Philip Walsh - Causes of blurred vision in one eye

What are vitreous floaters?

Sometimes spots, lines and dots can appear in your vision. These are vitreous floaters, or pieces of debris in your vitreous jelly. They may appear as patches of blurred vision in one eye and are nothing to be concerned about. However, if you are worried, it is best to consult your optometrist.

Could a change in blood pressure lead to blurriness in one eye?

If you notice that one eye becomes blurred after getting up quickly or sneezing, it could indicate that your blood pressure is changing. You should make an appointment to have this checked out by your GP and ensure you also have your eyes tested by your optometrist to search for any abnormalities.

Can refractive errors cause blurriness?

If you notice that your vision becomes less sharp and you cannot see fine details, it could mean a refractive error has developed. Presbyopia (long- sightedness) affects most people in their early to mid 40s and means a loss of near vision. Make sure you visit your optometrist for an eye exam if it is hard to see things up close.

What are cataracts?

If you have noticed a cloudy or milky film over your eye, it could be cataracts.

This can give you a halo around lights and mean you become more sensitive to glare. Your nighttime vision may also be affected. You will need to consult with your optometrist to find a solution to this problem.

For more information talk to your local Specsavers optometrist or visit www.specsavers.co.nz.