Blurry vision is when your eyesight feels like it’s out of focus, making it difficult to see fine detail. You may need to squint to see more clearly.
Your eyesight may get blurry as you get older or due to certain health conditions. You might also experience blurry vision when you wake up in the morning or after staring at a screen, like a computer or tablet, for long periods of time.
While there are several natural ways you can protect and even improve blurry vision without needing to wear glasses or receive medical treatment, this ultimately depends on what the underlying cause is.
If you’re experiencing blurry vision that’s getting worse over time, it may be a good idea to see a professional for an eye evaluation.
Causes Of Blurry Vision.
Some causes of blurry vision can be treated naturally using home remedies or simple lifestyle changes. These include:
1. Dry eyes.
Blurry vision, especially in the morning when you wake up, can be caused by having dry eyes Sleeping with a fan blowing at night or living in a dry climate can make this worse.
Sleeping with your contact lenses in or staring at a computer screen for long periods of time without blinking can also cause dry eyes and blurry vision.
2. Allergies.
Allergies can make your eyes itchy and irritated, resulting in blurry vision. An eye allergy may also be called allergic conjunctivitis. Other symptoms of allergies can include runny nose, nasal congestion, or sneezing.
3. Eye strain due to prolonged screen use.
Eye strain can occur after looking and focusing on something for a long time without interruption, such as your computer, cell phone, or tablet. It’s sometimes referred to as digital eye strain.
4. Corneal abrasion.
Your cornea is the clear coating in the front of your eye. A corneal abrasion occurs when the cornea is scratched or injured.
Fingernails, tree branches, and makeup brushes are common causes of corneal abrasions. In addition to blurry vision, it might feel like there’s something in your eye. If the corneal abrasion is small, it’ll likely heal on its own in a day or two, but larger abrasions may require medical treatment.
5. Cold weather.
Excessively cold temperature can cause the blood vessels in the eyes to constrict, making the vision blurry. Cold air is also drier than warmer air, and dry eyes can also cause blurry vision.
Natural Treatments That Could Help Blurry Vision.
Depending on the cause of your blurry vision, these natural treatments and lifestyle changes might help you see more clearly:
1 Rest and recovery.
Human eyes are sensitive and need rest just like the rest of your body, so make sure you’re getting enough decent sleep. If you sit at a computer for long periods of the day, take breaks about every 20 minutes using the “20 20 20 rule”
To perform the 20-20-20 rule, simply shift your eyes to look at an object at least 20 feet away, for 20 seconds, every 20 minutes.
2. Lubricate the eyes.
If blurry vision is caused by dry eyes, you may be able to improve the blurriness simply by blinking a few times or using a warm compress to gently massage the eyelids. This can stimulate the meibomian, or oil, glands in the eyelid.
You can also purchase artificial tears over the counter at a local drug store or online. These work by keeping the eyes lubricated to prevent dry eyes caused by straining.
3. Improve air quality.
If you live in a dry climate, use a humidifier to prevent dry eyes. Avoid having air blowing directly at your face, especially at night.
4. Stop smoking.
Smoking can contribute to many eye diseases, including AMD, cataracts, and optic nerve damage. Cigarette smoke can also further irritate dry eyes.
5. Avoid allergens.
To prevent and treat allergies, avoid whatever causes your allergy.
For example, if you’re allergic to dust, make sure to clean your bedroom frequently to avoid the buildup of dust that can affect your eyes while you sleep.
If your allergies are outdoor allergies, close the windows and use an air conditioning system that can filter out allergens.
6. Take Omega-3 fatty acids.
Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids had some positive effects on people with dry eye symptoms. However, more research is needed to confirm these results.
Omega 3 fatty acids can be found in supplements, but you can also get your omega-3s by increasing your intake of:
- fatty fish
- algae
- flax seed
- walnuts
Talk with a medical professional before taking omega-3 supplements. This is because they can increase bleeding risk.
7. Protect your eyes.
One way to protect your eyes is to wear sunglasses when outside in the sun. Choose sunglasses that block out both UVA and UVB light.
Sunglasses can also be helpful in cold, dry weather or when snow on the ground is reflecting the sun into your eyes. Another benefit is that they block the wind from irritating the eyes.
The Bottom Line.
While there are some natural ways you can protect and even improve blurry vision without glasses or medical treatment, this largely depends on the cause of the blurriness. Blurry vision can be a result of refractive error or certain diseases that require medical treatment.
If blurry vision is caused by dry eyes, allergies, or eye strain from prolonged screen use, natural remedies and lifestyle changes may help. If blurry vision persists, or you have other symptoms or any pain with your blurry vision, see a doctor for a comprehensive eye exam.
