Experiencing a blurry vision does not necessarily mean an eye-related problem. There could be a neurological cause to it. In an interaction with Only My Health, Dr Aparajita Chatterjee, Consultant Neurologist, Fortis Hospital, Anandapur, Kolkata, said, “Vision relies on a complex interplay between the eyes, optic nerves, and brain.” According to her, blurred vision refers to a loss of clarity or sharpness in one's vision, where objects may appear hazy or out of focus. Let us delve deeper into the relationship between eye-sight and the nervous system.
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The Nervous System And Vision: What Is The Link?
“The link between the nervous system and vision is intricate and crucial for our ability to see and interpret the world around us,” said Dr Chatterjee, adding, “The eyes capture visual information and send it to the brain through the optic nerves. The optic nerve carries this visual information to the brain. Once received, the brain processes and interprets the visual signals, allowing us to see and recognize shapes, colours, depth, and movement.”
“This intricate connection involves multiple regions of the brain, including the visual cortex and other specialised areas responsible for different aspects of vision, such as object recognition and spatial awareness (awareness of a person’s surroundings and their relative position to them),” she added.
Neurological Causes of Blurred Vision
Here are some of the common neurological causes of blurred vision:
Migraine
Certain types of migraines, particularly those with an aura, can cause temporary visual disturbances, including blurred vision, said Dr Chatterjee. These episodes, known as migraine-associated visual disturbances, may involve zigzag lines, blind spots, or blurred areas in the visual field, she added.
Optic Neuritis
This condition involves inflammation of the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the eye to the brain. According to the doctor, optic neuritis can result in blurred vision, along with other symptoms such as eye pain, reduced colour vision, and visual field loss. It is commonly associated with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), but it can occur independently as well.
Stroke
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, leading to brain cell damage. Depending on the affected area, strokes can cause blurred or double vision, difficulty focusing, or visual field defects.
Brain Tumours
Tumours in the brain, particularly those affecting the optic pathways or the visual centres in the brain, can lead to blurred vision. Other associated symptoms may include headaches, changes in peripheral vision, or visual field loss.
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES)
Sudden surges of blood pressure, which can occur in pregnant patients with elevated blood pressure, often with seizures (called eclampsia), or in patients with renal disease, can present with sudden onset severe headache with blurred vision.
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Other Causes Of Blurred Vision
Apart from neurological causes, other factors that can impact vision and cause blurred vision include:
- Refractive errors like near-sightedness, far-sightedness, or astigmatism
- Eye conditions like cataracts or glaucoma
- Dry-eye syndrome, a condition in which the eyes fail to produce enough tears
- Systemic conditions like diabetes
- Certain medications, such as antihistamines or corticosteroids
Conclusion
If you experience any eye pain or blurriness, avoid jumping to conclusions. While it may not be anything serious, it is best to consult an ophthalmologist. However, if blurred vision is associated with neurological issues, then seek detailed medical advice from a specialised doctor and proceed with the right treatment.