Vision Loss in One Eye: Common Causes and When to See an Eye Doctor
Noticing blurry or reduced vision in one eye can be concerning. Sometimes the cause is a correctable vision problem, while other changes can signal an eye condition requiring prompt treatment.
Understanding the common causes of vision loss in one eye and recognizing urgent warning signs can help protect your sight.
Common Causes of Vision Loss in One Eye
Cataracts
A cataract occurs when the natural lens inside the eye becomes cloudy. Cataracts typically develop gradually and can cause:
Blurry or cloudy vision
Glare or difficulty driving at night
Faded colours
Frequent prescription changes
Cataracts are a common cause of reduced vision, particularly in older adults.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for detailed central vision.
Symptoms include blurred or distorted central vision, difficulty reading or recognizing faces, and dark or missing areas in the centre of vision.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma damages the optic nerve and can cause permanent vision loss. It often develops without pain or noticeable early symptoms. As glaucoma progresses, peripheral vision can gradually decrease. Regular comprehensive eye exams are important for early detection.
Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetes can damage blood vessels in the retina, leading to diabetic retinopathy or diabetic macular edema. Symptoms include blurry or fluctuating vision, floaters, dark spots, and reduced vision. Regular diabetic eye examinations and good management of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol are important for protecting vision.
Dry Eye Disease
Dry eye disease can affect one eye more than the other and cause fluctuating blurry vision, burning, irritation, watery eyes, or eye fatigue. A common sign is vision fluctuations and becomes clearer after blinking.
Refractive Error
Sometimes blurry vision in one eye is caused by a difference in prescription from nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. An eye examination can determine whether glasses or contact lenses can improve your vision.
Sudden Vision Loss in One Eye Is an Emergency
Sudden changes in vision can be caused by serious conditions such as retinal detachment, retinal artery or vein occlusion, optic neuritis, or neurological conditions.
Seek immediate medical attention for:
Sudden vision loss in one eye
A curtain or shadow across your vision
Sudden flashes of light or many new floaters with vision changes
Missing or distorted areas of vision
Eye pain with vision loss
Sudden double vision
How Does an Eye Doctor Find the Cause?
A comprehensive eye examination evaluates both your vision and the health of your eyes.
Depending on your symptoms, testing can include:
Vision and prescription testing
Eye pressure measurement
Dilated retinal examination
Retinal imaging
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Visual field testing
These tests help your optometrist examine the retina, optic nerve, cornea, lens, and other structures responsible for healthy vision.
Can Vision Loss Be Treated?
Treatment depends on the cause. Prescription changes can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses, while dry eye disease can require targeted treatment. Cataracts can be treated surgically when appropriate, while glaucoma, AMD, and diabetic eye disease require ongoing management to protect remaining vision.
Early diagnosis gives your eye care team the best opportunity to treat the underlying condition and protect your sight.
Protecting Your Vision
Regular comprehensive eye exams can detect many eye diseases before noticeable vision loss occurs. Protect your eye health by managing diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol, avoiding smoking, wearing UV-protective sunglasses and protective eyewear, and seeking prompt care for new vision changes.
Comprehensive Eye Exams in Hamilton and Burlington
It is easy to rely on your stronger eye without realizing vision in the other eye has changed.
If you notice blurry vision, reduced vision, or vision loss in one eye, schedule a comprehensive eye exam at LivingHope Vision Clinic.
We provide comprehensive eye care for patients in Hamilton, Burlington, and surrounding communities to identify the cause of vision changes and provide appropriate treatment or referral when required.
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