A number of different conditions can cause blurred vision and dizziness, and some are more serious than others. Simple dehydration or deficiencies in certain essential vitamins and minerals are some of the easiest to resolve, while low blood pressure, migraine headaches, and the medical condition of fibromyalgia often take a more aggressive approach. People who have suffered concussions or other head injuries may also experience these symptoms as a side effect of the trauma, and both blurred vision and dizziness are common in pregnancy.
Dehydration
The human body is mostly made up of water, which makes staying hydrated really important for the proper functioning of many different organs, including the brain. People who are extremely dehydrated may experience blurred vision and dizziness as fluids leak from the brain. This causes different processing centers to stop handling information efficiently. People can often reverse this by sitting down and slowly drinking water, juice, or an electrolyte-rich beverage. Things will usually return to normal within an hour or so, depending on the severity of the dehydration; However, if things don't get better, or if they get worse, doctors usually recommend that people come in for an evaluation.
Diet and vitamin deficiencies
Water isn't the only thing the body needs for optimal function, and people sometimes experience dizziness and vision problems if their diets are deficient in certain key nutrients. Vitamin B-12 and folate are two of the most common, but iron levels are also very important. Deficiencies usually have to be chronic, that is, they must have been going on for a long time to start causing damage, and the effects can be severe. In most cases, blurred vision is a sign that things in the brain are starting to shut down in response to poor nutrition. Repairing this can take a long time, but in most cases a full recovery is possible with the proper nutrient regimen and a balanced diet.
Low blood pressure
Symptoms that are only temporary or that seem to come and go may be the result of low blood pressure. When blood doesn't circulate properly throughout the body, the brain and heart usually receive blood more slowly than necessary. The effects are often more pronounced when people suddenly stand up or begin a vigorous exercise routine. Many people with low blood pressure who have fainted report feeling dizzy and their vision blurring in the minutes before they pass out.
Medicines
Certain medications can also cause these symptoms, usually as a side effect. Beta-blockers, which are commonly prescribed for glaucoma, high blood pressure, and various heart conditions, are frequent culprits here, but birth control and fertility drugs can also be to blame. Symptoms usually go away as the body gets used to the medication, but if not, a change in dosage or prescription may help alleviate the problem.
migraines
Migraines are usually described as really bad, often completely debilitating headaches that can last for days. People who suffer from these sometimes report having blurred vision immediately before the headache appears, almost as a harbinger or warning; many people also feel dizzy during the height of an episode or spell.
Concussions and other head injuries
Brain injuries are another explanation for these symptoms. Concussions, which are basically "brain contusions" that occur when the brain hits the hard surface of the skull, are generally among the least serious. In these cases, vision problems and dizziness may occur soon after the bruising occurs, but they usually go away as the brain heals. More severe trauma or lasting damage can cause symptoms that are much more permanent. Most experts recommend that anyone who experiences double or blurred vision along with dizziness after a head injury seek immediate treatment to rule out serious problems, or treat them immediately if they are present. Problems like brain hemorrhage can often be corrected if caught early on, but can lead to permanent disability if left unchecked.
fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia, a nervous system disorder, can cause a variety of problems, but blurred vision and dizziness are often some of the most common. However, these symptoms rarely occur in isolation and are almost always accompanied by extreme pain and tenderness in the joints. Not all fibromyalgia medications are effective at treating all symptoms, but in most cases it's fairly easy to control balance and vision problems. Much depends on the severity of the condition and the nature of the patient's individual attacks.
Diabetes
People who are diabetic often experience these symptoms together when their blood sugar is out of balance. Diabetes is a condition characterized by an excessively high blood sugar level. Too much sugar in the blood can cause a variety of problems, but dizziness and blurred vision make the list. Diabetics who regulate their insulin levels and keep their disease under control can often avoid these symptoms almost entirely.
The pregnancy
Pregnant women can also experience these symptoms, particularly in the first trimester. Building a baby is a lot of work, and the body's circulatory system goes through many changes to support the growth of life. Many women experience temporary drops in blood pressure in the first weeks and months of pregnancy, and many say that vision problems and dizziness were one of the first signs they expected. In most cases, these will go away as the baby grows and the woman's body adjusts.