Why do eyes become watery and blurry. What are the common causes of excessive tearing. How can you treat watery eyes at home. When should you see a doctor for watery eyes. What medical treatments are available for chronic watery eyes.

Understanding Watery Eyes: Causes and Symptoms

Watery eyes, also known as epiphora, can be a bothersome and sometimes painful condition. This excessive tearing can lead to blurry vision, irritation, and discomfort. But what causes this overflow of tears?

Tears are essential for maintaining eye health, providing lubrication, and protecting against infections. However, when the balance of tear production and drainage is disrupted, it can result in watery eyes. This condition can affect people of all ages and may be temporary or chronic, depending on the underlying cause.

Common Symptoms Associated with Watery Eyes

• Excessive tearing
• Blurred vision
• Redness and irritation
• Sensitivity to light
• Eye discharge
• Burning or stinging sensation

Does frequent eye-wiping interfere with your daily activities? Persistent watery eyes can significantly impact your quality of life, making it difficult to perform tasks that require clear vision. Understanding the root cause of your watery eyes is crucial for finding an effective treatment.

Allergies: A Common Culprit Behind Watery Eyes

Allergies are one of the most frequent causes of watery eyes. When your body encounters allergens like pollen, pet dander, or dust mites, it releases histamines as part of an immune response. This reaction can lead to various eye symptoms, including excessive tearing.

How Do Allergies Affect the Eyes?

1. Increased tear production
2. Itching and redness
3. Swelling of the eyelids
4. Mucus discharge

Can over-the-counter medications provide relief for allergy-induced watery eyes? Many people find relief using antihistamine eye drops or oral antihistamines. These medications work by blocking the effects of histamines, reducing allergy symptoms. However, if OTC treatments prove ineffective, consulting an allergist or ophthalmologist may be necessary for prescription-strength medications or allergy shots.

Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis): When Watery Eyes Turn Red

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pinkeye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva – the thin, clear tissue that covers the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelid. This condition can cause watery eyes along with redness and discomfort.

Types of Conjunctivitis

• Viral conjunctivitis
• Bacterial conjunctivitis
• Allergic conjunctivitis

Is pinkeye contagious? Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are highly contagious and can spread through direct contact or contaminated objects. It’s crucial to practice good hygiene, avoid touching your eyes, and seek medical attention promptly if you suspect you have pinkeye.

Treatment for conjunctivitis depends on its cause. Bacterial infections typically require antibiotic eye drops, while viral infections often resolve on their own. Allergic conjunctivitis may be managed with antihistamine eye drops or oral medications.

Blocked Tear Ducts: When Drainage Becomes an Issue

The tear drainage system is a complex network of tiny tubes and ducts that help remove excess tears from the eye’s surface. When these pathways become obstructed, it can lead to persistent watery eyes.

Causes of Blocked Tear Ducts

• Congenital abnormalities
• Aging
• Injury or trauma
• Infections
• Chronic inflammation

How are blocked tear ducts diagnosed? An ophthalmologist can perform various tests to evaluate tear drainage, including the fluorescein dye disappearance test and lacrimal irrigation and probing. These procedures help determine the location and severity of the blockage.

Treatment options for blocked tear ducts range from conservative measures like warm compresses and massage to more invasive procedures. In some cases, a surgical intervention called dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) may be necessary to create a new drainage pathway.

The Paradox of Dry Eyes: When Dryness Leads to Tearing

Surprisingly, dry eye syndrome can cause watery eyes. This seemingly contradictory condition occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough quality tears to maintain proper lubrication. As a result, the eyes may overcompensate by producing an excess of watery tears.

Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome

• Burning or stinging sensation
• Gritty feeling in the eyes
• Intermittent blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Redness
• Excessive tearing

How can dry eyes be treated effectively? Treatment for dry eye syndrome often involves a multifaceted approach. Artificial tears and lubricating eye drops can provide temporary relief. In more severe cases, prescription medications like cyclosporine or lifitegrast may be recommended to reduce inflammation and increase tear production.

