Sudden blurred vision that doesn’t go away can be caused by a brain aneurysm or a few other serious problems.
“Visual impairment may be a result of a retinal detachment, which can present with a curtain or veil-like effect covering one area of vision,” says Cindy P. Wang, O.D., F.A.A.O., with South Pasadena Optometric Group. in CA.
“This is usually in one eye and needs to be evaluated immediately by a retinal specialist.”
Brain Aneurysm As Cause of Blurred Vision
“Symptoms of blurry vision may also be caused by a brain aneurysm, which are rare, but very serious,” says Dr. Wang.
Brain aneurysm bulge. Shutterstock/Romanova Natali
“This usually occurs in only one eye. An aneurysm is a ballooning in a section of the wall of a blood vessel.
“This can cause leakage into the eye, or compression of nearby structures, which can result in poor blood circulation.
“If you experience sudden double vision or headaches in combination with blurry vision, you should be seen by a neurologist.” And don’t waste a minute on this, either.
“Some patients find it helpful to keep a diary of their symptoms. This will help the optometrist to determine if you are indeed experiencing ocular migraines [which are benign] and not something more serious.
“Knowing whether you have any vascular diseases, or if anyone in your family has suffered from strokes or migraines, could contribute to your doctor’s diagnosis.”
Dr. Wang points out that ocular migraines usually occur in people under 40.
If you’re 40-plus, she says it’s important that your optometrist work with your primary care physician—or a neurologist—to rule out more serious conditions.
In addition to a brain aneurysm and detached retina, another serious cause of blurry vision is diabetes.
Dr. Wang says, “Diabetic patients with prolonged uncontrolled blood sugar levels may develop proliferative diabetic retinopathy where blood vessels in the eye begin to weaken and leak fluid.
“This can cause swelling in the eye that leads to blurry vision, and should be evaluated by an eye care provider.”
Dr. Wang has an extensive background in refractive surgery co-management and in the treatment of eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and hypertensive retinopathy.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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