Why do I still see blurry even though I wear glasses?

12 December 2025

Wearing glasses should improve your vision immediately, but many people still feel they see blurry even with a recent prescription. This can be frustrating and, in some cases, a sign that something else is affecting visual quality.

Below are the most common causes.

1. Your prescription is no longer accurate

Refractive errors—myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism—can change over time. If your prescription is over a year old, it may no longer match your visual needs.

Signs your prescription has changed:

• You see well up close but blurry at a distance (or vice versa).

• You feel like you have to strain to focus.

• You get headaches after using your glasses.

2. Dry eye: a very common cause of blurry vision

When the surface of the eye is dry or inflamed, images stop appearing sharp. Even with the perfect glasses, your vision may fluctuate throughout the day.

Accompanying symptoms:

• Itching, burning, or a gritty sensation.

• Blurry vision that improves when you blink.

• Discomfort when using screens.

3. Corneal changes: keratoconus or other irregularities

In some cases, the cornea can change shape, making conventional glasses unable to provide clear vision.

It may be suspected when:

• Vision remains blurry even with a new prescription.

• Your prescription changes frequently.

• There is light sensitivity or visual distortion.

4. Cataracts or early cataracts

As the natural lens of the eye loses transparency, vision becomes blurry, cloudy, or less bright.

More common in:

• People over 50.

• Individuals with diabetes.

• Patients with high sun exposure.

5. Digital eye strain

Even with the correct glasses, long hours in front of computers or mobile screens can cause fluctuating vision.

It presents as:

• Blurriness at the end of the day.

• Heavy or tired eyes.

• Difficulty maintaining focus.

What should I do if I still see blurry with my glasses?

The most important thing is not to get used to seeing poorly. Blurry vision doesn’t always mean you just need to “update your prescription”—sometimes it’s a sign you need a more complete evaluation.

At the Espaillat Cabral Institute, we offer comprehensive evaluations that include:

• Precise measurement of refractive errors.

• Assessment of conditions that affect vision, even if you already wear glasses.

• Advanced technology approved by international standards and accredited in Healthcare Quality by ACHC in the United States.