Lifestyle modifications, such as taking regular breaks from screen time, staying hydrated, and using a humidifier, can also help alleviate dry eye symptoms. In some cases, procedures like punctal plugs or intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy may be considered to improve tear quality and quantity.

Eyelid Problems: When Structure Affects Function

The position and shape of your eyelids play a crucial role in tear distribution and drainage. Various eyelid abnormalities can contribute to watery eyes.

Common Eyelid Issues

• Ectropion (outward-turning eyelid)
• Entropion (inward-turning eyelid)
• Ptosis (drooping eyelid)

Can eyelid problems be corrected without surgery? While some mild cases of eyelid issues may be managed with conservative treatments like artificial tears or ointments, most eyelid abnormalities require surgical correction for long-term relief. These procedures are typically performed by oculoplastic surgeons who specialize in eyelid reconstruction.

Ectropion and entropion surgeries aim to reposition the eyelid to its proper orientation, improving both function and appearance. Ptosis repair involves tightening the levator muscle or its tendon to elevate the drooping eyelid.

Corneal Conditions: When the Eye’s Surface is Compromised

The cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, is highly sensitive and plays a vital role in vision and eye protection. Various corneal conditions can lead to watery eyes as the body attempts to flush out irritants or protect the damaged surface.

Types of Corneal Issues

• Corneal abrasions (scratches)
• Corneal ulcers
• Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea)

How urgent is treatment for corneal problems? Corneal issues, especially ulcers and severe cases of keratitis, require immediate medical attention. Delays in treatment can lead to serious complications, including vision loss or permanent corneal scarring.

Treatment for corneal conditions depends on the specific diagnosis. Corneal abrasions often heal on their own with proper care and protection. Antibacterial, antiviral, or antifungal eye drops may be prescribed for infections. In severe cases, corneal transplantation may be necessary to restore vision and eye health.

Less Common Causes of Watery Eyes

While allergies, infections, and structural issues account for many cases of watery eyes, there are several other potential causes worth considering.

Additional Factors Contributing to Excessive Tearing

• Bell’s palsy
• Trigeminal neuralgia
• Tumors affecting the tear ducts or nasal passages
• Exposure to irritants (e.g., smoke, chemicals)
• Certain medications

How can you determine the underlying cause of persistent watery eyes? A comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist is essential for an accurate diagnosis. This may include a thorough medical history, visual acuity tests, and specialized diagnostic procedures to evaluate tear production and drainage.

In some cases, additional imaging studies like CT scans or MRIs may be necessary to rule out structural abnormalities or tumors affecting the tear drainage system.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes for Watery Eyes

While many causes of watery eyes require medical intervention, there are several steps you can take at home to alleviate symptoms and promote eye health.

Self-Care Strategies for Watery Eyes

• Apply warm compresses to soothe irritated eyes
• Practice good eyelid hygiene
• Use artificial tears to lubricate dry eyes
• Avoid known allergens and irritants
• Take regular breaks from digital screens
• Wear sunglasses to protect against wind and dust

Can dietary changes improve eye health and reduce tearing? While there’s no specific diet to cure watery eyes, consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and C, and zinc may support overall eye health. Stay hydrated and consider limiting alcohol and caffeine intake, as these can contribute to dry eyes.

Remember that while home remedies can provide temporary relief, persistent or severe symptoms should always be evaluated by an eye care professional to rule out underlying conditions that may require medical treatment.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Watery Eyes

While occasional tearing is normal, chronic or severe watery eyes may indicate an underlying problem that requires professional evaluation. Knowing when to consult an eye care specialist is crucial for maintaining optimal eye health and preventing potential complications.

Red Flags for Watery Eyes

• Persistent tearing lasting more than two weeks
• Eye pain or vision changes
• Discharge or crusting around the eyes
• Swelling or redness of the eyelids
• Recent eye injury or surgery
• Symptoms affecting only one eye

How do you choose the right eye care professional for your condition? For most cases of watery eyes, an optometrist or general ophthalmologist can provide initial evaluation and treatment. However, complex cases may require referral to specialists such as cornea specialists, oculoplastic surgeons, or neuro-ophthalmologists, depending on the underlying cause.

