Eye Floaters and Vision Changes After Injury

The appearance of cloudy substances in the eye?

Hello, Doctor.
I have high myopia of -900 diopters in both eyes.
I live in Taipei, and last year while playing basketball, I was accidentally hit in the eye by an opponent's hand, which caused my right contact lens to come off.
At that moment, I didn't feel anything unusual, so I put it back on and continued playing.
However, afterward, I noticed an increase in my floaters, and within a month of exercising, my right eye's vision became slightly blurry, but it returned to normal after blinking.

What concerns me more is that I discovered a small opaque spot in my right eye that moves in the opposite direction of my gaze.
Typically, floaters move in the same direction as the eye, but this opaque spot sometimes lands right in my line of sight (like when I look down at my phone, although I don't usually use my phone excessively).
Additionally, sometimes my right eye feels like it has a thin layer of white mist, but it disappears after blinking.

I have seen six doctors so far (four at clinics and two at a large hospital), and they all said there is nothing wrong with my right eye.
Should I just adapt to this condition, or should I seek another opinion from a different doctor? Last week, I experienced discomfort again (the frequency of the white mist increased, and the opaque spot remains), and once again, they found no issues.
However, they discovered a retinal tear in my left eye that requires laser treatment.

Could this tear have formed within the last three months without any trauma? I have stopped playing basketball and switched to badminton, and I am not wearing contact lenses.
If left untreated, is there a chance it could heal on its own? Should I seek another doctor for a diagnosis? Thank you for taking the time to respond!

Niming, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/12

Dr. Wang Zhishun reply Ophthalmology

Hello, based on your description, it seems to still be symptoms related to the vitreous.
Since you have undergone multiple examinations, you should feel reassured.
If the symptoms remain unchanged, regular monitoring will suffice.

Reply Date: 2016/04/12

More Info

Hello! Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding your eye health after the injury. It sounds like you've been through a lot, and it's understandable to feel anxious about your vision changes and the presence of floaters. Let's break down your situation and address your questions.

Firstly, eye floaters are common, especially in individuals with high myopia (nearsightedness) like yourself. They occur when the vitreous gel inside the eye becomes more liquid and the collagen fibers within it clump together, casting shadows on the retina. This is often exacerbated by trauma, such as the incident you experienced while playing basketball. The fact that you noticed an increase in floaters after the injury is not unusual, and the "cloudy" sensation you described could be related to changes in the vitreous gel or even transient changes in the cornea or lens.

The peculiar behavior of the "cloudy" object moving in the opposite direction of your gaze is interesting. Typically, floaters move in the same direction as your eye movement, but if this is a new phenomenon, it could be worth monitoring. However, since multiple eye specialists have examined your eye and found no significant abnormalities, it may be a matter of adaptation. Your brain often learns to ignore these floaters over time, which can help reduce their impact on your vision.

Regarding the white mist or "hazy" sensation you experience, this could be due to several factors, including dryness, transient changes in the tear film, or even a mild corneal issue. If blinking alleviates the symptom, it may indicate a temporary issue rather than a structural problem. However, if this sensation persists or worsens, further evaluation may be warranted.

As for the retinal tear you mentioned in your left eye, it's crucial to take this seriously. Retinal tears can lead to retinal detachment, which is a sight-threatening condition. While some retinal tears can heal on their own, many require laser treatment to prevent complications. The formation of a retinal tear can occur without any trauma, and it’s not uncommon for individuals with high myopia to develop them. If your doctor has recommended laser treatment, it is generally advisable to proceed with it to safeguard your vision.

In terms of whether you should seek another opinion, if you feel that your concerns are not being adequately addressed or if your symptoms change or worsen, it is always reasonable to consult another eye specialist. Sometimes, a fresh perspective can provide additional insights or alternative treatment options.

Lastly, while adapting to new visual experiences is often part of the healing process, it is essential to remain vigilant about any changes in your vision. Regular follow-ups with your eye care provider are crucial, especially given your history of high myopia and the recent retinal findings.

In summary, while some of your symptoms may be related to the natural aging of the vitreous or the aftermath of your injury, your retinal health is paramount. Follow your doctor's advice regarding the retinal tear, and don't hesitate to seek further evaluation if your symptoms persist or worsen. Your vision is invaluable, and proactive management is key to maintaining it. Take care!

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