Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: August 29, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Blurry Wavy Vision

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Migraine aura: Brief episodes of blurry, wavy vision are common symptoms of a migraine aura, which can occur without a subsequent headache. The timing and transient nature of the symptoms support this diagnosis.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Ocular migraine: Similar to a migraine aura, but the visual symptoms can be more pronounced and may not be followed by a headache. The brief duration and description of the vision as "blurry wavy" fit this condition.
  • Dry eyes: Irritation or dryness in the eyes can cause temporary blurry vision, and the symptoms can be exacerbated in the evening due to prolonged screen time or other environmental factors.
  • Refractive error or eye strain: Uncorrected or under-corrected vision problems, or strain from focusing on screens or other close work, can lead to temporary blurry vision.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke: Although less likely given the brief and transient nature of the symptoms, it's crucial to consider vascular events, especially in patients with risk factors. Visual disturbances can be a symptom of a TIA or stroke.
  • Retinal detachment: Sudden onset of blurry or wavy vision, especially if accompanied by floaters or flashes of light, could indicate a retinal detachment, which is a medical emergency.
  • Optic neuritis: Inflammation of the optic nerve can cause vision loss or disturbances, including blurry vision, and is more common in young adults.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Multiple sclerosis: Visual symptoms, including blurry vision, can be a presenting feature of multiple sclerosis, although this would typically be accompanied by other neurological symptoms.
  • Vitreous detachment: Similar to retinal detachment, but involves the vitreous gel pulling away from the retina. Symptoms can include sudden onset of floaters and blurry vision.
  • Occipital lobe seizure: Rarely, seizures originating in the occipital lobe can cause visual disturbances, including blurry or wavy vision, but these are usually accompanied by other seizure symptoms.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.