Health information to help you understand symptoms. It isn't a diagnosis.
Check symptoms

Blurry vision in one eye or pain moving the eye

Also called: Optic neuritis, one-eye vision loss, painful eye movement

Blurry vision in one eye, especially with pain when moving the eye, can be optic neuritis, inflammation of the nerve that connects the eye to the brain. It's often linked to multiple sclerosis. Sudden vision loss in one eye always needs care right away. Vision often recovers within weeks.

Common causesOptic neuritis, uveitis, retinal problems, stroke
Usually serious?Can be
Get checked ifAlways, the same day
If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Thinking about suicide? Call or text 988.

Overview

Optic neuritis usually causes vision loss in one eye over hours to days, pain with eye movement, dim or faded colors, and changes in how the pupil reacts to light. It's most common in young adults, especially women.

It can be the first sign of multiple sclerosis. Vision often returns to normal within 2 to 3 weeks. Other causes of sudden blurry vision in one eye include a retinal detachment, a blocked blood vessel in the eye, and stroke.

When to get medical care

Call 911Sudden vision loss with weakness, numbness, trouble speaking, or a drooping face.
Get care todaySudden blurry vision or vision loss in one eye, especially with eye pain. Loss of color vision. A curtain or shadow over vision. Flashes and new floaters.
See a doctor soonVision that's not improving after optic neuritis. Repeated episodes. Other nerve symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness.

Causes

Causes include optic neuritis (often linked to multiple sclerosis or other autoimmune conditions), uveitis, retinal detachment, blocked retinal artery or vein, giant cell arteritis, migraine, infections like syphilis, Lyme disease, and shingles, and, less often, tumors pressing on the optic nerve.

OwieClear has pages on 3 conditions that can cause blurry vision in one eye or pain moving the eye. Each shows how soon to get care.

Common causes

What you can do at home

  • Get checked the same day.
  • Don't drive until your vision is checked.
  • Keep follow-up visits and report any new symptoms.

Medicines

Optic neuritis may be treated with IV steroids, which can speed recovery. If tests suggest multiple sclerosis, other treatments may be started. Other causes are treated based on what's found.

At the doctor

The provider will check your vision and optic nerve and look for related conditions.

Questions you may be asked

  • When the vision change started
  • Pain with eye movement
  • Color vision changes
  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness
  • Past episodes

The exam

A full eye exam with pupil testing and a dilated exam.

Tests

  • Vision and color vision tests
  • Visual field testing
  • An MRI of the brain and optic nerves
  • Blood tests for related conditions

Prevention

Most causes can't be prevented, but early care protects vision.

  • Get sudden vision changes checked right away
  • Keep follow-up visits

Check your symptoms

Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.

Start the symptom checker

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.