Best Ways to Treat Blurry Vision

Blurry vision is when your eyesight feels out of focus, making it hard to see fine details. You may find yourself squinting to see more clearly. Vision can become blurry as you get older or due to certain medical conditions. Some people also notice blurry vision when they first wake up in the morning, or after staring at a screen—like a computer or tablet—for long periods of time.

There are many natural ways that may help protect and even improve mildly blurry vision without needing glasses or medical procedures, but this strongly depends on the underlying cause.

Causes of Blurry Vision That Can Be Treated Naturally

Some causes of blurry vision can often be improved naturally with home remedies or simple lifestyle changes, including:

Dry Eyes

Blurry vision—especially in the morning when you wake up—can be caused by dry eyes. Sleeping with a fan blowing at night or living in a dry climate can make it worse. Sleeping with contact lenses in, or staring at a computer screen for long periods without blinking, can also lead to dry eyes and blurred vision.

Allergies

Allergies can cause itchy, irritated eyes, which in turn can lead to blurry vision. Eye allergies are also known as allergic conjunctivitis. Other allergy symptoms may include a runny nose, nasal congestion, or sneezing.

Eye Strain From Prolonged Screen Use

Eye strain can develop after focusing on something for a long time without a break, such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet. This is sometimes called digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome.

Corneal Abrasion

The cornea is the clear front surface of the eye. A corneal abrasion occurs when the cornea gets scratched or injured. Fingernails, tree branches, and makeup brushes are common causes of corneal abrasions and can lead to blurry vision. If the scratch is small, it often heals on its own within a day or two; larger abrasions may require medical treatment.

Cold Weather

Cold temperatures can cause the blood vessels in the eyes to constrict, which may result in blurry vision. Cold air is also drier than warm air, and dry eyes can cause vision to become blurry.

Causes of Blurry Vision That Are Likely to Require Medical Treatment

Other causes of blurry vision are more likely to need medical care, and natural or home remedies alone are unlikely to be effective. These include:

Refractive Errors

Refractive errors are very common vision problems. They include conditions such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia.

Infections (Conjunctivitis)

Conjunctivitis—often called “pink eye”—is an infection or inflammation of the outer surface of the eye. It can cause itchy, painful eyes as well as blurry vision. Conjunctivitis is usually caused by a virus, bacteria, or allergies. When it is due to bacteria, antibiotic eye drops may be needed to treat the infection.

Eye Diseases

Several eye diseases can lead to blurry vision, including but not limited to:

– Cataracts  

– Glaucoma  

– Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)  

– Diabetic retinopathy  

Diabetes

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels, but it can also affect the eyes. One of its complications is diabetic retinopathy (DR), which is a leading cause of blindness in adults.

Diabetic retinopathy causes progressive damage to the blood vessels in the retina. Treatment may include medications to control blood sugar levels and various eye treatments or surgeries.

Graves’ Disease

If left untreated, the thyroid disorder known as Graves’ disease can lead to eye problems, including blurry or decreased vision.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) affects the entire body, including the tiny blood vessels in the eyes. It can cause these retinal blood vessels to narrow, reduce blood flow, and create swelling. Over time, this can damage the vessels and lead to vision problems. This condition is known as hypertensive retinopathy.

The Eye Center at Al Batal Specialty Hospital in Jeddah is a leading facility for eye care, with a team of highly experienced ophthalmologists.

Natural Remedies That May Help Reduce Blurry Vision

Depending on the cause of your blurry vision, the following natural approaches and lifestyle changes may help you see more clearly:

Rest and Recovery

Your eyes are sensitive and need rest just like the rest of your body. Make sure you get enough sleep. When using a computer for long hours, take breaks every 20 minutes by following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

Lubricating the Eyes

If blurry vision is due to dry eyes, you may be able to improve it simply by blinking several times or by applying a warm compress to gently massage the eyelids. This can help stimulate the oil glands in the eyelids. You can also use over-the-counter artificial tears from your local pharmacy or online to keep your eyes lubricated and help prevent dryness related to eye strain.

