Blurry Vision in One Eye: What It Could Mean and When to Act
It’s one thing to have tired eyes after a long day staring at screens. It’s another to suddenly notice blurry vision in one eye, especially if it doesn’t go away with a few blinks. While some causes are relatively minor, others may point to something more serious.
At Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, we understand that changes in your vision are more than just inconvenient — they can be unsettling. That’s why we take the time to look at the full picture: your symptoms, your eye health history, and what might be going on beneath the surface. Below, we break down some of the most common causes of blurry vision in one eye and when it’s time to seek expert care.
About Blurry Vision
Blurry vision is a broad term that can feel different for everyone. For some, it’s a general loss of sharpness. For others, it may appear as smudged outlines, difficulty focusing, or a fogginess that doesn’t seem to clear. When it affects only one eye, it often indicates a localized issue, whether it’s on the surface of the eye, the retina, or the optic nerve.
Common Causes of Blurry Vision in One Eye
Let’s take a closer look at some of the more frequent reasons we see patients for blurry vision in just one eye.
1. Uncorrected Refractive Errors
It’s possible (and quite common) to have two eyes with very different prescriptions. If one eye becomes more nearsighted or farsighted, your brain will start to notice the imbalance. You may not even realize you’re straining to compensate until the blur sets in.
What helps:
A comprehensive eye exam can determine if you simply need updated corrective lenses.
2. Dry Eye Disease
Dry eye might not sound like a serious problem, but it can absolutely affect your visual clarity. If you spend a lot of time in front of a screen, near a fan, or even sleep on one side more than the other, it’s possible for one eye to be chronically drier than the other.
Symptoms to look for:
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- A gritty, stinging, or burning sensation
- Eye fatigue
What helps:
Artificial tears, warm compresses, and sometimes prescription eye drops can help manage dry eye disease. Click here to explore our article on managing dry eye disease symptoms.
3. Eye Infections or Inflammation
Any inflammation of the cornea or deeper tissues of the eye can lead to cloudy or blurry vision. This could be due to a corneal abrasion, viral conjunctivitis, keratitis, or other types of infections that may affect tear distribution.
What helps:
These cases need prompt evaluation to prevent potential damage, especially if pain, light sensitivity, or discharge are present. If it’s an infection, we may prescribe antibiotic or antiviral eye drops to clear it up safely.
4. Retinal Conditions
This is where things get more serious. If the problem lies in the retina (the layer of tissue at the back of the eye that captures light), it may first appear as blurred or distorted vision in just one eye.
Possible culprits include:
- Retinal detachment or tear: Often described as a “curtain” coming over your vision. May also experience flashing lights and floaters.
- Macular degeneration: A progressive disease that affects central vision.
- Retinal vein occlusion: A blockage in one of the retinal blood vessels, which can cause sudden, painless vision changes.
What helps:
These are time-sensitive conditions. If you’re experiencing sudden vision changes, especially if vision is darkening, distorted, or accompanied by flashes or hundreds of floaters, schedule an eye exam as soon as possible.
5. Optic Nerve Disorders
The optic nerve is the pathway between your eyes and your brain, and if it’s inflamed (as in optic neuritis), compressed, or affected by other neurological conditions, it can lead to blurriness or even blind spots, typically in just one eye at first.
What helps:
Optic nerve issues often require collaboration with your primary care physician or a neurologist. However, they are usually detected during an eye exam.
6. Ocular Migraines
Some people experience visual disturbances — zigzag lines, blurry patches, shimmering light — in one eye before a migraine. These “auras” can last a few minutes or a few hours and usually resolve on their own.
What helps:
If these are new for you or happening more frequently, we may recommend ruling out more serious causes. If you’re also experiencing headaches, a neurologist can help with migraine management.
7. Emergency Causes: Stroke or TIA
While not common, it’s important to mention that blurry vision in one eye, especially if it appears suddenly and is accompanied by facial drooping, weakness, or trouble speaking, can be a sign of a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke.
What to do:
This is a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the ER immediately.
When to See an Eye Specialist
If your blurry vision in one eye is:
- Persistent
- Sudden in onset
- Associated with other symptoms like pain, floaters, or light sensitivity
- Affecting your ability to drive, work, or read comfortably
…it’s time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Blurry vision may be a sign of something simple or something that needs immediate care. We’re here to help you sort that out.
Schedule an Eye Exam at Cascade Eye & Skin Centers
At Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, our team of ophthalmologists and optometrists are committed to protecting your vision and identifying changes early. Whether you need updated glasses or further testing for a deeper condition, we’ll guide you toward the right care with clarity and confidence.
Concerned about blurry vision in one eye? Click here to schedule an exam today, and let’s get your eyes the attention they deserve.