During your appointment, be prepared to discuss your symptoms in detail, including their duration, severity, and any factors that seem to worsen or improve the condition. This information will help your doctor determine the most appropriate diagnostic tests and treatment plan for your specific situation.

Advanced Treatments for Chronic Watery Eyes

When conservative measures and initial treatments fail to provide relief, several advanced options are available for managing chronic watery eyes.

Innovative Approaches to Treating Excessive Tearing

• Lacrimal stenting
• Balloon dacryoplasty
• Botox injections
• Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)
• Conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy (CDCR)

How effective are these advanced treatments for watery eyes? Success rates for procedures like DCR and CDCR are generally high, with many patients experiencing significant improvement in their symptoms. However, as with any surgical intervention, there are potential risks and complications to consider.

Your ophthalmologist will discuss the most appropriate treatment options based on the underlying cause of your watery eyes, your overall health, and your personal preferences. In some cases, a combination of treatments may be recommended for optimal results.

It’s important to note that even after successful treatment, ongoing management and follow-up care may be necessary to maintain eye health and prevent recurrence of symptoms.

Why Are My Eyes Watery? 14 Things That Can Make Your Eyes Water

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• Allergies
• Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis)
• Blocked Tear Ducts
• Dry Eyes
• Eyelid Problems
• Bumps on the Eyelids
• Ingrown Eyelashes
• Problems With Your Cornea
• More

If you have watery eyes, there are several possible reasons. They range from allergies to infections, blocked tear ducts, and funny looking eyelids. So grab a box of tissue, dab your eyes, and find out why your tears runneth over.

Millions of people have allergies, but many ignore how this affects their eyes. Exposure to pollen, pet dander, mites, and fumes can cause your eyes to turn red, itchy, and watery.

For relief, try over-the-counter medications like eye drops and antihistamines. If they don’t help, you may want to visit a doctor for prescription-strength medicines or allergy shots.

If your eyes look pink or red along with all those extra tears, you may have pinkeye, a kind of inflammation. Other signs are blurry vision, pus or mucus in the eye, and red inner eyelids.

If you think you might have it, see a doctor right away. Your treatment will depend on whether the cause is bacteria, a virus, or allergies. Also, be sure to keep your hands away from your eyes, and wash them with lid scrubs or warm soapy water before and after you apply medicine. Don’t share towels, washcloths, or anything else that touches your eyes.

Your eye has a miniature plumbing system that makes tears, then washes them across your eye and down a duct into your nose. When the duct gets narrow or blocked, the tears back up and your eyes get watery and irritated or infected. Signs include mucus, crusty eyelashes, blurred vision, and pus or blood in your tears.

If your eyes are watery, leaky, and always irritated or infected, see a doctor. The doctor may flush the duct with saline, then insert tiny balloons or tubes to open up the blockages. You might need surgery to build a new drain.

They get irritated. Your immune system can respond by making too many tears. You may also have stinging, burning, redness, and vision problems. If the symptoms don’t go away, it’s time to talk to your doctor.

If you have a mild case, artificial tears often help. You can also take prescription drugs to relieve inflammation or help create tears. Other options include inserts that act like artificial tear glands or a combination of light therapy and eye massage.

Eyelids are part of your eyes’ drainage system. If one of yours sags or turns outward, tears won’t drain the way they should and your eyes can get watery. If it grows inward, it rubs against your eye and irritates it. Other problems may include redness, mucus, dryness, and sensitivity to light.

If your lids sag or droop, or if your eyes are always watery or irritated, your doctor can help. They might prescribe artificial tears and ointments, but most people need surgery to fix the problem.

Doctors have more nonsurgical options for ingrown eyelids, like soft contacts that protect your eye. Botox and skin tape can also prevent your eye from turning in.

If you notice a large bump on your eyelid, you may have a stye or a chalazion. Styes are usually painful and bigger. Chalazions rarely hurt.

To treat an eyelid bump, soak a clean washcloth in hot water and hold it to your eyelid for 10-15 minutes. Do this 3 to 5 times a day. You may also gently massage around a chalazion with a clean finger.

