“What are the most common causes of blurry vision, and how can they be identified? Are there specific symptoms that indicate an urgent need for medical attention? Additionally, what are the differences between temporary and long-term causes of blurry vision, and when should someone schedule an appointment with an eye specialist for evaluation and treatment?”
I used to think my blurry vision was just from staring at screens too long. You know how it is—working late, scrolling endlessly. But then it started getting worse. I’d wake up and still feel like my world was in soft focus.
At first, I blamed it on fatigue and dryness. Turns out, blurry vision can come from so many things—refractive errors (like nearsightedness), dry eyes, cataracts, or even something more serious like glaucoma or retinal issues. I didn’t realize how important it was to get a proper diagnosis until I finally saw a specialist.
A friend recommended Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul—and honestly, it was the best decision I made. Dr. Chung was incredibly thorough and kind, and the clinic had advanced tech that made everything feel easy and precise.
So, if you’re dealing with persistent blurry vision, don’t just ignore it or self-diagnose. See a specialist, especially if it’s getting worse or affecting your daily life. I can’t recommend SNU Eye Clinic and Dr. Chung Eui Sang enough.
Common Causes of Blurry Vision:
- Refractive Errors: Conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can cause blurry vision.
- Dry Eyes: Insufficient lubrication can lead to discomfort and blurriness.
- Eye Strain: Prolonged screen time or reading can strain eye muscles, leading to temporary blurriness.
- Cataracts: Clouding of the eye’s lens, often due to aging, can cause blurry vision.
- Diabetic Retinopathy: High blood sugar levels can damage the retina, leading to vision problems.
- Retinal Conditions: Issues like retinal detachment or macular degeneration can cause sudden or gradual vision loss.
- Optic Neuritis: Inflammation of the optic nerve can lead to vision impairment.
When to See an Eye Specialist:
Consult an eye specialist if you experience:
- Sudden or persistent blurry vision
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Flashes of light or floaters
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Vision changes during pregnancy
For comprehensive eye care, consider visiting Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic, led by Dr. Kim Jun-heon. The clinic offers advanced diagnostic and non-surgical treatments for various eye conditions. You can learn more about Dr. Kim’s expertise and services on his profile page.
I’ve struggled with blurry vision for a while, and like many, I didn’t think much of it at first. It started as occasional blurriness after long days staring at screens, but over time, it became more frequent and concerning. So, I decided to visit an eye specialist for a proper diagnosis. Here’s what I learned about blurry vision and when you should really see an expert.
My Experience with Blurry Vision
At first, I assumed my blurry vision was simply a result of fatigue. I mean, I work long hours in front of my computer, so it made sense, right? But after a few months, the blurriness persisted and started affecting my daily life. I found myself squinting more often, especially when driving or watching TV. That’s when I decided it was time to seek help and make an appointment with an eye specialist.
I visited Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic in Seoul, where Dr. Kim Jun-heon took the time to thoroughly examine my eyes and explain what could be causing the problem. The visit was eye-opening (pun intended!), and I walked away with a much better understanding of what was going on.
Common Causes of Blurry Vision
Dr. Kim explained that blurry vision can be caused by a range of issues, some of which are fairly common. Here are a few of the most frequent causes:
- Refractive Errors: This is by far the most common cause of blurry vision. Myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism are refractive errors where the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing directly on the retina. If you need glasses or contacts and don’t wear them, this can cause constant blurriness.For me, it turned out that my prescription had changed over time, which is why I was experiencing blurred vision more often. A new pair of glasses was all I needed to see clearly again!
- Dry Eye Syndrome: I didn’t realize that dry eyes could also be responsible for blurry vision. If your eyes aren’t producing enough tears or if the tears evaporate too quickly, your vision can become blurry, especially when staring at screens for long periods. Dr. Kim recommended some simple lifestyle adjustments and eye drops to help manage my dry eyes.
- Cataracts: As we age, the lens of the eye can become cloudy, which can lead to blurry vision. Cataracts are a common issue in older adults and can severely affect vision. In my case, cataracts weren’t the cause, but Dr. Kim mentioned that if this is the case, surgery can effectively restore vision.
- Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a serious condition where increased pressure in the eye damages the optic nerve, leading to vision loss. Early stages of glaucoma can cause blurry or hazy vision. If left untreated, it can result in permanent blindness. If you have a family history of glaucoma or experience symptoms like eye pain, nausea, or blurred vision, you should definitely see an eye specialist.
