5 Ways to Determine Cause of Changes in Vision

1. Health Conditions Play a Role

Health conditions, such as diabetes, sometimes cause vision changes. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the complications that causes the blood vessels to leak fluid into the retina. During advanced stages, new blood vessels grow within the eyes, which cause bleeding or retinal scarring. People with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes are at risk, and symptoms include blurred and poor night vision. Decreased or double vision may be a sign of a brain tumor, while sudden vision changes may indicate a stroke, or an interruption of blood flow to the brain. Another condition called temporal arteritis cause inflammation of the blood vessels in the head and neck area, causing blurred vision. Migraine headache sufferers not only experience pain and nausea, but they're likely to have temporary vision problems like halos, or spots of light around the eyes.

2. Age-Related Eye Conditions Affect Vision

Cataracts, glaucoma, presbyopia and macular degeneration are common age-related eye conditions that cause vision problems. Cataracts cloud the lens of the eyes and cause glare sensitivity, poor nighttime vision and halos. Glaucoma is a sudden or gradual change that causes eye pressure and blind spots. Presbyopia weakens your focusing power and like farsightedness, makes it harder to see anything close-up. Macular degeneration affects the central part of the retina and causes blurred or distorted vision. Colors also appear faded with macular degeneration. These conditions are commonly found in the elderly, and blindness results if these eye conditions go undetected and untreated.

3. Side Effects of Medications Are Linked

Ingredients contained in certain medications may cause side effects such as blurred vision or dry eyes. These include high blood pressure medications, antihistamines, anticholinergics to treat an overactive bladder and phenothiazines to treat nausea or schizophrenia. Other medications, such as ethambutol for tuberculosis, can also cause vision problems.

4. Home, Lifestyle Adjustments May Be Necessary

If you have vision problems, then you may have to remove any hazards from the home than can hinder your view or cause eye injury. Increase the lighting in your home so you don't worsen your vision. Try to avoid driving at night if it's hard to see in the dark.

5. Know When to Call 911

Get medical attention immediately if you experience vision changes beyond blurred vision. Signs include temporary, complete blindness in one or both eyes, a feeling of a shade being pulled over your eyes or red and painful eyes. Red, painful eyes need emergency attention and may require surgery.