Causes of Temporarily Blurry Vision that Clears Up When Closing Your Eyes

Blurry vision is a common complaint, especially among individuals who wear contacts. Sometimes, the blur clears up when you simply close and then reopen your eyes. This article delves into the potential causes of this symptom and provides advice on how to address it.

Common Causes of Temporarily Blurry Vision

Blurry vision that clears up after closing your eyes can be attributed to several factors. Here are some of the most common ones:

Dry Eyes

Contact lens wearers often experience dry eyes, leading to temporary blurriness. When you close your eyes, your tears redistribute, providing temporary relief. Dry eyes can disrupt the tear film, causing the cornea to become dry and leading to intermittent blurriness.

Contact Lens Issues

Your lenses might be dirty, damaged, or not fitting properly, which can cause blurriness and discomfort. Make sure to clean your lenses properly and check for any signs of wear. Even with a stable prescription, it's important to ensure that your lenses are cared for correctly.

Eye Fatigue

Prolonged screen time or reading can lead to eye strain, resulting in temporary blurriness. Closing your eyes can help relax the eye muscles, providing relief from strain.

Tear Film Instability

The tear film can become unstable, particularly if you don't blink enough. This instability can cause intermittent blurriness that improves with blinking or closing your eyes. Blinking helps distribute tears evenly across the eye, reducing the chances of dryness and blurriness.

Environmental Factors

Allergens, smoke, or dry air can irritate your eyes and lead to temporary blurriness. These environmental factors can disrupt the tear film and affect tear quality, contributing to dryness and blurriness.

Changes in Vision

Even if your prescription has been stable for years, small changes in your eyesight are possible. New visual issues can arise, leading to intermittent blurriness. It's important to consult with an eye care professional to ensure your contact lens prescription remains appropriate and to rule out any underlying issues.

Action Steps for Managing Temporary Blurry Vision

If you experience temporary blurry vision, there are several steps you can take:

Blinking Technique

You might be experiencing protein deposits or dryness. A quick blink when your eyes are closed can resolve these issues. Additionally, using a slightly moist, clean face towel to wipe your face before and after sleeping can help.

Follow a healthy blinking habit: every 20 minutes break from screen time, focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps reduce eye strain and fatigue.

Addressing Dry Eye

Blurred vision could be a sign of dry eye. If your vision improves after blinking, it might be related to tear production. The cornea, the front surface of the eye, needs to be well-lubricated for clear vision. Dry eye can be caused by medication, habits, or prolonged screen time.

Consider using artificial tears to refresh your eyes if you have dry eye symptoms. However, consult your eye care professional to rule out other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or thyroid disease.

Postural and Sleep Position

Sleeping in unusual positions can cause dry eye symptoms. Ensure that you are not sleeping with pressure on your eyes, as this can limit circulation. Also, avoid using a fan or sleeping on your side with your hand or arm on your face.

Medications and Contact Lens Wear

Lots of medications can cause blurry vision, including those for high blood pressure, oral steroids, sleeping aids, and erectile dysfunction drugs. Pay close attention to antihistamines, as they can reduce tear production and increase the risk of narrow-angle glaucoma.

Proper contact lens care is crucial. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and replacing your lenses. Sleeping in your lenses for too long can cause them to become gunky, reducing your vision clarity.

Conclusion

Temporary blurry vision that clears up when you close and open your eyes can have various underlying causes. It's essential to assess these factors and take appropriate steps to manage them. If the issue persists or worsens, consult an eye care professional for a thorough evaluation and guidance.