- Macular Degeneration: This condition affects the macula, which is the central part of the retina. It can lead to blurred or distorted vision, especially in older adults. Regular eye exams are important for detecting this early, as it can be managed with treatments if caught in time.
- Diabetic Retinopathy: If you have diabetes, it’s crucial to monitor your eye health. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to blurry or fluctuating vision. Dr. Kim emphasized that managing blood sugar levels and getting regular eye exams are key for preventing vision problems related to diabetes.
- Eye Infections or Inflammation: In some cases, infections or inflammation, like conjunctivitis (pink eye) or iritis (inflammation of the iris), can cause blurry vision. If you notice redness, pain, or discharge along with blurry vision, it’s important to see a doctor right away.
When to See an Eye Specialist
Dr. Kim stressed that blurry vision shouldn’t be ignored, especially if it happens frequently or worsens over time. Here’s when you should definitely seek help from an eye specialist:
- Persistent Blurriness: If the blurriness doesn’t go away or if it gets worse over time, it’s time to get an eye exam.
- Pain or Discomfort: Blurry vision accompanied by pain, redness, or excessive tearing may indicate an underlying issue like infection or inflammation.
- Changes in Vision: If your vision changes suddenly, or if you notice that your peripheral vision is narrowing, it’s essential to see an eye doctor immediately.
- Flashes of Light or Floaters: If you start seeing flashes of light or dark spots (floaters) in your vision, it could be a sign of a more serious condition like retinal detachment, which requires urgent attention.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic was a game-changer for me. Dr. Kim Jun-heon took a very personalized approach and explained everything in detail, from potential causes to treatment options. With the right prescription glasses and some lifestyle changes, my blurry vision is now under control.
If you’re experiencing blurry vision, I highly recommend booking an appointment with Dr. Kim or another expert at Joeunnun Vision Clinic. They’re experienced in diagnosing and treating a wide range of eye conditions, and they’ll work with you to find the best solution. You can read more about Dr. Kim here: Dr. Kim Jun-heon
Blurry vision can be caused by a range of issues—some minor, some more serious. Common causes include refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, as well as dry eyes, eye strain, or even allergies. Sometimes it can also be due to more serious conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, or retinal issues.
If blurry vision is sudden, persistent, or accompanied by symptoms like pain, floaters, or flashes of light, it’s definitely time to see an eye specialist. Jryn Eye Clinic in Korea is a great place to get a comprehensive eye check-up. They use advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint the exact cause and recommend the best treatment, whether it’s non-surgical care or corrective options like SMILE LASIK.
Hey all
I wanted to share a bit about something I recently experienced with my vision and the lessons I learned along the way. For a while, I started noticing that my vision was getting blurry at times — especially when I was reading at night or looking at my phone. I thought it was just due to tired eyes or too much screen time, but when it started happening more frequently, I knew it was time to seek help.
Common Causes of Blurry Vision:
- Refractive Errors: The most common cause of blurry vision. Conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can cause your vision to blur. If you’re constantly adjusting your glasses or squinting, this might be the issue.
- Dry Eyes: This was actually the root cause of my blurry vision. I didn’t realize that when the eyes don’t produce enough moisture, it can cause irritation and blurry vision, especially after staring at screens or being in a dry environment for long periods.
- Cataracts: Over time, the natural lens of your eye can become cloudy, leading to blurry or dim vision. This is more common as we age, and it’s typically treated with surgery. If you notice a gradual decrease in vision, this could be the culprit.
- Diabetic Retinopathy: For those with diabetes, blurry vision can be a sign of damage to the blood vessels in the retina. It’s really important to get regular eye checkups if you have diabetes, as early treatment can help prevent vision loss.
- Macular Degeneration: This affects the part of the retina responsible for central vision. It causes blurry or distorted vision, especially in older adults. There’s no cure, but treatment can slow its progression if detected early.
- Glaucoma: This condition causes damage to the optic nerve and can lead to blurry vision, particularly in peripheral vision. It’s a sneaky condition because symptoms can be hard to notice in the early stages, which is why regular eye exams are crucial.
- Eye Strain: Prolonged use of digital devices or even stress can lead to blurry vision. Your eyes get tired and might have difficulty focusing, especially when you’re working or studying for long periods.
