Visual Disturbances: Possible Causes and Concerns

Floaters Macula

Hello Doctor: My left and right eye prescriptions are both around 800.
I am regularly using eye pressure medication and having my condition checked.
When looking at darker colors, such as brown or yellow backgrounds, I feel like there is a light drizzle or something faintly moving down, similar to a poor television screen, but it is not as pronounced as floaters and moves slowly, primarily in my central vision.
This occurred once when I looked out the window and thought it was raining, but then I realized it wasn't.
I had an eye examination before noticing this symptom, and there were no issues at that time.
However, there is still some time before my next check-up, so I would like to ask the doctor what this could be.

Mr. Hong, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/06/13

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology

I still suspect that it is caused by floaters.
If there is a noticeable increase in their number, it is advisable to seek a retinal examination promptly.

Reply Date: 2017/06/13

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding your visual disturbances. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing some unusual visual phenomena, particularly when viewing certain colors and backgrounds. Let's break down the possible causes and concerns related to your symptoms.

Possible Causes of Visual Disturbances
1. Visual Disturbances Related to Refractive Errors: Given that you have a high degree of myopia (around -800), it's possible that your visual disturbances could be related to the refractive error itself. Myopia can cause various visual distortions, especially in low-light conditions or when viewing certain colors. The perception of a "rain-like" effect could be due to the way light is refracted through your lenses or the eye's natural lens.

2. Retinal Issues: Although you mentioned that previous eye examinations did not reveal any significant problems, it is essential to consider the possibility of retinal changes, especially in high myopia. Conditions such as retinal tears or detachments, or even changes in the vitreous gel, can lead to visual disturbances. These conditions may not always be apparent in routine examinations, so if your symptoms persist or worsen, further evaluation, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), may be warranted.

3. Visual Snow Syndrome: The symptoms you describe, such as seeing "a fine rain" or "strings" in your vision, could be indicative of a condition known as visual snow syndrome. This condition is characterized by the perception of visual static or disturbances, often accompanied by other visual symptoms. While the exact cause is still under investigation, it is essential to discuss this possibility with your eye care provider.

4. Cataracts: Although you are relatively young, cataracts can develop in myopic individuals and can cause visual disturbances, particularly in low-light conditions. They can lead to a perception of halos, glare, and other visual anomalies. A thorough examination of the lens of your eye may help rule this out.

5. Neurological Factors: Sometimes, visual disturbances can be linked to neurological issues, such as migraines or other conditions affecting the visual pathways in the brain. If you have a history of migraines, this could be a contributing factor.

Recommendations
1. Schedule an Eye Examination: Since your symptoms have changed or worsened, I recommend scheduling an appointment with your eye care provider as soon as possible. Be sure to mention all your symptoms in detail, including the specific visual disturbances you are experiencing.

2. Consider Advanced Imaging: If your eye doctor has not yet performed an OCT or other advanced imaging tests, it may be beneficial to request these tests. They can provide a more detailed view of the retina and other structures in the eye.

3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a log of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their duration, and any associated factors (like lighting conditions or specific activities). This information can be invaluable for your eye care provider in diagnosing the issue.

4. Manage Anxiety: It’s understandable to feel anxious about visual disturbances, especially when they are new or concerning. Consider discussing your feelings with a healthcare professional who can provide support and strategies for managing anxiety related to health concerns.

5. Follow-Up: Regular follow-up appointments are crucial, especially given your history of high myopia and current symptoms. Staying proactive about your eye health can help catch any potential issues early.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be related to your refractive error or other benign conditions, it is essential to have a thorough examination to rule out any serious underlying issues. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your eye care provider for further evaluation and peace of mind.

Best wishes for your eye health,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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