Your eyesight can be something you take for granted until complications occur. If you were born with an existing disorder or developed a problem over time, any signs of visual complications should be addressed as soon as possible.
One of the major signs that mean you need to visit an optician as soon as possible is the element of blurred vision. Multiple factors can cause such a symptom to occur, and prolonged circumstances represent serious conditions that should be addressed immediately.
How does blurred vision happen?
Blurry vision can be defined as the aspect of suffering from hazy eyesight. If you have problems focusing on objects when you’re at close or far distances, you need to visit an optician to ensure you don’t need prescription glasses to fix your vision. This condition can be quite frightening, especially when it happens all of a sudden. The first thing every professional recommends is not to panic.
In some cases, this symptom could be temporary and can be addressed with a simple solution. However, it’s essential that you visit a professional should such an instance occur. Some people make the assumption that if the condition corrects itself, they no longer have to see an optician. This can’t be further from the truth, especially when you already have a pair of prescription glasses. Professionals suggest that you should visit an optician at least once every two years if you’ve been diagnosed with visual problems.
What causes blurred vision?
There are a variety of circumstances that can cause blurred vision, with some cases simply representing issues that can be simply corrected. Everyone will go through poor vision as they age. As time passes, you’ll need prescription glasses to maintain your range of vision. This is a stage of life that can’t be avoided – especially once you get into your 40s and beyond. In other cases, you might encounter visual problems early on in life and getting prescription glasses the same day will be necessary to correct those issues.
If you’ve had a wild night out and a little too much to drink, you might suffer from blurred vision. However, if your eyesight problems can’t be blamed on too much enthusiasm from the night before, then you should probably seek professional consultation.
Interestingly, some individuals have reported experiencing blurry vision after COVID, making monitoring any changes in vision post-infection essential. Regardless, getting a professional opinion is an advisable strategy if you suffer from any eyesight problems.
What to do when suffering from blurred vision
When suffering from blurred vision, taking a proactive approach is the best strategy available. The first thing you should do is check off potential temporary problems. This can involve cases where you’ve just suffered a significant concussion. Direct trauma to the head will likely lead to blurred vision, especially when the impact is significant. Various medical conditions might also lead to this symptom, with an excellent example being people who suffer from migraines.
Taking these issues into consideration is necessary when addressing your eyesight problems. If none of those situations describe your condition, then the second step to take is visiting an optician. It’s crucial that you handle any visual complications as soon as possible because the risk involved could be potentially life-changing.
Home Remedies for Temporary Relief
While emphasizing that one should always consult an optician for persistent issues, this section delves into short-term remedies. Some immediate relief methods include using warm compresses to soothe eye strain, ensuring sufficient sleep for overall eye health, and practicing the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) to give your eyes a break, especially for those who are frequent screen users.
Prevention Of Blurred Vision
Recognizing and addressing blurred vision is essential, but taking proactive steps to prevent its onset is equally crucial. Here are some vital strategies to consider:
- Lifestyle habits – Understanding that certain practices can influence your vision’s health is crucial. Making conscious decisions in your daily routines can reduce the risk of blurred vision.
- Balanced diet – A diet rich in essential vitamins and nutrients is pivotal in maintaining optimal eye health. Foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E and minerals like Zinc can help prevent vision problems in the long run.
- Mind the screens – In this digital age, screens, smartphones, computers, and televisions constantly expose your eyes. By protecting them from excessive screen time and ensuring frequent breaks, you can help alleviate strain and prevent blurred vision.
By integrating these prevention measures into our daily lives, we not only protect our vision but also contribute to overall well-being and health.
The Importance of consulting a professional
In most cases, consulting a professional will offer you the opportunity to undergo a variety of tests to identify any visual issues. You’ll first need to fill out a health history form and judging by the information provided in that document, the optometrist can then develop a treatment method for your needs. Some of the common visual problems that many people suffer from include near and long-sightedness, glaucoma and cataracts.
Identifying your visual problem is the third step, and the fourth involves correcting the issue. At this stage, you’ll be given a particular prescription that will fit your specific needs. These prescriptions are unique to an individual and are designed to address the exact disorders you’re suffering from. People suffering from nearsightedness, for example, don’t have a set prescription for their condition. The range of their problem will determine the specs involved with the prescription that suits their needs.
The final stage
Once you have undergone an eye test, the fifth step involves choosing the kind of frames you would like. This is actually the “fun” part of the process, as there are numerous options to choose from regarding the frames. Your prescription might be specific in relation to the metrics involved, but you’re allowed to go wild when choosing what encases those lenses.
Your option can reflect who you are as a person or offer insight into a subject that you deeply care about. The sixth step is maintaining your glasses, with regard to keeping them safe and undamaged. The seventh step involves booking an appointment with your optician at least once every two years. This last part is crucial because your visual needs will change as you grow older. The rule of thumb in this scenario is to visit an optometrist at least once every two years.