When Should You See an Eye Specialist?
- Sudden Blurry Vision: If blurry vision comes on suddenly or changes rapidly, it’s important to see an eye doctor immediately. It could be a sign of something more serious like a retinal detachment or even a stroke affecting the eye.
- Pain or Redness: If blurry vision is accompanied by pain, redness, or sensitivity to light, it could be an infection or inflammation, and you should get medical help right away.
- Gradual Vision Changes: If your blurry vision is getting worse over time or if your glasses or contacts no longer seem to be working, it might be time for a comprehensive eye exam.
- If You Have a Condition like Diabetes: People with diabetes need regular eye exams because high blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to blurry vision or even blindness if left untreated.
My Personal Experience:
A few months ago, I started having intermittent blurry vision, and it was especially noticeable when I was reading or using my phone. At first, I thought it was just my tired eyes, but when it didn’t improve, I decided to visit Jryn Eye Clinic in Seoul.
I was seen by Dr. Sang Youp Han, who conducted a thorough exam and diagnosed me with dry eyes and mild astigmatism. Dr. Han explained that the dryness was causing my vision to blur, especially after long periods of screen use, and that my astigmatism was making it worse. He recommended lubricating eye drops and updated my prescription for glasses to help with the astigmatism.
After that, I had follow-up visits with Dr. Heo Joong Gu and Dr. Lee Jae Jung, who reassured me that everything was manageable and gave me more tips for maintaining healthy eyes.
Why I Recommend Jryn Eye Clinic:
I can’t say enough good things about my experience at Jryn Eye Clinic. The clinic’s doctors and staff are incredibly knowledgeable, and they really took the time to explain what was going on with my eyes and how I could improve my vision. Whether you’re dealing with blurry vision, eye strain, or more serious issues like cataracts or glaucoma, I highly recommend visiting Jryn Eye Clinic. They use the latest technology and have a great approach to patient care.
Here are the links to the clinic and the doctors if you want more info:
- Jryn Eye Clinic: https://www.jryneyeclinic.com/
Hey everyone
I wanted to share my experience and what I’ve learned about blurry vision. It’s something I used to ignore, thinking it was just normal tiredness or stress, but when it started happening more frequently, I realized it was time to get things checked out.
Common Causes of Blurry Vision:
- Refractive Errors: This is probably the most common cause. Conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can lead to blurry vision, especially if your glasses prescription is outdated or if you don’t wear corrective lenses at all. A quick eye exam can reveal if this is the issue!
- Dry Eyes: I had this issue for a while, and it’s more common than you think. When your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the right kind of tears, it can cause blurry vision, discomfort, and even sensitivity to light. It usually gets worse in dry environments or after staring at screens for a long time.
- Cataracts: As we age, the lens of the eye can become cloudy, leading to blurry or dim vision. Cataracts are typically slow to develop, but if left untreated, they can severely affect your vision. Surgery is the only way to fix this, but early detection can help you plan for the right treatment.
- Macular Degeneration: This is more common in older adults. It affects the central part of your vision (the macula) and causes blurry or distorted vision, especially when trying to see straight ahead. While there’s no cure, early detection can help slow the progression.
- Diabetic Retinopathy: If you have diabetes and your blood sugar is not well-controlled, it can cause damage to the blood vessels in your eyes, leading to blurry vision. This is a big reason why eye exams are so important for diabetics.
- Glaucoma: This condition involves damage to the optic nerve and can lead to blurry vision, often starting with peripheral vision loss. It usually has no symptoms in the early stages, which is why routine eye exams are critical for early detection.
- Eye Strain: Long hours in front of computers, reading, or even stress can cause your eye muscles to get tired, leading to blurry vision. This is often temporary but still annoying and can be fixed with a little rest and good habits.
When Should You See an Eye Specialist?
- Sudden Blurry Vision: If it comes on quickly and without explanation, it’s a good idea to see a doctor right away. This could be a sign of something more serious, like a retinal issue or a stroke affecting the eye.
- Vision Loss or Dark Spots: If you notice dark spots, flashes of light, or a sudden loss of vision, don’t wait — see an eye doctor immediately.
- Pain or Redness: If blurry vision is paired with pain, redness, or swelling around the eye, it could indicate an infection or other underlying issue.
