Eye Floaters: When to Worry and What to Expect - Ophthalmology

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Hello! Thank you for reaching out with your concerns about eye floaters and the visual disturbances you're experiencing. It’s understandable to feel anxious, especially when it comes to your vision, particularly given your profession that requires prolonged screen time. Let's break down your situation and address your concerns.

Firstly, it's important to clarify what floaters and light flashes (or "光圈" as you referred to them) are. Floaters are tiny spots or strands that drift through your field of vision, often more noticeable against a bright background. They are typically caused by changes in the vitreous humor, the gel-like substance that fills the eye, which can become more liquid with age or due to other factors. Light flashes, on the other hand, can occur when the vitreous pulls on the retina or when there is irritation of the retina itself.

Given your history of retinal laser treatment seven years ago, it’s crucial to monitor any changes in your vision closely. The fact that your recent examinations, including a dilated eye exam, showed no significant issues is reassuring. Your doctor’s assessment that what you are experiencing is typical of floaters is a positive sign. However, the appearance of new symptoms, such as the light circles you mentioned, can understandably raise concerns.

The light circles you see could be related to several factors. They may be a result of visual fatigue, especially considering your extensive computer use. Prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain, which may manifest as discomfort, blurred vision, and even visual disturbances like the ones you described. It’s also possible that these symptoms could be exacerbated by stress or anxiety, which can heighten your awareness of visual phenomena.

In terms of whether these light circles will persist, it varies from person to person. Many individuals who experience floaters and light flashes find that they become less noticeable over time as they adapt to them. However, if you notice any sudden changes in your vision, such as an increase in the number of floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow or curtain effect in your peripheral vision, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention. These could be signs of a more serious condition, such as a retinal tear or detachment.

To manage your current symptoms and reduce eye strain, consider the following recommendations:
1. Regular Breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This helps reduce eye fatigue.

2. Proper Lighting: Ensure that your workspace is well-lit to minimize glare on your screen, which can contribute to eye strain.

3. Screen Settings: Adjust the brightness and contrast of your screen to comfortable levels. Consider using blue light filters or glasses designed to reduce digital eye strain.

4. Hydration and Nutrition: Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants that support eye health, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which you are already supplementing with.

5. Regular Eye Exams: Continue to have regular check-ups with your eye care professional to monitor your eye health, especially given your history of retinal treatment.

Lastly, if your anxiety about your vision persists, consider discussing this with a mental health professional. They can provide strategies to help manage your anxiety, which may, in turn, alleviate some of the visual disturbances you are experiencing.

In conclusion, while floaters and light circles can be concerning, they are often benign, especially when evaluated by an eye care professional. Continue to monitor your symptoms, practice good eye care habits, and don’t hesitate to seek further evaluation if your symptoms change. Take care, and I wish you the best in maintaining your eye health!