People with blurred vision experience a loss of visual clarity and complain of a hazy appearance when viewing fine details. Objects seem blurry or out of focus, and the blur can affect both near and far objects. Blurred vision or poor eyesight can result from treatable abnormalities. It can also be a sign of a serious underlying condition. Here are some common causes of blurred vision and helpful treatments and exercises for managing the same.

What causes blurred vision?
There are numerous causes of blurry vision. And in most cases, the underlying cause determines the severity of the symptoms. Some common causes of hazy vision are:

Dry eyes
Dry eyes usually cause blurry vision after waking up in the morning. Sleeping with a fan on at night or living in a dry climate can aggravate this condition. Dry eyes can also be brought on by prolonged computer use without blinking and sleeping with contact lenses.

Corneal abrasion
The cornea is the transparent layer covering the front of the eye. A corneal abrasion happens when the cornea is damaged or scratched. Contact with cosmetic brushes, tree branches, and fingernails are common causes of corneal abrasions. Minor corneal abrasions ideally heal by themselves after a day or two, but larger ones may require expert attention.

Eye infections
Conjunctivitis, another name for pink eye, is an infection of the eye’s outer layer. It can cause eye irritation and blurred vision. Such infections are typically caused by viruses, but they can also result from bacteria or allergies. If caused by bacteria, eye drops may be required to treat the problem.

Eye ailments
Vision blurring can be a symptom of dangerous eye disorders, including cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, dry eye syndrome, and a detached retina. To prevent complications, one should see a doctor as soon as the symptoms of these conditions appear.

Allergies
Allergies can cause itchy, inflamed eyes, resulting in hazy vision. Other symptoms include a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing. Allergic reactions in the nose and throat can also lead to watery eyes occasionally.

Eye strain
Staring at something for an extended period without interruption, such as a computer or mobile screen, can cause eye strain. It is also referred to as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome.

Diabetes and high blood pressure
Diabetes, a metabolic disorder associated with high blood sugar levels, can also harm the eyes. High blood sugar damages the retina’s blood vessels, which can result in blindness. Similarly, high blood pressure can affect the small blood vessels in the eyes, affecting vision permanently. Therefore, caring for all body parts is critical for healthy eyesight.

How is blurred vision treated?
The treatment for blurred vision depends on its cause. In the case of cataracts, the doctor may recommend contact lenses or spectacles to correct refractive errors. Similarly, they may prescribe eye drops if the blurriness results from dry eyes or an infection. Further, the professional may advise surgery if vision is impaired due to a severe illness or another underlying cause. Popular surgeries include LASIK and cataract surgeries, which can be used to treat refractive issues.

Can eye exercises help improve blurred vision?
Eye exercises, usually in the form of vision therapy, can ensure both eyes work well together. It can help treat lazy eyes and eye-turn problems and help calm, relax, and revive the eyes. A few useful eye exercises for blurred vision are:

Palming
In this yogic eye exercise, a person warms their palms by rubbing them together. Then, with their eyes closed, they place the palm of each hand on the corresponding cheekbone. Cupping their hands over each eye, they breathe deeply for five minutes. This technique relaxes the muscles surrounding the eyes and reduces eye fatigue.

Blinking
Spending a lot of time looking at a screen while working or studying reduces a person’s blinking rate. This can cause dry, sand-like, gritty, and exhausted eyes. Consciously blinking helps repair the tear film. It also stimulates the oil glands in the eyelids and aids in the distribution of tears.

Near and far focus
Altering one’s focus between near and far objects helps train the eyes to engage and relax efficiently. In this exercise, the patient focuses on their thumb for 15 seconds while holding it ten inches away from their face. After fifteen seconds, they shift their focus to a subject 20 feet away for another 15 seconds. It is important to alternate between the two steps and repeat them as necessary.

The 20-20-20 rule
Since staring at a computer screen all day puts a lot of strain on the eyes, it can lead to dry eyes and eye fatigue. Taking regular breaks could reduce some of this tension. According to the 20-20-20 rule, after working up close for 20 minutes, one should look at a distant target 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This will help calm the eyes.

Blurry vision could result from tired or irritated eyes, or it could be a sign of a more severe illness. Regardless of the cause, it is imperative to see a doctor and get tested. One should go for regular eye exams and tell the doctor if they notice vision changes. Choosing wholesome foods and exercising the eyes can also help improve vision.