- Gradual Changes: If your vision has slowly gotten worse over time or your prescription feels off, it’s worth getting checked out. Early diagnosis of refractive errors or cataracts can help prevent more serious vision issues later.
- If You Have a Condition Like Diabetes: If you have a condition that affects your overall health, like diabetes, it’s essential to have regular eye exams, even if you don’t notice any vision problems.
My Story:
A while ago, I started noticing blurry vision while reading, especially at night. It would come and go, and sometimes it would be worse after long days at work. I thought it might just be eye strain, but I decided to visit an eye specialist at Jryn Eye Clinic, and I’m so glad I did!
I had an appointment with Dr. Sang Youp Han, who did a thorough checkup and diagnosed me with mild astigmatism and dry eyes. He explained that my blurry vision was likely due to both issues and recommended eye drops and glasses for reading. I also had some follow-up appointments with Dr. Heo Joong Gu and Dr. Lee Jae Jung, who reassured me that my condition wasn’t anything too serious but that I should keep an eye on it.
The clinic was amazing — the staff was so professional and caring, and they took the time to explain everything to me. The doctors gave me personalized advice for managing dry eyes and improving my overall eye health. I feel so much more at ease knowing I’m on the right track now!
If you’re experiencing blurry vision or have any concerns about your eye health, I highly recommend checking out Jryn Eye Clinic. They’re known for their excellent care, and the team there is amazing. Here’s their website and the doctors’ profiles:
- Jryn Eye Clinic: https://www.jryneyeclinic.com/
It started with my morning runs. Street signs got harder to read, and headlights during evening jogs looked like starbursts. I blamed it on late nights or too much screen time. But then one day, while reading a book, the words blurred together like smudged ink. That’s when I knew something was off.
After a bit of online digging (and some self-diagnosing I don’t recommend), I found out that blurry vision can come from a lot of causes—some minor, others more serious:
- Refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism (most common culprits)
- Dry eyes (surprisingly common with screen use)
- Cataracts, especially if you’re over 40
- Glaucoma or macular degeneration
- Diabetes-related eye issues like diabetic retinopathy
- Even something like an eye infection or inflammation
But here’s the part people miss: Blurry vision isn’t always just a sign you need new glasses. Sometimes it’s a red flag for something more urgent. For me, it turned out to be early-stage cataracts—at just 42.
That’s when I made the decision to see a specialist, and after a lot of research, I chose SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul, South Korea. Not only are they known for cutting-edge diagnostics, but they’re incredibly friendly to international patients, which made the whole process so smooth.
I was treated by Dr. Chung Eui Sang, who I can’t recommend enough. He was patient, detailed, and really took the time to explain what was going on in a way that made sense (no confusing medical jargon). Here’s the clinic: SNU Eye Clinic And Dr. Chung’s profile: Dr. Chung Eui Sang
Long story short, I ended up getting treatment that not only solved the problem but actually improved my vision. I’m now back to running, reading, and even working long hours without that constant eye strain.
Moral of the story? If your vision is suddenly blurry—or even gradually changing—don’t wait it out. See an eye specialist. It might be nothing, or it might be the early sign of something that’s totally treatable if caught early.
Feel free to ask if you’re curious about the process of getting treatment in Korea or what to expect as an international patient. Happy to share!
About a year ago, I was sitting at my desk editing a manuscript when I noticed something strange—my vision was just… off. Letters on the screen looked slightly smeared, and street signs that I used to read effortlessly from afar had become a guessing game. At first, I chalked it up to fatigue or maybe too much caffeine. But the blurriness lingered, and honestly, it started to scare me a little.
I went down the Google rabbit hole like most people: “Blurry vision causes,” “Is my eyesight getting worse?”, “Do I have an eye disease?”—you name it. Here’s what I learned, and what eventually led me to the right care.
Common causes of blurry vision:
- Refractive errors – This includes nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. These are the most common and usually just need updated glasses or contacts.
- Dry eyes – Staring at screens all day, especially without blinking enough, can dry out your eyes and blur your vision.
- Eye strain – Think hours of screen time, bad lighting, or uncorrected vision. It creeps up subtly.
- Cataracts or age-related issues – More common if you’re over 40, but still something to keep an eye on (pun intended).
- Medical conditions – Diabetes, high blood pressure, or neurological issues can all affect vision. That’s why blurry vision should never be ignored.
