5 Common Reasons Why You May Experience A Changing Vision

Your eyes are the windows to this world. Every morning, you open your eyes and you see everything around you. Your vision is important to help you see things literally.

However, most of us are aware that vision problems begin as we grow older. Old age affects your vision and if you don’t already have glasses, you may end up having one in your old age.

Aging is a natural process and the changes that come with it cannot be stopped. However, there are other reasons that may cause your vision to change. Here is a list of some of the common reasons why you may observe changing vision even in your younger years.

1. You Stare At The Screens For Too Long

Technology and its creations are at its peak today. There is nothing we do to keep our eyes at rest, whether at home or at work. Most jobs, today, use computers and laptops to function and at home, watching television has become a favorite pastime. In fact, most daily tasks, like shopping, are moving online.

Unfortunately,

staring at the screen for too long may cause a mild change in your eyesight. This is not limited to computers or televisions; you can strain your eyes even by looking at your cell phone screens, tablets, or other digital devices.

Due to the increase in digital technology and its importance, individuals are at a high risk of developing digital eye strain (DES).¹ Some of the symptoms of DES include eye strain, dry eyes, blurred vision, and headache.

Therefore, it is important to look away from the screen at regular intervals and blink often to avoid dry eyes. Follow the 20:20:20 rule – take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and focus on an object about 20 feet away.

2. You Wear Contact Lenses All The Time

Contact lenses are a great alternative to glasses, especially if you feel uncomfortable with a pair of glasses on your nose. Contact lenses are of several types but the most commonly recommended ones are soft contact lenses and gas permeable contact lenses.

Although

contact lenses may seem easy to wear and carry on with the daily activities, it requires good care. Daily-wear lenses should never be worn for an extended period as it may result in an eye infection and may even cause damage to the cornea, resulting in vision problems.²

For the safety of your eyes, it is advised to remove the contact lenses before bedtime. They should be placed in the solution and make sure to follow the instructions thoroughly.

3. You May Have A Scratched Cornea

A corneal abrasion or a scratched cornea is one of the most common eye injuries. This can occur in both kids and adults equally. A hit or a blow in the eye, foreign materials like dust, dirt, or ash, and rubbing your eyes vigorously are a few ways by which you can scratch your cornea.

Some

of the symptoms of a corneal abrasion include pain, tearing, redness, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, headache, etc.³ Sometimes, you may not be aware that you have scratched your cornea because symptoms arise hours after the injury or blow.

If you experience any of the mentioned symptoms of a corneal abrasion, it is important to visit the eye doctor and get your eyes examined immediately. Mild corneal abrasions heal on their own in a span of a few days while a severe one may require eye drops or ointments which should be used only under the supervision of a doctor.

4. Certain Medications May Alter Vision

Certain medications can cause vision problems like dry eyes. For some, these medications may have to be used for a long period of time, thereby causing long-term changes in their vision.

Antihistamines,

blood pressure drugs, antidepressants etc. may cause a change in the production of tears causing your eyes to dry sooner than usual. Dry eyes can be uncomfortable and may lead to blurred vision. Certain health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes may also increase the risk of developing dry eyes.

It is important to communicate with your doctor about the symptoms you experience. Dry eyes should be treated immediately as they are prone to infections and may cause permanent vision changes.

5. You May Have An Eye Condition

Sometimes, a blurry vision or a problem with your eyesight is an indication of an underlying health condition. For instance, if you observe visionary changes it could be due to a serious eye disease like glaucoma.

Although older individuals who are over the age of 40 are at a higher risk of developing the disease, it can happen to anyone. A high eye pressure, far or nearsightedness, thin optic nerves, diabetes, migraines, or other health conditions can cause glaucoma.⁴

Although glaucoma is an incurable eye condition, diagnosing the issue in the beginning stages may help treat the condition and stop any further damage to your eyes.

Apart from these reasons, pregnancy may cause a few vision problems due to the fluctuations in the hormones that may directly affect your eyesight. A change in vision during your pregnancy is normal and usually return to your normal vision after delivery. However, it is always a good idea to go for a regular eye examination to rule out any other possibilities.

Therefore, if you observe any visionary changes, do not overlook them. Vision changes not only come with age, it may be an indication of an injury or a serious eye condition. A healthy lifestyle that adds years to your life can also benefit your vision and keep your eyes healthy.