11/20/2025
“Dr. Katsman, my vision sometimes gets blurry or feels like it’s drifting. It happens when I’m driving, working at the computer, or even reading. Is this coming from my eyes or my brain?”
I hear this question more often than you might think. And the answer is simple: blurry or “floating” vision is not something to ignore or blame on being tired.
Sometimes the cause is truly in the brain. Migraines can do this. Patients describe flashing lights, shimmering lines, or a picture that seems to shake. Some get it before a headache, others never develop a headache at all. Imagine driving on the freeway and the edges of objects start to blur. This is more than discomfort. It’s a safety risk.
But many times the problem starts in the eyes. The retina is extremely sensitive to changes in pressure, blood flow, or inflammation. People tell me things like:
• “Everything looks darker, like someone turned the brightness down.”
• “One eye is blurry, the other is fine.”
• “There’s a cloudy spot on the side, and it won’t go away.”
These can be early signs of macular swelling, vascular problems, or small retinal tears. And yes, this calls for an ophthalmologist, not a massage therapist, even a great one.
There is also what patients describe as “stress.” It’s important to understand that stress doesn’t create blurry vision out of nowhere. It only makes existing issues more noticeable, whether it’s a migraine, a blood flow problem, or a retinal condition.
When you need to schedule an eye exam:
• if the blurriness keeps coming back
• if it affects only one eye
• if you see flashes, shadows, a “curtain,” or sudden fog
• if your vision gets worse after physical activity
When your vision acts strangely, this is not the time to experiment or wait it out. This is the time to check your eyes and, if needed, evaluate the optic nerve, blood vessels, and retina.
Your ophthalmologist in Los Angeles, Diana Katsman.
We offer same-day emergency visits when urgent care is needed, because with your vision, every hour matters.
📞 Call to schedule your appointment: 310-773-1280
We accept almost all types of insurance - MediCal, Medi-Cal HMO, Medicare-MediCal, most PPO insurances, and commercial insurances, including Multiplan. We offer special cash discount rates and same-day urgent visits if you don't have insurance!
📨 myretinahealth@gmail.com
📍4849 Van Nuys Blvd, Suite 202A, Sherman Oaks.
