The blurred vision of an eye is a common symptom, which deserves special attention. “”A blurred vision of a single eye can have several origins. But any sudden or painful unilateral vague vision justifies an ophthalmological emergency“Prevents Dr. Gérald Kierzek. According to the emergency room, there is no question of taking this symptom lightly.”The causes vary from benign to gravissimes, hence the importance of a specialized rapid exam “. Indeed, between a simple problem of glasses and a retina detachment, the difference is major. Here are the symptoms that should push you to consult.
The possible causes of a unilateral fuzzy vision
A visual disorder with a single eye can result from very different situations. Among the most frequent causes are, according to our expert:
- Refraction problems such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism or presbyopia;
- Eye drought linked to a dry keratoconjunctivitis;
- A cataract, most often progressive;
- Retina detachment, an ophthalmological emergency that can be accompanied by luminous flashes or floating bodies;
- A vascular, brutal and painless occlusion;
- Optical neuritis, sometimes associated with multiple sclerosis;
- Acute glaucoma by angle closure, with pain, redness and nausea;
- Keratitis or corneal ulcer, painful and linked to an infection;
- An ophthalmic migraine with temporary blurred vision;
- A neurological pathology like a stroke or a tumor.
When to consult in an emergency at the ophthalmologist?
Also according to Dr Gérald Kierzek, some signals must push to act immediately. Among them, we find:
- The brutal loss of vision (arterial occlusion, retina detachment, stroke);
- Blurred vision accompanied by intense eye pain (acute glaucoma, keratitis);
- The sudden appearance of luminous flashes or floating bodies;
- Visual disturbances with violent headache or associated neurological symptoms, which can be caused by a stroke or intracranial hypertension.
A quick consultation, within 24 to 48 hours, is also advised in the event of a progressive blurred vision, which can be a sign of a cataract or a macular degeneration.
Disorders with redness and irritation are also not to be overlooked, as it may be due to uveitis or conjunctivitis. Finally, when it is a slightly blurred vision, without any other sign, a simple optical correction may be enough.
What treatments according to the origin of this blurred vision?
The care obviously depends directly on the identified cause. Dr. Gérald Kierzek briefly reminds us:
- “”Retina detachment requires emergency surgery such as laser, cryopx or vitrectomy “;
- “The occlusion of the retinal artery constitutes an absolute emergency with gestures such as eye massage or thrombolysis if it is carried out very quickly”;
- “Acute glaucoma is treated by medical treatment including hypotensive drops, laser or sometimes surgery”;
- “The cataract is taken care of by a lens replacement surgery”;
- “Optical neuritis can be treated with infusion corticosteroids when linked to multiple sclerosis”;
- “Infectious keratitis is treated thanks to local antibiotics or antivirals”;
- “Refractive disorders are corrected by glasses, lenses or laser treatment“.
The care therefore depends directly on the identified cause. In any case, Dr. Kierzek recommends that not to wait to consult, especially in case of doubt about what happens to you. “”If in doubt, always favor an urgent consultation in ophthalmology or emergencies “ he concludes.