Blurred Vision — Causes and Sight-Threatening Signs
Also described as blurry vision, vision problems, cloudy vision, dim vision.
Gradual blurring is usually a refractive error or cataract and is correctable. Sudden loss of vision, a curtain across the field, flashes with floaters, or vision loss with eye pain are sight-threatening emergencies where treatment within hours affects the outcome.
🚨 Get emergency care if you have
- •Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes — emergency
- •A curtain or shadow moving across the vision
- •New flashes of light with a shower of floaters
- •Vision loss with severe eye pain, redness and vomiting
- •Blurred vision with weakness, facial droop or slurred speech
What causes blurred vision?
Refractive error
Gradual blurring corrected with glasses. The commonest cause at every age.
Cataract
Progressive clouding with glare at night and faded colours. Corrected with day-care surgery.
Diabetic retinopathy
Blurring from retinal damage. Often silent until advanced, so annual screening matters.
Glaucoma
Usually painless peripheral loss; acute angle closure causes pain, redness and vomiting.
Retinal detachment
Flashes, floaters and a curtain across vision. A surgical emergency.
How it is investigated
- ✓Visual acuity and refraction
- ✓Slit-lamp examination and intraocular pressure
- ✓Dilated fundus examination
- ✓OCT imaging and blood sugar testing
Not every patient needs every test. The consultation decides which of these apply to you.
Frequently asked questions
When is blurred vision an emergency?▼
When it comes on suddenly, when there is a curtain or shadow across the field, when flashes appear with a sudden shower of floaters, or when vision loss comes with severe eye pain and vomiting. Retinal detachment and acute glaucoma are both treatable, but the window is measured in hours.
I have diabetes — how often should my eyes be checked?▼
Annually at minimum, even with perfect vision, because diabetic retinopathy causes no symptoms until it is advanced. More frequent review is advised in pregnancy, with poor sugar control, or once retinopathy has been detected.
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for a consultation. Symptoms overlap between harmless and serious conditions, and only an examination can tell them apart. If you are worried, see a doctor.
Plan your first visit
Not sure which specialist to see? Tell our care team the reason for your visit and we will help you choose.
- Bring previous prescriptions, relevant test reports or scan images, a medication list and photo ID.
- If you plan to use insurance, bring your policy details. OPD, tests and admission benefits depend on your individual plan and approval.
- Your first consultation determines which tests or treatments are needed; not everyone needs every test listed on this page.
Appointments are requests until confirmed. In a medical emergency, call 044 2025 2025 or go to the nearest emergency department.