important to consider that even minor refractive errors can cause visual disturbances, especially if you are experiencing fatigue or strain from prolonged near work.

4. Fatigue and Eye Strain: Prolonged screen time or reading can lead to digital eye strain, resulting in symptoms like blurry vision, dryness, and discomfort. This is often exacerbated by inadequate lighting or improper screen distance.

5. Underlying Health Conditions: You mentioned concerns about diabetes and other endocrine or vascular issues. While blurry vision can be a symptom of diabetes, especially if blood sugar levels are poorly controlled, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider for appropriate blood tests to rule out such conditions.

Symptoms to Monitor
- Frequency and Duration: Keep track of how often you experience blurry vision and how long it lasts. Note if it occurs more during specific activities (e.g., reading, using a computer).

- Associated Symptoms: Pay attention to any other symptoms, such as eye pain, redness, or headaches, which could indicate a more serious issue.

- Changes in Vision: If you notice any sudden changes in your vision, such as a significant increase in blurriness or the appearance of new visual disturbances (like flashes of light or floaters), seek immediate medical attention.

Treatment Options
1. Artificial Tears: Continue using Duratears or other artificial tears to help alleviate dryness. It's important to use them regularly, especially during activities that require prolonged focus.

2. Eye Rest: Implement the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This can help reduce eye strain.

3. Consultation with an Eye Specialist: If your symptoms persist or worsen, consider seeing an ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye exam. They can assess for any underlying conditions that may not have been detected in previous visits.

4. Blood Tests: Discuss with your healthcare provider the possibility of blood tests to check for diabetes or other endocrine issues, especially if you have concerns about your health.

5. Lifestyle Adjustments: Ensure you are staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, and managing your thyroid condition effectively with your healthcare provider's guidance.

Conclusion
While your current symptoms may not indicate a serious underlying condition, it is essential to remain vigilant and proactive about your eye health. Continue to monitor your symptoms, utilize artificial tears, and take regular breaks from screen time. If you have any concerns about your vision or overall health, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

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