Differential Diagnosis for Blurry Vision in Both Eyes
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Refractive error (e.g., myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism): This is the most common cause of blurry vision in both eyes, often due to an abnormal shape of the cornea or lens, which can be easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Dry eye syndrome: Inadequate tear production or poor tear quality can cause blurry vision, especially in people who spend a lot of time on computers or in dry environments.
- Cataracts: Clouding of the lens in the eye can cause blurry vision, often affecting older adults.
- Presbyopia: Age-related decline in near vision, typically starting in the early to mid-40s.
- Glaucoma: A group of eye conditions that can damage the optic nerve, often causing blurry vision, especially in peripheral vision.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Diabetic retinopathy: High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to blurry vision and potentially blindness if left untreated.
- Giant cell arteritis: Inflammation of the blood vessels in the head, which can cause sudden and severe vision loss if not promptly treated.
- Retinal detachment: Separation of the retina from the underlying tissue, which can cause permanent vision loss if not surgically repaired.
- Stroke or brain tumor: Although rare, blurry vision can be a symptom of a stroke or brain tumor, which requires immediate medical attention.
- Rare diagnoses
- Multiple sclerosis: An autoimmune disease that can cause blurry vision, among other symptoms, due to damage to the optic nerve.
- Optic neuritis: Inflammation of the optic nerve, which can cause blurry vision, often associated with multiple sclerosis.
- Uveitis: Inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye, which can cause blurry vision and eye pain.
- Thyroid eye disease: A condition in which the tissues around the eye, including the eyelids, eye socket, and lacrimal gland, become inflamed due to an autoimmune response, often causing blurry vision.