Doctor, it feels like there’s smoke in my eyes.

That’s how many people describe it.

Others say their vision suddenly becomes blurry… cloudy… or as though they’re looking through a dirty window.

Most assume it’s just tired eyes; and sometimes it is.

But sometimes, it could be your eyes warning you about something that needs urgent attention.

The good news?

Many of these conditions can be treated, especially when they’re detected early.

In today’s post, we’ll explore some of the common causes of blurry or cloudy vision, why you shouldn’t ignore it, and when it’s time to see an eye specialist.

Q: Please Dr., what causes eye pain like feeling as if there is smoke?

A: Cloudy vision is a situation in which objects appear milky and ‘veiled’. It is oftentimes used interchangeably with blurry eyes. Blurry, cloudy or even double vision can be seen in disease conditions like:

• Cataract: This is a cloudy area on the lens and can lead to cloudy vision. If not taken care of, they can cause vision loss to the point of blindness. And yes, excessive exposure to sunlight increases your risk of having this condition.

• Near sightedness (myopia) can lead to blurry vision with associated headache and eye strain.

• Far sightedness (hyperopia) can also result in blurred vision when looking at close objects.

• Glaucoma, a condition in which there is increased pressure in the eye

• Diabetes Mellitus in which there is damage to the retina (light sensitive layer) of the eye

• Astigmatism in which there is blurred vision up close and at a distance.

• Pregnancy and migraine headaches are also causes of blurred vision.

This is by no means, an exhaustive list!

Please revisit the hospital and this time, see an ophthalmologist (an eye doctor) who will carry out a detailed eye exam. This should help make a definitive diagnosis. Treatment depends on cause: Cataract requires surgery and replacement of cloudy leans with a clear one; hyperopia, myopia and astigmatism are treated with either contact lens, eyeglasses or refractive surgery etc

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, y’all 🙂