Cloudy Vision or Blurry Vision? There is a Difference!
When a person doesn’t see as well as they used to, the common ways they describe their vision are “blurry” and “cloudy.” Often, the terms are used interchangeably, at least by patients. Doctors know that there are unique differences between cloudy vision and blurry vision. They also know that the causes of either blurriness or cloudiness can vary widely. Because your doctor relies somewhat on your description of what you are experiencing, it is important to know how to accurately describe your situation. Here, we’ll provide some assistance.
What is blurry vision?
When you look through a camera lens to snap a photo, there may be an instant during which objects are out of focus. Using an old-school camera, one could manually alter the focus of objects in their frame. The out-of-focus sensation is what we describe as blurry. Objects may be blurry when you look straight at them or when they sit to one side or the other of your peripheral vision.
Blurry vision may be a sign of:
- Infection
- Retinopathy
- Nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Cataracts
- Injury or abrasion to the cornea
- Corneal scarring
- Optic neuritis
What is cloudy vision?
Just like a cloudy day, cloudy vision feels as though you are looking through fog or a dirty window. When vision is cloudy, there may be an urge to blink or wipe the eyes to remove the “film.” When a person develops cloudy vision, they may also experience additional symptoms, such as:
- Double vision
- Halos or glare around lights
- Poor night vision
- Light sensitivity
- Dry or watery eyes
- Cloudy vision may be a sign of:
- Cataracts
- Macular degeneration
- Inflammation or infection
- Dirty or damaged contact lenses
Both cloudy and blurry vision may be caused by potentially serious eye conditions. If either symptom persists or becomes severe very quickly, a comprehensive eye exam should be scheduled right away.
Retina Consultants of Minnesota proudly serves multiple Minnesota cities with friendly, experienced care. To schedule a consultation with one of our retina specialists, call (855) 515-2020 to find an office near you.