Improving Air Quality

If you live in a dry climate, use a humidifier to help prevent dry eyes. Avoid having air blow directly at your face, especially while sleeping at night.

Quitting Smoking

Smoking contributes to several eye conditions, such as cataracts and optic nerve damage. Cigarette smoke can also worsen irritation in already dry eyes.

Avoiding Allergens

To prevent and manage allergies, try to avoid your specific triggers. For example, if you are allergic to dust, clean your bedroom frequently to reduce dust buildup that may affect your eyes while you sleep. If outdoor allergens are a problem, keep windows closed and use an air-conditioning system with filters that can remove allergens from the air.  

If these strategies are not enough, ask your doctor about antihistamine eye drops. Some are available over the counter, while others require a prescription.

Taking Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may have beneficial effects in people with symptoms of dry eye, although more studies are needed to confirm this. Omega-3s are available as dietary supplements, and they can also be obtained from foods such as:

– Fatty fish (like salmon, mackerel, sardines)  

– Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil  

– Chia seeds  

– Walnuts  

Talk to a healthcare professional before taking omega-3 supplements, as they can increase the risk of bleeding in some people.

Protecting Your Eyes

One key way to protect your eyes is to wear sunglasses outdoors in sunlight. Choose sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays. Sunglasses can also be helpful in cold, dry weather or when sunlight is reflected off snow into your eyes, and they protect your eyes from wind irritation.

Getting Enough Vitamin A

A diet low in vitamin A can lead to dry eyes and other vision problems, including blurred vision.

Vitamin A can be found in foods such as:

– Liver  

– Eggs  

– Dairy products  

– Carrots  

– Sweet potatoes  

– Dark leafy greens (such as spinach and kale)  

– Red, orange, and yellow fruits and vegetables (like mangoes and bell peppers)  

While vitamin A may lower the risk of AMD and other eye problems, any supplement should be used with caution. Vitamin A is fat-soluble, meaning it is stored in the body and can build up to unhealthy levels over time. Taking too much vitamin A can cause toxicity and serious side effects.

Cleaning Contact Lenses Properly

Always wash your hands before handling your contact lenses, and clean the lenses as directed. Disinfect them according to the instructions provided with your lens solution. Do not sleep in your contact lenses unless specifically prescribed to do so, as this can be dangerous.

Things That Are Unlikely to Naturally Cure Blurry Vision

Eye exercises—such as moving the eyes back and forth—may help maintain general eye comfort and coordination, but there is little reliable scientific evidence that these exercises can correct blurry vision.

For overall eye health, it is recommended to follow a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and appropriate supplements when needed. Important eye-friendly nutrients can be found in leafy green vegetables and other colorful fruits and vegetables, such as:

– Spinach, kale, and collard greens  

– Carrots  

– Bell peppers  

– Berries  

– Citrus fruits  

When to See an Eye Care Professional

You may not need to see a doctor if your blurry vision clears quickly after blinking or using simple home remedies. However, if you notice your vision gradually getting blurrier, you should visit an eye doctor for a full evaluation—especially if you experience any of the following symptoms:

– Sudden, severe vision loss in one or both eyes  

– Eye pain or severe headache  

– Double vision  

– Difficulty speaking, weakness, or numbness on one side of the body  

– Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance  

These could be signs of a stroke or another serious condition and require urgent medical attention.

There are some natural approaches that can help protect and improve mildly blurry vision without glasses or medical treatment, but this depends largely on the underlying cause. Blurry vision can result from a refractive error or from certain medical conditions that do require professional care.

If your blurry vision is caused by dry eyes, allergies, or eye strain from prolonged screen use, natural remedies and lifestyle changes may be helpful. However, if the blurriness persists or you develop other symptoms, you should see a doctor for a comprehensive eye exam.  

In such cases, we recommend visiting the Eye Center at Al Batal Specialty Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, which is known for its high-end facilities, advanced medical and technical equipment, and comprehensive, patient-centered eye care services.