Vision problems such as nearsightedness or farsightedness typically require corrective lenses for optimal eyesight. However, if you suddenly find that your distance or near vision has improved without your glasses, it could indicate changes in your eye health. The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that fluctuating vision and blurred vision can be linked to a variety of health and eye conditions.
This blog post is part of a series of articles about Doctors of Optometry compared to Doctors of Ophthalmology. A popular blog post on the same subject is Can an optometrist get your prescription wrong?
Your Vision Problem: More Than Meets the Eye
In nearsightedness (myopia), objects up close are clear, but those farther away appear blurred. Conversely, presbyopia, a common issue associated with aging, makes close-up tasks like reading a challenge, blurring near vision while distance vision remains unaffected.
Exploring the Roles of Presbyopia and Cataract
Changes in your vision can be due to the natural aging process. As you age, the lens inside your eyes gradually loses its elasticity, resulting in a condition known as presbyopia. This condition can make near vision blurry while distance vision remains unaffected.
Simultaneously, your lens might become cloudy as you age, leading to cataract formation. Intriguingly, a phenomenon called “second sight” has been documented in the early stages of cataract development, where near vision improves temporarily. However, as the cataract progresses, both near and distance vision change and will likely become increasingly cloudy and blurred.
Refractive Errors and Temporary Eyesight Improvements
Alternatively, temporary improvements in vision could be due to changes in your refractive error, which covers issues such as nearsightedness and presbyopia. In addition, factors such as glucose levels in your body, high blood pressure, and certain medications can cause temporary fluctuations in vision. Consequently, it may be time for a new prescription if you’re experiencing better vision without your eyeglasses. An eye exam could help ascertain the current state of your vision, the correct prescription for your glasses or contact lenses, and if wearing glasses is necessary.
Serious Eye Conditions: What to Watch For
Although the above explanations might sound comforting, sudden changes in vision should not be ignored. Serious eye conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or macular degeneration can change perceptible vision. Even more concerning, these conditions can lead to severe vision loss or even blindness if left untreated.
Additionally, experiencing floaters or flashes of light alongside improved vision might indicate retinal detachment, a serious eye condition that requires immediate medical attention.
A Call to Action: Protecting Your Eye Health
Given the numerous potential causes behind sudden improvements in vision, it’s vital to schedule an eye exam if you notice any unexpected changes. Regular check-ups are an essential component of overall eye health, and they allow for early detection of conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, or more systemic diseases affecting vision.
Remember, while it may seem fortunate to see better without your glasses suddenly, this could indicate an underlying issue. So please take it as a reminder to pay attention to your eye health and to consult a professional about any unexpected changes in your vision.