Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Causes of Cloudy Vision?

Amy Hunter
Amy Hunter

Cloudy vision is a condition that results in a loss of sharpness of vision. You may also lose your ability to see small details. If you experience cloudy vision it is important to seek advice from an ophthalmologist. Prompt, early treatment offers the best chance of success when treating clouded vision.

One cause of clouded vision is cataracts. Cataracts can also lead to poor vision at night and blind spots. If you suffer from cataracts, you may eventually lose vision on either side of your eye as well. Cataracts are treated by surgery; however, there is no guarantee of success, and many doctors do not recommend surgery unless the cataracts interfere with your ability to drive or read.

Cataract surgery is an outpatient surgery, and typically takes less than an hour. The healing time can be lengthy; it is often six to twelve weeks before your surgeon can determine how successful the surgery was.

An optometrist can determine if a patient has cataracts, which are a cause of cloudy vision.
An optometrist can determine if a patient has cataracts, which are a cause of cloudy vision.

Cloudy vision can also be a sign of macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is the most common cause of blindness in people over the age of 60. Other symptoms of macular degeneration are a loss of central vision, distortion in your vision, such as wavy lines, and trouble distinguishing colors.

Ophthalmologists cannot reverse macular degeneration. Their treatment options are limited to preventing further loss of vision. For some forms of macular degeneration, physicians recommend taking high doses of some vitamins, such as A, C and E, to slow the progression of the disease. There are also some prescription medications that may slow the advancement of macular degeneration. If you develop macular degeneration it is important to work closely with your doctor to develop a maintenance plan.

Wearing sunglasses can help protect the eyes from sun damage.
Wearing sunglasses can help protect the eyes from sun damage.

Regardless of the reason for cloudy vision, it is important to get prompt treatment. While sudden vision changes require immediate medical attention, the change may be benign. Some people experience cloudy or blurred vision after an extended period of time outside. This is a temporary problem that will correct itself.

Medications, even those that are not prescribed for eye problems, may have an effect on vision. If you believe that your vision changes may be the result of medications you are taking, it is important not to quit taking the medicine. Make an appointment with your general practitioner to discuss the issue and see if there is a comparable medication that he can prescribe.

Cataracts are one of the most common reasons for blurred or cloudy vision.
Cataracts are one of the most common reasons for blurred or cloudy vision.

Cloudy or blurred vision is a frightening experience, and one you want to avoid. There are several things that you can do to reduce the likelihood of developing eye problems. Smoking and excessive alcohol both contribute to eye problems. When you are outdoors, protect your eyes with sunglasses.

Your general health has a direct impact on your vision. Control your blood pressure and cholesterol. If you are diabetic, managing your blood sugar levels will reduce your risk of developing eye problems. Foods that are rich in antioxidants can also contribute to healthy vision.

Discussion Comments

anon943798

I recently rubbed my eyes until they hurt and now are red with blurred vision. I went to the eye doctor. He said my eyes looked fine and give me a pair of temporary contacts. This was over two weeks ago. Are my eyes going to go back to normal? Have I ruined them? Would he have noticed something wrong if I hadn't said anything about rubbing them?

anon345183

I just had my contacts in for the first time in a month and they're monthlies and I took them out because the started to irritate me and now my vision is cloudy like I'm in a room full of smoke. I'm freaking out because I saw the eye doctor today with the contacts in and she said they looked fine, but could it also be because I tried on colored lenses today as well. Help me please! I feel like I'm going blind.

anon329311

I woke up with a red spot in my eye. It looks like a blood spot. My eye does not hurt, but it is hard to see out of it.

anon307272

I was wearing my coloured fashionable lenses this morning and after about five hours, my left eye felt irritated. I removed my lenses after one hour of the irritation, and from then onward, I haven't been able to see things clearly. The sharpness of my left eye has reduced. Will this lead to a major eye problem in my life? Can you tell me some home remedies if possible?

cloudel

@Oceana – Wow, I didn't know that dogs could get cataracts! My grandfather got cataracts in his eyes and cloudy vision, and his pupils actually looked cloudy to me.

He said that everything started to look yellowed, like he was wearing sunglasses. Also, it became hard for him to tell my sister and I apart, because our faces looked so blurry.

His cataract surgery was successful. I've never heard of a dog having cataract surgery, but if they have this problem, I'm sure this must be a solution.

kylee07drg

I got sudden cloudy vision about thirty minutes after applying sunscreen to my face and eyelids. I know that the bottle said not to use it on the eyes, but I didn't have shades, and my eyelids needed protection.

Suddenly, my eyes started to burn and leak tears. It became hard to see things clearly.

I believe that the sunscreen soaked through my lids to my eyeballs. My vision was cloudy until I washed the sunscreen off and applied eye drops.

I will be carrying shades with me from now on. That was a very uncomfortable experience, and I'm just glad that I wasn't driving when the cloudy vision set in.

Oceana

I wonder if my dog is getting cloudy vision in her eyes. She is nearly ten years old, and I can tell that she is getting cataracts.

Her eyes have a cloudy blue look to them that they never had before. She seems to still be aware of her surroundings, but I imagine that her other senses are sharpening due to her cloudy vision.

orangey03

I have temporary cloudy vision after I first get up in the mornings, particularly if I have set my alarm for an earlier time than I'm used to getting up. I have to blink a lot for the first five minutes or so in order to regain my vision.

It's really intense. I go outside, and I can barely see what's a few feet in front of me.

I've found that using moisturizing eye drops helps clear things up faster. Also, putting water on my fingers and rubbing my eyes helps a little, though not as much as the drops.

anon260699

One time when I was in my family room I saw the whole room cloudy. I thought I had left something cooking and it was burning but then I blinked and the cloudiness went away. Incidents like that have happened a few times. What can be wrong? Please help.

anon147608

My husband has cloudy vision and can no longer drive or work. He has see all of the different eye specialist and none seem to know what the problem is or how to help.

ForumApple

STDs such as gonorrhea and syphilis can also lead to cloudy vision. These can cause many other health problems and can also lead to death so it is always best to see a doctor.

Elephants12

Sometimes cloudy eyes can also lead to floaters or may be misinterpreted and actually be a floater. A floater is when there are floating spots or spider web shapes in front of your eyes. This is much more serious and could be involved in a retinal detachment which can cause vision loss.

LitNerd

Many types of eye injuries can cause cloudy vision. My younger brother was hit in the eye with a baseball and had cloudy vision in not only the injured eye, but his other eye as well. If something potentially dangerous comes into contact with your eyes and your vision becomes cloudy, always consult a doctor.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • An optometrist can determine if a patient has cataracts, which are a cause of cloudy vision.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      An optometrist can determine if a patient has cataracts, which are a cause of cloudy vision.
    • Wearing sunglasses can help protect the eyes from sun damage.
      By: Thorsten
      Wearing sunglasses can help protect the eyes from sun damage.
    • Cataracts are one of the most common reasons for blurred or cloudy vision.
      By: robert
      Cataracts are one of the most common reasons for blurred or cloudy vision.
    • Cataract surgery may be performed to correct cloudy vision.
      By: Peter Orsaeo Sr
      Cataract surgery may be performed to correct cloudy vision.
    • Numerous prescription medications can cause blurred or cloudy vision.
      By: JPC-PROD
      Numerous prescription medications can cause blurred or cloudy vision.
    • Cataracts occur when part of the eye is damaged and the eyes' lenses become cloudy.
      By: rob3000
      Cataracts occur when part of the eye is damaged and the eyes' lenses become cloudy.