Cloudy vision
Often confused with blurry vision, cloudy vision is when objects appear ‘milky’ as if you’re looking through a cloudy piece of glass in one or both eyes. It can also dull your perception of colours and cause you to see halos around lights.
What are the symptoms of cloudy vision?
Cloudy vision can be caused by a number of conditions. The combination of symptoms will be different depending on the underlying cause, but may include:
- Blurred or double vision
- Dry eyes
- Appearance of halos around lights
- Sensitivity to light
- Watery eyes
- Impaired night time vision
- Red or sore i.e. bloodshot eyes
Cloudy vision is not the same as blurred vision – which is a loss of sharpness that causes things to appear out of focus.
What causes cloudy vision?
The most common cause of cloudy vision is cataracts, which is when the lens inside your eye loses its transparency. Most cataracts develop as part of the aging process and are therefore seen mainly in older people.
Cloudy vision can also be a result of changes in or damage to the cornea, (the clear bit at the front of your eye) including infections or inflammations.
Less common conditions that may contribute to cloudy vision include: diabetes, optic nerve disease and macular degeneration.
What help is available?
As cloudy vision can be a sign of other health conditions, it’s important to get a check up from your optometrist if you are experiencing symptoms of this eye problem. They will be able to determine if your cloudy vision is a sign of something more serious, check your eye health and let you know what to do next.
Did you know?
AA Members are entitled to a free eye test (valued at $60), once every two years. Remember to present your AA Membership card in store.
Frequently asked questions
Free exam for AA Members applies to standard eye examinations only, normally valued at $60. Excludes contact lens examination and visual field checks. Limited to one per AA Member every two years. Available to current AA Members upon presentation of AA Membership card.