Struggling with Blurred Vision in Central California

When you experience blurred vision, you lose your ability to see sharply or focus in on fine details. Blurred vision can begin suddenly or gradually, and may be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition, even if the vision change is temporary.

If you are experiencing blurred vision in Central California, Dignity Health medical experts can help diagnose the problem and any underlying causes. See your doctor or visit a Dignity Health Central California emergency room right away for help with sudden vision changes. Use our online waiting service, InQuicker, to select your estimated arrival time to our ER.

 

Sudden Blurry Vision & Other Symptoms

Sometimes, blurred vision occurs with other symptoms. If you notice additional symptoms, be sure to tell your doctor, as it can help in diagnosing the underlying causes of your vision change.

Tell your doctor about these symptoms:

  • Dilated pupils
  • Double vision
  • Droopy eyelid
  • Eye redness
  • Headache (possibly severe)
  • Halos around lights
  • Light sensitivity
  • Moderate or severe pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Problems understanding speech or speaking
  • Pulsations that you can hear or feel
  • Sensation of having something in your eye
  • Stiff neck
  • Weakness on one side of the face or body

Seek immediate medical care if you experience any of these symptoms with blurred vision. They could be a sign of a serious, potentially life-threatening problem.

 

Identifying Causes of Blurred Vision

Nearsightedness and farsightedness are the most common and routine causes of blurred vision. More serious causes, which may require immediate medical attention, include:

  • Acute angle-closure glaucoma, which can lead to permanent vision loss within hours
  • Brain hemorrhage (bleeding)
  • Brain, orbit, or optic nerve tumors
  • Chemical injury
  • Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain, often caused by infection)
  • Eye trauma or injury to the surrounding area
  • Hydrocephalus (elevated spinal fluid)
  • Inflammation of the optic nerve (optic neuritis)
  • Inflamed blood vessels around the temple (temporal arteritis)
  • Severe high blood pressure
  • Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)

 

Treatment for Blurry Vision at Dignity Health Central California

The treatment plan your doctor recommends will depend on the underlying cause of your blurred vision. In many cases, treatment focuses solely on addressing the underlying condition.

Your eye doctor may recommend corrective lenses as a temporary solution, while the underlying problem is being treated. In rare instances, emergency care by an eye surgeon (ophthalmologist) may be necessary.

Our medical experts define good health as more that just the absence of disease. We strive to provide for your physical, mental, and spiritual needs. Learn more about our holistic approach to health care.

Dignity Health Central California can help diagnose the cause of your blurry vision in Bakersfield, Merced, San Andreas, and Stockton, CA.