As temperatures soar in Texas, it’s not just sunburn and dehydration you need to worry about. The intense heat can affect many aspects of your health - including your eyes. While occasional blurry vision might seem like just an annoyance, there are times when it can signal a serious medical emergency, especially during extreme heat. Here’s what you need to know to protect your sight.
 

Common Causes of Blurry Vision in the Heat

Blurry vision can be caused by something as simple as stepping out of an air-conditioned room into the blazing Texas sun, but it can also signal underlying issues. Some of the more common, less urgent causes include dry eyes, dehydration, and eye strain.
 

During hot weather, dry eyes are especially common because heat and sun exposure can lead to increased evaporation of your tears. Dehydration is another frequent culprit; when you don’t drink enough water, it affects your entire body, including your eyes, often leading to temporary blurriness. Bright sunlight or squinting without proper sunglasses can also put extra strain on your eyes, causing them to feel tired and blurry.
 

In most cases, these issues are minor and can be relieved with simple solutions like staying hydrated, taking breaks from bright sunlight, and wearing appropriate eye protection. However, it’s important to recognize when blurry vision may be a sign of something more serious.
 

When Blurry Vision Is an Emergency

Sometimes, blurry vision is a warning sign that your health is in danger. If you experience any of the following, seek immediate medical attention:

• Sudden Vision Loss: If your blurry vision comes on quickly and you can’t see out of one or both eyes, it could be a sign of a stroke, retinal detachment, or another urgent condition. Immediate evaluation is critical.

• Accompanied by Other Symptoms: Blurry vision with severe headache, confusion, dizziness, fainting, difficulty speaking, weakness, or numbness should be treated as an emergency. These can be signs of heat stroke or neurological emergencies.

• Eye Pain or Redness: Blurry vision along with eye pain, redness, or sensitivity to light could indicate a serious eye infection or inflammation.

• Changes After an Eye Injury: If you experience blurry vision after any type of trauma to the eye or head, even if the injury seems minor, seek medical attention right away.
   

Why You Should See Your Eye Doctor

Seeing an eye doctor promptly is crucial when you experience any changes in your vision, especially if symptoms appear suddenly or are severe. Your optometrist is trained to quickly assess and diagnose the cause of your symptoms, whether it’s a minor issue like dryness or a sign of a more serious emergency such as retinal detachment, infection, or complications from heat exposure. 
 

Early intervention from an eye care professional can help prevent permanent vision loss, provide immediate relief, and ensure you receive the right treatment for your condition. In urgent situations, your optometrist can also coordinate specialized care or emergency referral if needed, making them an essential partner in protecting your eye health.
 

Get In Touch with Today’s Vision Bulverde

Blurry vision is not always an emergency, but in the context of extreme Texas heat, it can be a red flag for serious health problems that need immediate attention. If your blurry vision comes on suddenly, is accompanied by other symptoms, or follows an injury, don’t take chances with your eyesight or your health.
 

If you’re experiencing blurry vision or have any concerns about your eye health, contact Today’s Vision Bulverde for expert eye care and personalized treatment. Visit our office in San Antonio, Texas, or call (210) 307-4749 to book an appointment today.