If that doesn’t help, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics or a steroid shot to ease the swelling of a chalazion. If the bump won’t go away, or if it affects your vision, the doctor may drain it. Don’t ever try to pop one yourself; it can turn into an infection and you’ll probably just make things worse.

When your eyelashes grow inward, they rub against your eye. This irritates it and causes extra tears. Your doctor might pull out an ingrown lash or suggest surgery to remove the lash permanently. If you don’t get treatment, you could get more serious problems like cornea scratches and ulcers.

They can range from minor scratches to open sores called ulcers. Corneas can also get inflamed, a condition called keratitis. Each of these can cause your tears to work overtime.

If your cornea is scratched, you’ll know. Your eye will be extra watery, painful, and highly sensitive to light. When you close it, it might feel like there’s something in it. To treat it, rinse your eye with saline solution, blink several times, or pull your upper eyelid over your lower eyelid. Any of these steps may wash out the object that’s causing you problems. But see a doctor to avoid an infection.

For ulcers and keratitis, see a doctor right away. Delays may damage your eyesight or cause blindness. Your doctor will likely begin treatment with antibacterial, antiviral, or antifungal eye drops followed by anti-inflammatory drops. If your eye is hard to treat, you may need a corneal transplant to save your vision.

If you use extended-wear contact lenses or don’t take them out at night, you have a higher chance of getting keratitis. The best way to prevent this is to properly disinfect the lenses and make sure not to wear them for too long.

Less common causes of watery eyes include:

• Bell’s palsy, a nerve condition that weakens your face muscles
• Eye injuries
• Exposure to chemicals and fumes
• Inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Facial surgery
• Certain medications

While there could be many reasons why your eyes are watery, they all share similar symptoms. That makes getting the right diagnosis so important. Visiting a doctor will help you figure out what’s causing your excess tears and the best ways to treat them.

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Why Are My Eyes Watery? 14 Things That Can Make Your Eyes Water

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• Allergies
• Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis)
• Blocked Tear Ducts
• Dry Eyes
• Eyelid Problems
• Bumps on the Eyelids
• Ingrown Eyelashes
• Problems With Your Cornea
• More

If you have watery eyes, there are several possible reasons. They range from allergies to infections, blocked tear ducts, and funny looking eyelids. So grab a box of tissue, dab your eyes, and find out why your tears runneth over.

Millions of people have allergies, but many ignore how this affects their eyes. Exposure to pollen, pet dander, mites, and fumes can cause your eyes to turn red, itchy, and watery.

For relief, try over-the-counter medications like eye drops and antihistamines. If they don’t help, you may want to visit a doctor for prescription-strength medicines or allergy shots.

If your eyes look pink or red along with all those extra tears, you may have pinkeye, a kind of inflammation. Other signs are blurry vision, pus or mucus in the eye, and red inner eyelids.

If you think you might have it, see a doctor right away. Your treatment will depend on whether the cause is bacteria, a virus, or allergies. Also, be sure to keep your hands away from your eyes, and wash them with lid scrubs or warm soapy water before and after you apply medicine. Don’t share towels, washcloths, or anything else that touches your eyes.

Your eye has a miniature plumbing system that makes tears, then washes them across your eye and down a duct into your nose. When the duct gets narrow or blocked, the tears back up and your eyes get watery and irritated or infected. Signs include mucus, crusty eyelashes, blurred vision, and pus or blood in your tears.

If your eyes are watery, leaky, and always irritated or infected, see a doctor. The doctor may flush the duct with saline, then insert tiny balloons or tubes to open up the blockages. You might need surgery to build a new drain.

They get irritated. Your immune system can respond by making too many tears. You may also have stinging, burning, redness, and vision problems. If the symptoms don’t go away, it’s time to talk to your doctor.

If you have a mild case, artificial tears often help. You can also take prescription drugs to relieve inflammation or help create tears. Other options include inserts that act like artificial tear glands or a combination of light therapy and eye massage.

Eyelids are part of your eyes’ drainage system. If one of yours sags or turns outward, tears won’t drain the way they should and your eyes can get watery. If it grows inward, it rubs against your eye and irritates it. Other problems may include redness, mucus, dryness, and sensitivity to light.

If your lids sag or droop, or if your eyes are always watery or irritated, your doctor can help. They might prescribe artificial tears and ointments, but most people need surgery to fix the problem.

Doctors have more nonsurgical options for ingrown eyelids, like soft contacts that protect your eye. Botox and skin tape can also prevent your eye from turning in.

If you notice a large bump on your eyelid, you may have a stye or a chalazion. Styes are usually painful and bigger. Chalazions rarely hurt.

To treat an eyelid bump, soak a clean washcloth in hot water and hold it to your eyelid for 10-15 minutes. Do this 3 to 5 times a day. You may also gently massage around a chalazion with a clean finger.

If that doesn’t help, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics or a steroid shot to ease the swelling of a chalazion. If the bump won’t go away, or if it affects your vision, the doctor may drain it. Don’t ever try to pop one yourself; it can turn into an infection and you’ll probably just make things worse.

When your eyelashes grow inward, they rub against your eye. This irritates it and causes extra tears. Your doctor might pull out an ingrown lash or suggest surgery to remove the lash permanently. If you don’t get treatment, you could get more serious problems like cornea scratches and ulcers.

They can range from minor scratches to open sores called ulcers. Corneas can also get inflamed, a condition called keratitis. Each of these can cause your tears to work overtime.

If your cornea is scratched, you’ll know. Your eye will be extra watery, painful, and highly sensitive to light. When you close it, it might feel like there’s something in it. To treat it, rinse your eye with saline solution, blink several times, or pull your upper eyelid over your lower eyelid. Any of these steps may wash out the object that’s causing you problems. But see a doctor to avoid an infection.

For ulcers and keratitis, see a doctor right away. Delays may damage your eyesight or cause blindness. Your doctor will likely begin treatment with antibacterial, antiviral, or antifungal eye drops followed by anti-inflammatory drops. If your eye is hard to treat, you may need a corneal transplant to save your vision.

If you use extended-wear contact lenses or don’t take them out at night, you have a higher chance of getting keratitis. The best way to prevent this is to properly disinfect the lenses and make sure not to wear them for too long.

Less common causes of watery eyes include:

• Bell’s palsy, a nerve condition that weakens your face muscles
• Eye injuries
• Exposure to chemicals and fumes
• Inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Facial surgery
• Certain medications

While there could be many reasons why your eyes are watery, they all share similar symptoms. That makes getting the right diagnosis so important. Visiting a doctor will help you figure out what’s causing your excess tears and the best ways to treat them.

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Decreased visual acuity: causes of fuzzy, blurry vision, drops for treatment.

From Aimee Rodrigues; reviewed by Brian Chou, OD

Blurred vision refers to a loss of visual acuity that causes objects to appear blurry and blurry.

The main causes of blurred vision are refractive errors – nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism – and presbyopia. However, blurry vision can also be a symptom of a more serious problem, including a potentially sight-threatening eye disease or neurological disorder.

Blurry vision can affect both eyes, but some people experience blurry vision in only one eye.

Blurred vision, in which objects are hard to see and appear “whitish,” is very similar to blurred vision. Blurred vision is usually a symptom of diseases such as cataracts.

Both blurred vision and blurred vision can be symptoms of serious eye disease, especially if they appear suddenly.

To determine if you have blurry vision and what causes it, see an optometrist for a comprehensive eye examination.

NEED AN EYE EXAM? Find an optometrist nearby and make an appointment.

Blurry vision: causes and treatment

Myopia: Symptoms of myopia (nearsightedness) include strabismus, eye strain, headaches, and blurry vision in one or both eyes. Myopia is the most common refractive error, in which objects at a distance appear fuzzy.

Glasses, contact lenses and refractive surgery such as LASIK and PRK are the most common ways to correct myopia.

