Blurred Vision
Your vision has changed. You may have tried drops, updated your glasses with your optometrist — and those are all reasonable first steps. But when the blur persists or keeps getting worse, it's time for a specialist assessment to find out what's going on.
When It's Something More
There are many possible causes of persistent blurred vision. Some develop slowly, others can change your vision within days. The cause determines the treatment — and that's what a specialist examination is for. You're in the right place.
Common conditions we assess and manage include:
- Cataract — the most common reason glasses stop helping
- Macular degeneration — affects central, detailed vision
- Diabetic eye disease — can develop silently, even when diabetes appears well controlled
- Retinal vein occlusion — sudden blurring from retinal haemorrhage and swelling
- Glaucoma — gradual peripheral vision loss, often without symptoms until advanced
- Dry eye disease — a common and treatable cause of fluctuating blur
When blurred vision is also associated with distortion, a red eye, or pain, the urgency increases.
Earlier Is Always Better
It's wrong to assume that declining eyesight is simply part of getting older. Treatments are available across the full spectrum of eye disease — and as with any field in medicine, the earlier treatment is started, the better the outcome.
To give yourself the best chance of maintaining good vision, it's important to get the right treatment early when it's needed. Your vision is not something to take chances with.
Sudden Blurred Vision
If your vision has blurred suddenly — particularly in one eye, or with distortion, a shadow, or pain — call (02) 8544 0719 now. Outside of hours, Sydney Eye Hospital provides a 24-hour emergency service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can new glasses fix blurred vision?
Sometimes. If the cause is a refractive error, updated glasses will help. But if the cause is inside the eye — cataract, retinal disease, or another condition — glasses won't restore clarity. An examination is the only way to tell the difference.
Do I need a referral?
A referral from your GP or optometrist is required to access Medicare rebates for a specialist consultation.
Should I wait until my vision gets worse?
No. Earlier assessment means more options and better outcomes.