Can Conjunctivitis Cause Blurred Vision?
November 26, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Yes, conjunctivitis (commonly known as pink eye) can sometimes cause blurred vision, although it’s not always a typical symptom of the condition.
Conjunctivitis is characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear tissue that covers the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids. The most common symptoms of conjunctivitis include redness, itchiness, irritation, tearing, discharge, and a gritty feeling in the eye. Blurred vision might occur in some cases, especially if the inflammation or irritation affects the surface of the eye or causes excessive tearing or discharge that temporarily disturbs vision.
However, blurred vision is more commonly associated with other eye conditions, such as:
- Corneal problems: Issues affecting the cornea, such as infections, abrasions, or inflammation, can cause blurred vision.
- Refractive errors: Conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism might cause blurred vision if the affected person is not wearing corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses) when needed.
- Eye dryness: Dry eyes can lead to blurry vision, especially if the surface of the eye is not properly lubricated, causing visual disturbances.
- Other eye infections or inflammations: Apart from conjunctivitis, other eye infections or inflammations, such as uveitis or keratitis, might lead to blurred vision as well as other more severe symptoms.
If you’re experiencing blurred vision along with symptoms of conjunctivitis, it’s essential to consult an eye care professional for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment. While conjunctivitis itself does not usually cause significant or persistent blurred vision, other underlying eye conditions might require specific management to address the vision changes.