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Cloudy vision can develop due to underlying health conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, or inflammatory eye condtions. Knowing the signs of cloudy vision and the conditions that can cause it will help you determine when to see a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Jump to Key Takeaways.
Illustration by Nez Riaz for Verywell Health
1. Cataracts
Cataracts, which are typically associated with aging, develop when proteins in the lens of the eye clump together. Initially, a person with cataracts may not experience any noticeable symptoms; however, as the condition progresses, cloudy vision can develop.
Other symptoms associated with cataracts include:
- Loss of visual acuity, including clarity, sharpness, and the ability to focus
- Intolerance to bright lights to the point of causing pain
- Change in color vision where colours appear muted or less bright than usual
- Double vision that can persist even when one eye is closed
- Changes in sight that lead to a person slowly becoming more nearsighted
- Changes in your ability to see in low-light conditions, such as at night
- Halos around light sources
Common Risk Factors Associated With Cataracts
Risk factors for cataracts include:
- Genetic predisposition
- Corticosteroid use
- Eye trauma or injury
- Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light or radiation therapy
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Down syndrome
- Congenital rubella
2. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Age-related macular degeneration can cause cloudy vision because it damages the central part of the retina, the area of the eye that’s responsible for sharp and central vision. This area is known as the macula.
Other symptoms that can develop in AMD include:
- Blurry vision
- Difficulty seeing at night or in low-light conditions
- Straight lines may start to appear wavy or crooked
- Seeing blank spots in vision
- Dulled colours
Risk Factors for AMD
People over the age of 55 are more likely to develop AMD, but there are other risk factors, including:
- Family history
- History of smoking
- If you are of Caucasian descent
3. Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that can develop in people with uncontrolled diabetes due to the abnormal growth of blood vessels in the retina. In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy typically has no symptoms.
As the disease progresses, the vision changes and loss can happen quickly, and other symptoms, besides cloudy vision, can include:
- Distorted images
- Darkened images
- Blurred vision that isn’t the same in both eyes
- Vision that changes from blurry to clear
- Seeing an increased number of floaters in the eye
- Seeing dark spots or blank areas
- Having reduced night vision
- Colors appearing washed out or faded
- Vision loss
Diabetic Retinopathy Risk Factors
Having type 1 or type 2 diabetes is the most significant risk factor associated with diabetic retinopathy and vision loss. Over 50% of people who have diabetes will develop diabetic retinopathy. That said, those most at risk are those with uncontrolled diabetes or people who develop pregnancy-related diabetes, known as gestational diabetes.
4. Eye Infections and Inflammation
Having an infection or inflammation in the eye can lead to cloudy vision because it affects the parts of the eye responsible for vision. Several conditions can lead to cloudy vision, including:
- Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea, the clear dome at the front of the eye)
- Uveitis (inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye)
- Scleritis (inflammation of the sclera, the white of the eye)
- Certain autoimmune diseases
Types of Autoimmune Diseases That Affect The Eyes
Several autoimmune diseases can affect the eyes and vision, including:
5. Fuchs’ Dystrophy
While less common, Fuchs’ dystrophy can also lead to cloudy vision. The progressive eye disease affects the clear front surface of the eye, known as the cornea, causing the cells to break down slowly. This leads to swelling and a build-up of fluids in the area, which can cause cloudy vision and other changes.
In the early stages of the disease, or stage one, you may notice mild haziness in the eye along with blurry vision. As it progresses to stage two, other symptoms can develop, including:
- A sandy or gritty sensation in the eyes
- An increased sensitivity to bright lights
- Worsening of eye symptoms in humid conditions
Risk Factors Associated with Fuchs’ Dystrophy
While anyone can develop Fuchs’ dystrophy, it is more commonly found in women. Those with a family history are also at an increased risk.
When to See an Eye Doctor
If you experience cloudy vision, consult an eye doctor (optometrist or ophthalmologist). Since the symptom is associated with many conditions, it’s essential to receive a proper diagnosis so that you can initiate treatment, if available. You should also see an eye doctor if you experience:
Key Takeaways
- Cloudy vision appears hazy, foggy, and colors can look muted or faded.
- Cloudy vision can be accompanied by other eye symptoms, which develop in any number of conditions that affect the eyes, including cataracts, AMD, diabetic retinopathy, and inflammatory eye conditions.
- It’s essential to see an eye doctor for any vision changes you experience that are unexplained, come on suddenly, or gradually worsen over time.
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