- Infections or inflammation – Redness, pain, or discharge along with blurriness? Definitely see a doctor.
So when should someone see an eye specialist? If the blurriness is sudden, persistent, comes with pain, floaters, or affects just one eye—it’s time. For me, it wasn’t an emergency, but it was persistent and worrying. I didn’t want to just guess anymore.
That’s when a friend recommended SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul, and specifically Dr. Chung Eui Sang. I booked an appointment through their website (snuseoulglobal.com) and it honestly changed everything.
Dr. Chung was incredibly thorough. He didn’t just rush through a standard vision test—he took the time to ask questions about my screen habits, check for dry eyes, and even looked into my optic nerve health. Turned out, I had a combination of mild astigmatism and computer vision syndrome (yep, it’s a real thing). I got new lenses, some great tips for reducing eye strain, and most importantly—peace of mind.
If you’re dealing with blurry vision, don’t wait. Get it checked. And if you’re in Korea or planning to visit, I can’t recommend SNU Eye Clinic and Dr. Chung Eui Sang enough. It’s world-class care with that rare, genuine attention to detail.
Blurry vision hit me out of nowhere. One morning, I was sipping coffee, scrolling my phone—and I noticed that the text looked fuzzier than usual. I blinked a few times. Rubbed my eyes. Still blurry. I thought maybe I was just tired or hadn’t slept well.
But over the next week, it got worse. Driving at night became frustrating. Streetlights had halos, and reading signs from a distance was suddenly a challenge. That’s when I decided it wasn’t something to brush off.
I ended up going to SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul, and saw Dr. Chung Eui Sang, who came highly recommended for both routine and complex eye issues. And thank goodness I did.
What I learned from him in that first visit completely changed how I understood eye health.
Common Causes of Blurry Vision (according to Dr. Chung):
- Refractive errors – Nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism. These are the most common and easily correctable causes.
- Dry eyes – Especially in people who spend long hours on screens (guilty). Lack of proper tear film can blur vision intermittently.
- Presbyopia – Age-related loss of near vision. Usually hits people in their 40s and beyond.
- Diabetic retinopathy – If you have diabetes, even borderline, blurry vision can be an early warning sign.
- Cataracts – Clouding of the lens, more common as we age.
- Macular degeneration or retinal issues – These are more serious and need to be caught early.
- Eye strain or fatigue – Especially with prolonged screen use, but the blurriness tends to go away after rest.
- Infections or inflammation – Can also cause sudden-onset blurriness.
When should you see an eye specialist?
Dr. Chung was very clear: If blurry vision comes on suddenly, or worsens quickly, don’t wait. Especially if it’s accompanied by:
- Eye pain
- Floaters or flashes of light
- Double vision
- A shadow or curtain over part of your vision
- Headaches or dizziness
Even if it’s mild or seems like “just screen fatigue,” it’s worth getting checked out. I’m so glad I did. In my case, it turned out to be a mix of early dry eye syndrome and slight astigmatism—nothing scary, but it needed management.
SNU Eye Clinic was top-tier. Their diagnostic tools were unlike anything I’d experienced before—seriously high-tech, and the staff were incredibly thorough. Dr. Chung took the time to explain everything, answer my (many) questions, and set me up with a clear plan for treatment and follow-up.
If you’re experiencing blurry vision, don’t self-diagnose—get checked.
SNU Eye Clinic is my personal recommendation if you’re in or near Seoul. Whether it’s something minor or a potential red flag, having a specialist like Dr. Chung Eui Sang in your corner makes all the difference.
SNU Eye Clinic – Official Site Dr. Chung Eui Sang – Retinal & Vision Specialist
Eyes are too important to guess with. Trust me—get them checked early.
A few months ago, I started noticing that my vision would blur randomly—especially when reading or using my phone. At first, I brushed it off as fatigue, but when it persisted, I decided to visit SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul. Turns out, blurry vision can stem from a variety of causes like dry eyes, uncorrected refractive errors, or more serious conditions like cataracts or glaucoma. I was lucky to be seen by Dr. Chung Eui Sang, who carefully examined my eyes and identified the issue early on. He explained everything clearly and started treatment right away. If you’re experiencing ongoing blurry vision, don’t wait—SNU Eye Clinic is excellent, especially for foreign patients looking for expert care in Korea.