Hypermetropia: If you have hypermetropia (farsightedness), distant objects appear clear, but your eyes cannot properly focus on near objects—or looking at such objects causes unusual eye strain and fatigue. In the case of severe farsightedness, even distant objects may look fuzzy.

As with myopia, hypermetropia can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or refractive eye surgery.

Astigmatism: Blurred vision at any distance is often a symptom of astigmatism. Astigmatism is a refractive error and is usually caused by an irregular shape of the cornea.

With astigmatism, light rays do not focus at one point on the retina to form clear vision, regardless of the distance the object is from the eyes.

Astigmatism, like nearsightedness and farsightedness, can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery.

Presbyopia: If you are in your 40s and begin to notice blurry near vision—for example, when reading a text message, restaurant menu, food label, or other small print—it is most likely due to the onset of presbyopia , a common age-related vision problem.

Although the symptoms of presbyopia are the same as those of hypermetropia (blurred near vision; eye strain when reading), presbyopia is an age-related loss of the ability to focus on nearby objects due to decreased elasticity of the lens of the eye.

Common treatments for presbyopia include progressive lenses, multifocal contact lenses, bifocals, and reading glasses. In addition, there are options for surgical correction of presbyopia, including inlay lenses, presbyLASIK, and conductive keratoplasty.

All glasses designed to correct refractive errors and presbyopia can be enhanced with anti-reflective coatings and photochromic lenses for greater clarity and comfort. For more information, contact your optometrist.

Above is an image of a Jack Russell Terrier with normal vision, and the blurry photo in the middle shows what the dog might look like to a nearsighted person. Below, the image is fuzzy and hazy, as it might be seen by a person with a cataract.

A representation of a Jack Russell Terrier as seen by a person with blurred vision.

An image of a Jack Russell Terrier that is blurry and hazy, showing how a person with a cataract sees it.

Chronic dry eyes: Dry eye syndrome can affect the eyes in many ways, including causing variable, blurry vision. Tear substitutes (lubricating eye drops) can help with this condition, but severe cases of dry eyes may require prescription drugs or punctal obturators to keep the eyes comfortable and healthy and maintain good vision.

Pregnancy: Blurred vision often occurs during pregnancy and is sometimes accompanied by double vision (diplopia). Hormonal changes can change the shape and thickness of the cornea, resulting in blurry vision. In addition, dry eyes are common in pregnant women, which can cause blurry vision.

All vision problems during pregnancy should always be reported to the optometrist you see. Although blurry vision is not always a serious symptom, in some cases it can be an indicator of gestational diabetes or high blood pressure.

Eye migraines or migraine headaches: Usually harmless and temporary, blurred vision, flickering light, halos and zigzag patterns are common symptoms before the onset of an ocular migraine or migraine headache.

Floating flies in the eyes: Vision may be blurred by temporary black dots or floating flies floating in your field of vision. Floaters in the eye usually appear when the gel-like vitreous body of the eye begins to thin with age, allowing microscopic pieces of tissue to float freely in the vitreous inside the eye, creating shadows on the retina.

A sudden burst of floating “flies” in the eyes may indicate a tear or detachment of the retina, and you should immediately contact an optometrist.

Blurred vision after LASIK: Vision may be blurry or blurry immediately after LASIK or any other type of refractive surgery. Visual clarity will usually improve within a few days, but vision may take longer to fully stabilize.

Eye drops and medicines: Some eye drops—especially eye drops that contain preservatives—may cause irritation and blurred vision.

In addition, some medicines, such as allergy pills, can cause side effects such as dry eyes and blurry vision. During a comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist can advise you on whether any of the medications you are taking may be causing blurry vision.

Wearing contact lenses for too long: Wearing disposable contact lenses (and indeed any contact lenses) for a longer period of time than prescribed by the optometrist will cause the proteins and other impurities contained in the tear film to deposit on the lenses . This can result in blurry vision and increase the risk of eye infections.

Blurred vision can be a symptom of a serious eye disease

If you suddenly develop blurry vision in one eye and are in your 60s, you may have a macular hole in your central retina.

Sudden blurry vision can also be a symptom of retinal detachment, eye herpes, or optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve).

