Coping with BLURRED VISION

There are many causes and treatments so see your GP or optician immediately

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Move to protect your brain

We know that physical activity protects against dementia. However, social and intellectual activities seem less effective, according to a study of 8,000 British civil servants. People in their mid-50s who were involved in clubs, played games such as chess, or went on cultural outings were as likely to develop dementia over 18 years follow-up as those who take little part in these, although the benefits in improving mood and loneliness can’t be denied.

Light from the outside world crosses a series of tissues to reach the retina, including the cornea, the lens and the vitreous fluid. Problems with any of these can cause blurred vision, while the issue could be with the retina or the optic nerve. Simple causes include conjunctivitis, migraine and chronic eye strain – such as with excessive use of computer screens – and some medications, including the COX-2 drugs for arthritis. More seriously, uncontrolled diabetes, trauma, infection (either generalised or local, such as orbital cellulitis), corneal problems including trauma, severe dry eye keratopathy, contact-lens problems, chemicals or foreign bodies in the eye.

Serious conditions such as acute angle-closure glaucoma, optic neuritis, anterior uveitis and temporal arteritis need urgent treatment. Haemorrhages, retinal artery or vein occlusion, acute macular degeneration and retinal detachment are other serious causes.