A PROBLEM SHARED
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Mo, Oxford “Headaches and blurred vision are caused by a number of reasons”
I’m 30 years old and I’ve been getting blurry vision and headaches for the past few months. I don’t wear glasses and should probably get my eyes checked, but most opticians are closed due to COVID- 19 and I really don’t want to bother my doctor. I’m OK to wait, right?
Headaches and blurred vision are caused by a number of reasons. You’re absolutely right, it could be that eye strain is causing your symptoms and you need glasses. Clinics are starting to reopen, so I would make an appointment ASAP.
However, there is also a small chance that your issues could be due to something more serious. Around 1 in 70 men in the UK are diagnosed with a brain tumour in their lifetime. Headaches are the most common symptom as growth of the tumour can cause an increase in pressure inside the skull. The headaches tend to be persistent and worsen over time, are worse in the morning or when doing anything that increases pressure inside your head ( such as coughing, sneezing, bending over or doing exercise).
Problems with your eyes can also be a sign. For example, worsening, blurred, double or tunnel vision and issues with eye movements can all be linked to brain tumours. Other symptoms include feeling sick and vomiting a lot, being very tired or lethargic, numbness or a change in sensation in your arms and legs, loss of balance or abnormal movements, seizures, and a change in behaviour or personality.
If you have been experiencing these over a long period of time, especially in association with a headache, you should get checked immediately. I would advise that if you can’t see your own doctor, then you should visit the emergency department as often these signs are ignored until it is too late.
Many people have been reluctant to visit their doctor or hospital because of COVID- 19. As a result, there is growing concern that important illnesses are being missed. Remember that the NHS is still open 24/ 7 for everything ( including non- COVID stuff ), and anyone with worrying symptoms is encouraged to get help. Many healthcare settings have really strict infection control measures in place to limit the chances of spreading coronavirus, and you may have to abide by these if you go to see someone, but don’t let that stop you.
Chances are that your problem might be sorted out by a pair of glasses, but even if an optician is not readily available, your doctor will be able to rule out anything more serious.