Cloudy Vision in One Eye: What Does it Mean?

Cloudy vision can occur for many reasons. But what if it only affects one eye? Well, rest assured that in most cases, such a problem isn’t caused by anything serious—although it will need addressing. 

The most likely culprit of one-sided cloudy vision is a cataract. But there are other reasons that cloudiness might only affect one eye.

Potential Causes of Cloudy Vision in One Eye

• Cataracts are the most common cause of cloudy vision in one eye
• Other possible causes

Cataracts are the most common cause of cloudy vision in one eye

Age-related cataracts will affect every one of us during later life. In fact, by the age of 80, it’s determined that we will all either have cataracts or have had an operation to remove them.

While cataracts form in both eyes, they generally do so at different rates. This is why you might get cloudy vision in one eye and not the other. However, this isn’t the only symptom of cataracts. 

Other signs include:

• Colors appearing less vibrant and/or increasingly yellowing vision
• Seeing halos around a light source
• Poor low light and night vision
• Difficulty driving at night
• Ever-changing prescription needs

Other possible causes

Of course, cataracts aren’t the only potential reason for cloudy vision in a single eye. Other causes include:

• An eye infection: often accompanied by pain, reddening, weeping, discharge, crust around the eye (which is often most noticeable when you first wake up)
• Migraines: many people experience an aura that precedes the onset of a migraine. This can be cloudy vision, seeing zig zags or brightly colored sparkles, short-term vision loss, and/or even short-term problems with speech.
• Refractive errors, such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, or presbyopia.

The only way to determine the reason behind one-sided cloudy vision is to seek the advice of an eye doctor.

As mentioned earlier, cloudy vision in one eye isn’t generally serious or time-critical. Indeed, cataracts form over many years—or even decades. Once diagnosed, they’ll be monitored by your ophthalmologist until it’s time for an operation to remove the diseased lens.

However, if you experience an acute onset of cloudy vision in a single eye (unless it’s a pre-existing condition, such as migraines) then you should seek immediate medical attention. 

This may or may not be accompanied by one or more of the following:

• A sudden onset of a severe headache
• Reduction in consciousness
• Extreme fatigue
• Tingling or numbness anywhere in the body
• Slurred speech
• A droop to one side of the mouth or face
• Following any head trauma

Such symptoms are serious and require urgent attention. Head to your closest ER immediately or call 911 for an ambulance.

You should also seek help if you experience any other sudden vision changes, such as:

• Seeing flashes of light
• The sudden appearance of new floaters
• Any loss of vision
• The appearance of a curtain or veil appearing at the top or side of your visual field

In such cases and, if appropriate, you should head to the nearest eye clinic. If this isn’t possible, then visit your closest ER. 

Find out the Cause of Cloudy Vision in One Eye at the West Boca Eye Center

The WBEC is a premier clinical facility that provides the ultimate eye expertise. Not only do we offer some of the best cataract care in the US, but our varied ophthalmologist team specializes in virtually every type of eye condition.

If you’re concerned about cataracts or have any other vision worries—including cloudy vision in one eye—then don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Find out more about our cataract solutions at https://www.westbocaeyecenter.com/services/cataract-surgery

Cloudy vision can occur for many reasons. But what if it only affects one eye? Well, rest assured that in most cases, such a problem isn’t caused by anything serious—although it will need addressing.