Certain eye conditions and conditions, such as those listed below, can cause permanent loss of vision, so it is important to see an optometrist for diagnosis and treatment if you suddenly experience blurry vision.

Cataracts: Changes in vision, such as blurred or blurred vision, and glare and halos around lights at night can be symptoms of cataracts. Untreated cataracts can gradually worsen and lead to loss of vision up to blindness. But replacing the cataract with an artificial lens during cataract surgery is very successful in restoring lost vision.

Glaucoma: Blurred vision or “tunnel vision” may be a symptom of glaucoma. Without treatment, vision will continue to deteriorate and may lead to permanent blindness.

Age-related macular degeneration: Blurry vision and distortion of visual perception, where straight lines appear wavy or interrupted, may be symptoms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is a leading cause of blindness among the elderly.

Diabetic retinopathy: If you have diabetes, unexplained blurry vision may be due to the onset of diabetic retinopathy, a vision-threatening disease that damages the retina of the eye.

Cardiovascular disease and other systemic diseases: Blurred vision, often associated with double vision, may be a symptom of an emergency such as a stroke or cerebral haemorrhage. It can also be an early sign of multiple sclerosis. If you suddenly develop blurry vision or double vision, contact your optometrist immediately.

Slight blurry vision that comes and goes, may be due to fatigue, eye strain, or overexposure to sunlight.

However, sudden or ongoing changes in vision, such as blurry vision, double vision, tunnel vision, blind spots, halos, or blurred vision, may be signs of a serious eye disease or other health problem.

DO YOU HAVE BLURD VISION? Find an optometrist nearby to determine what is causing blurry vision and what treatment will be most effective.

Page published on Monday, November 16, 2020

A veil before the eyes. Causes and effects

Blurred vision is a common complaint associated with a feeling of loss of clarity of the image, when a person sees everything around as if through a cloudy glass, and objects appear blurry. This symptom indicates a violation in the visual system. The feeling of a veil before the eyes can be both constant and periodic, for example at night. The reasons for the appearance of a veil before the eyes vary, so you should not ignore this symptom, but it is better to consult a doctor for an eye diagnosis.

Symptoms

Usually, blurred vision may be accompanied by additional symptoms, such as:

• Pain in the eyes;
• Increased sensitivity to bright light;
• Decreased visual acuity, predominantly at night;
• Appearance of floaters before the eyes, spots and flies;
• Sudden weakness or numbness of one side of the body.

Reasons for the appearance of a veil before the eyes

1. Refractive vision problems – nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism can cause a feeling of veil before the eyes. This is due to incorrect focusing of the image on the retina. In order to get rid of the veil, you need to pick up glasses or contact lenses for vision correction.
2. Diseases that lead to circulatory disorders, vasospasm, can also lead to a sensation of a veil before the eyes and are usually accompanied by headache and general weakness throughout the body.
3. Dry eye syndrome. As the cornea dries up, vision may appear to be blurred. The veil does not cover the eyes all the time, but only under certain conditions, for example, when overtired or working at a computer for a long time.
4. Cataracts can also cause veiling, especially in the elderly, because cataracts are clouding of the lens. To get rid of the veil before the eyes in the case of cataracts is possible only through a surgical operation to replace the lens.
5. The sensation of a veil before the eyes in glaucoma is associated with an increase in intraocular pressure and requires immediate treatment by an ophthalmologist.
6. Optic neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve that results in decreased vision and also blurred vision.

A retinal detachment can also be a possible cause of the veil sensation. This condition requires urgent treatment.

A side effect of some drugs can also be blurred vision.

These drugs include:

• antidepressants;
• oral contraceptives;
• anticholinergic drugs;
• corticosteroid preparations;
• drugs used to control blood pressure.

Treatment of diseases that cause a feeling of a veil before the eyes.

The choice of method and methods of treating the veil before the eyes directly depends on the cause that caused the appearance of this symptom. That is why the key to successful treatment of patients with such complaints is timely and high-quality diagnostics using modern equipment by experienced ophthalmologists.