What causes dizziness and blurred vision?

Dizziness and blurred vision can be triggered by various conditions, a reaction to medication and even stress. Whether symptoms are mild or severe, it is important to pinpoint what may have caused dizziness or blurry vision to occur. 

Depending on the underlying cause, occurrences of blurred vision and dizziness are often accompanied by nausea, headache and light-headedness, among other symptoms. If blurred vision and dizziness are prolonged or other serious symptoms develop, it is recommended to contact a doctor. 

Common causes of dizziness and blurred vision 

Some triggers of dizziness and vision blurriness may be more serious than others. The following conditions may be to blame for experiencing both sensations:  

1. Anxiety and stress 

When anxiety and stress become overwhelming, an anxiety attack or panic attack can ensue. Adrenaline levels may increase during both of these events, which can cause physical symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision and tunnel vision (among other physical and emotional symptoms). 

Managing stress and anxiety may help you to cope with the physical effects they may bring. Consider stress relieving activities, breathing exercises or consulting a doctor for treating severe cases. 

2. Medication 

Some medications can have side effects, including dizzy spells, general dizziness and blurred vision. Reactions may vary from person to person. Taking multiple medications at the same time or drinking alcohol with some medication can also enhance symptoms. 

If you recently started taking a new medicine — whether prescribed or over-the-counter — it is recommended to report any concerns about side effects to a doctor, who may suggest an alternative treatment. 

3. Alcohol 

Excessive alcohol consumption can have many effects on the body, including dizziness and blurred vision. When drinking alcohol, remember to eat enough food for your body to absorb the nutrients it needs, and to drink enough water to help keep your system hydrated and in balance. 

4. Low blood sugar 

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is commonly associated with diabetes, though other circumstances like fasting and reactions to medication can trigger it as well. Low blood sugar can lead to a light-headed feeling, fatigue and hunger, as well as dizziness and blurred vision. 

Eating a snack or drinking a bit of juice can help relieve mild symptoms of low blood sugar, but if it becomes a recurring issue or other symptoms develop, it is recommended to contact a doctor.  

5. Concussion or brain injury 

Injuries to the brain may range from concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and can be caused by sporting accidents, car accidents, falls and more. Brain and head injuries can cause varying symptoms depending on the severity of the injury — blurred vision and dizziness are among these.  

Any head injury that causes distorted vision (not limited to blurred vision and dizziness) is recommended to be treated as an emergency and cared for at the ER or at an urgent care facility.  

SEE RELATED: Symptoms of concussions; TBI symptoms 

6. Migraine headache 

A migraine is an intense type of headache that may include nausea and sensitivity to sound and light. In many cases, migraines can also cause dizziness and blurred vision. Migraines can last anywhere from four to 72 hours.  

Some ways to help relieve a migraine headache may include taking a pain reliever, resting in a dark and quiet room, applying a warm or cool compress and massaging your temples. If migraines occur more than a few times a month or resist treatment, advanced treatment from a doctor may be required.  

SEE RELATED: Blurred vision and headaches 

7. Vertigo and balance disorders 

Balance disorders occur when there is an issue in the vestibular system, a group of structures, such as the inner ear, and nerve pathways that help with balance. Conditions that affect this system include Ménière’s disease, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), and vestibular neuritis. 

A common symptom of balance disorders is vertigo, a sudden feeling of imbalance and spinning that occurs even while a person is sitting or standing still. Blurred vision may occur with the dizziness of a vertigo spell. Other common causes of vertigo include dehydration, migraine headaches and sudden head movement. 

8. Motion Sickness 

Motion sickness can be triggered by continuous movement in a variety of circumstances, including traveling in a car or standing next to a moving body of water. Motion sickness can have other uncomfortable feelings, such as nausea, dizziness and occasionally blurred vision. 

9. Stroke 

A stroke occurs when there is an interruption of the blood supply to the brain. There are many symptoms that can indicate a stroke, including trouble speaking, sudden onset headache and numbness or weakness on one side of the body or face. Symptoms can also include blurred vision and dizziness. 

Strokes require emergency care. It is recommended to call 911 if you suspect that someone is having a stroke.  

SEE RELATED: Is double vision a sign of a stroke? 

10. Vision conditions 

Some visual dysfunction and visual processing issues can play a role in dizziness and blurred vision. This may occur with vision conditions such as:  

• Vertical imbalance – A considerable misalignment of the visual perception between each eye  

• Anisometropia or antimetropia – A significant difference of vision prescriptions between each eye  

• Binocular vision dysfunction – A condition where the eyes struggle to work together to deliver an image to the brain 

• Retinal detachment – This severe eye problem occurs when the retina isn’t in its normal position. This may cause floaters (dark spots in the eyes) and may result in blurred vision. 

• Glaucoma – This group of eye diseases damages the optic nerve in the eye. One type of glaucoma, acute angle-closure glaucoma, can cause sudden blurred vision.  

SEE RELATED: Cogan's Syndrome 

11. New eyeglasses 

Adjusting to new eyeglasses or contacts prescription can also trigger mild dizziness and blurriness, but this may go away within a week or two of wear. If it doesn’t, it is recommended to contact an eye doctor with vision concerns, whether mild or severe.  

READ NEXT: Sudden blurry vision 

12. Blood Pressure Changes 

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against artery walls. Both high and low blood pressure may cause someone to experience vision blurriness. Low blood pressure can also cause dizziness.  

A sudden dip in blood pressure is more likely to cause dizziness. When this condition happens after someone stands up, it’s referred to as orthostatic hypotension. 

While high blood pressure doesn’t cause dizziness, some medications for it can cause someone to feel lightheaded or dizzy. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: Can dry eyes cause blurry vision and dizziness? 

A: Dry eyes may cause changes in vision, including blurred sight. Dry eyes and dizziness sometimes occur together, but one doesn't seem to cause the other. 

Q: Are dizziness and blurry vision signs of pregnancy? 

A: Pregnancy may cause dizziness, often as part of pregnancy-related vertigo. Not every pregnant person will experience this symptom, and dizziness on its own isn’t always an indicator of pregnancy.  

Q: Can allergies cause blurry vision and dizziness? 

A: While not the most common symptom, severe allergic reactions may cause dizziness or vision blurriness.