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Do you squint at your phone or have trouble reading the labels or directions on items?  

Sometimes it’s the size of the lettering, to be fair. But sometimes the issue is visual impairment. Everyone has dealt with this at one time or another.  

Treatments change for blurry vision depending on the cause. Here are eight reasons for it: 

1. Refractive errors: This occurs when the shape of your eye prevents light from focusing directly on the retina, causing either nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism or presbyopia.
2. Dry eyes
3. Cataracts
4. Glaucoma: This condition damages the optic nerve, often due to high eye pressure, and can cause blurred vision.
5. Age-related macular degeneration: This harms the macula, the part of the retina responsible for clear central vision.
6. Diabetic retinopathy: High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the retina.
7. Eye inflammation: Conjunctivitis or uveitis cause temporary blurriness.
8. Medications: Antihistamines and antidepressants can contribute to blurry vision.

Understanding the cause of blurry vision will determine your best solution. Here are eight tips:  

1. Eye exercises: Eye exercises can help ease eye strain. One exercise is called “focus change;” another is known as “20-20-20 rule.” If you want to understand these exercises better, Google them or visit my website (suzycohen.com), where I’ve posted a more detailed version of this article.
2. Nutrition and supplements: What you choose to eat plays a significant role in eyesight. Ensure you’re getting enough vitamin A, C and E from foods or supplements. Healthy eye supplements include vitamin E, lutein, zeaxanthin, saffron and bilberry.
3. Drink water: Dehydration can lead to dry eyes and blurred vision. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your eyes well-hydrated.
4. Glasses or contact lenses: Corrective lenses are the quickest and most effective solution for blurry vision. A simple, painless eye exam will determine what you need.
5. Medications: Several medications and over-the-counter eye drops can help. For example, artificial tears lubricate dry eyes. 

Doctors can prescribe steroid eye drops to reduce inflammation if it’s uveitis. Black currant extract or fish oil supplements may also work. 

7. Limit screen time: Most people are addicted to their phones and computers, or TVs, and bounce all day from one device to another. Some of you have E-readers too! 

This takes a toll on your vision, especially if you spend a lot of time on them or the backlight is dim.  

8. Reduce oxidation: Other behaviors that damage the delicate tissues of the eyes, leading to vision problems, include smoking, vaping (including secondhand exposure), and drinking alcohol. 

Blurry vision can be a frustrating and sometimes worrying experience, but there are several good ways to mitigate and prevent it. By taking proactive steps to care for your eyes, you can ensure clearer vision and better eyesight for a lifetime.  

This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement.  

Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe.