Macular Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Eye Health Concerns

Macular issues

Hello Doctor: My left and right eye prescriptions are -8.00 and -8.25, with a flash sensitivity of around 300.
I have been regularly visiting an ophthalmologist for check-ups.
Besides having elevated intraocular pressure for which I am using eye drops, I was recently diagnosed with early signs of cataracts in my right eyelid, but the doctor said it is not a concern at the moment.
Currently, there are no other abnormalities.
However, two weeks ago, I woke up one morning and felt that my left eye prescription had suddenly increased.
There seems to be a film in the center of my vision, while the peripheral vision appears brighter.
I immediately consulted a doctor and underwent a fundus examination, which did not reveal any issues.
A week later, although my vision felt somewhat restored, I noticed that when I close one eye and open the other, the left eye appears dimmer than the right.
It is also more difficult to see in darker environments, and objects appear yellowish, as if covered by a light yellow film.
What could be the problem? 2.
If there is a slight issue with the macula, can it be detected immediately? If there are abnormalities in the photoreceptor cells of the eye, can they be identified in the early stages? 3.
I tend to get fundus examinations whenever I have symptoms, sometimes with less than a month between visits.
Could this frequency potentially harm my eyes? Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Xiao Hong, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/03/18

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology

1.
If you have been examined and confirmed that there are no issues, there is no need to worry too much.

2.
The macula is usually very sensitive; if there is a problem, you can generally sense it yourself, but it may not always be detectable during an examination.

3.
Pupil dilation will not cause any harm to the eyes, so you can rest assured.

Reply Date: 2017/03/18

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding your eye health. Based on the symptoms you've described, it appears that you may be experiencing a range of issues that could be related to macular health, as well as other ocular conditions. Let’s break down your questions and concerns systematically.

1. Symptoms of Macular Issues: The symptoms you mentioned, such as a sudden increase in prescription, a film over your central vision, and difficulty seeing in low light, could indicate potential macular problems. The macula is the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. When there are changes in the macula, it can lead to symptoms like blurred vision, distortion, or even a loss of central vision. The yellowish tint you describe could be related to a number of factors, including the presence of fluid or changes in the retinal pigment epithelium.

2. Diagnosis of Macular Issues: Diagnosing macular issues typically involves a comprehensive eye examination, including visual acuity tests, dilated fundus examination, and possibly imaging tests such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). While some macular conditions can be detected early, others may not present clear signs until they have progressed. For example, conditions like macular degeneration or diabetic macular edema may require specialized imaging to identify changes in the retinal layers.

3. Frequency of Eye Examinations: It is commendable that you are proactive about your eye health by seeking regular examinations. However, it’s essential to balance the frequency of these visits with the need for your eyes to remain undisturbed. Frequent examinations, especially if they involve dilation or other interventions, can lead to temporary discomfort but are unlikely to cause long-term harm. It is advisable to follow your eye care provider's recommendations regarding the timing of your visits based on your specific conditions.

4. Concerns About Cataracts and Eye Pressure: You mentioned having early signs of cataracts and elevated intraocular pressure. While cataracts can cause blurred vision and changes in color perception, they typically develop slowly. If your doctor has advised that your cataracts are not yet significant, it’s essential to monitor them regularly. Elevated eye pressure can be a risk factor for glaucoma, so continuing to use prescribed medications is crucial.

5. Next Steps: Given your symptoms, it would be prudent to discuss with your eye care provider the possibility of further testing, such as OCT, which can provide detailed images of the macula and help identify any early changes. Additionally, if you notice any sudden changes in your vision, such as flashes of light or new floaters, it is vital to seek immediate attention.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be concerning, regular monitoring and appropriate testing can help manage and potentially mitigate any serious issues. Always communicate openly with your eye care provider about your symptoms and concerns, as they can provide tailored advice and treatment options based on your specific situation.

Take care of your eye health, and don’t hesitate to reach out for further clarification or assistance.

Best regards,
Doctor Q&A Teams

[Your Institution/Practice]

Similar Q&A

Understanding Eye Issues: Symptoms, Conditions, and Prevention Tips

Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about the bluish-green appearance of the eyes. Additionally, what is macular degeneration, cataracts, and dry eye syndrome? How can they be prevented? Can they be self-assessed, or do I need to visit a clinic for an examination? Thank you.

Dr. Chen Anping reply Ophthalmology
A detailed examination at the clinic is necessary.

Understanding Macular Degeneration: Symptoms, Risks, and Next Steps

Hello, Doctor. I have an eye examination every six months, but I haven't gone this time (the last one was about eight months ago). I was previously informed that I have macular degeneration, which the doctor mentioned is common in people with high myopia (my vision in both e...

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology
Hello, please minimize eye strain and take regular breaks. Regular check-ups are important, so there's no need to worry too much. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Tsai Wen-Yuan, Director of the Ophthalmology Department, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Heal...

Understanding Retinal Disorders: Shadows, Glare, and Vision Issues

Hello, Doctor. This month I went to see an ophthalmologist, and after undergoing a fundus examination, the doctor said everything was fine, so I went home. A few days later, I started experiencing afterimages, halos, and glare, so I went to another ophthalmologist. After another ...

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology
Hello, retinal diseases may be a general term, and you can consult your physician for more information. Macular degeneration can be examined using OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography). Glaucoma has a different definition. Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Tsai Wen-Y...

Understanding Retinal Exams for Floaters and Macular Health

Hello Doctor, thank you for your previous response. After the examination for my photopsia symptoms, the clinic doctor said there was no issue, so I gradually stopped paying attention to it. However, the doctor mentioned it could be due to excessive use of electronic devices. Rec...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello, Student Chen: 1. First, the issue of flashes is generally not caused by the macula. Regular examinations of the retina can reveal changes in the macula. 2. It is not significantly related to fatigue. 3. Blue light filtering is likely unnecessary, but ultraviolet light fil...