Yellowish Vision After Laser Treatment: Causes and Concerns

Yellowish vision

Hello Doctor, I am highly myopic.
In February of this year, I had a retinal examination, and the doctor mentioned that I have an old small tear.
Although it doesn't affect my vision, she still recommended reinforcement.
After undergoing laser treatment, I started experiencing occasional twitching of my lower eyelid a week later.
During these twitches, I see a flash of white light below my eye, which occurs more frequently in the dark.
However, when I followed up in May and mentioned this to the doctor, she said there was no problem.

Since the surgery, my left eye feels more fatigued, and sometimes there is an inconsistency in how my eyes adjust to light; for instance, in the dark, my left eye seems darker while my right eye appears brighter, but this normalizes after a while.
I initially thought it was due to the desk lamp being on the left side, so I didn’t pay much attention to it.
Recently, I noticed that when looking at white backgrounds (like screens and books), the color tone in my left eye sometimes appears more yellow, while my right eye looks brighter and whiter, though sometimes they appear consistent.
There is no distortion in my vision, and I don’t feel any loss of vision.

I feel very anxious and am afraid it could be macular degeneration (I checked with an Amsler grid and found no issues) or cataracts, or other causes.

1.
What could the white light in the first paragraph indicate? Could it be due to eye strain? (I have heard that retinal issues are generally asymptomatic, but I am experiencing muscle twitching.)
2.
Is the fatigue in my left eye and the inconsistency in light adjustment between my eyes due to the light source, or could there be other underlying causes?
3.
Is the darker (more yellow) tone in my left eye related to the laser surgery? If not, what could be the reason? (When I increase the brightness of a white screen, I can see it as white with my left eye, but when I dim it, it appears darker; however, sometimes both eyes see the same brightness.)
P.S.
I need to work long hours in front of a computer (I have been working for six months now), and I really feel anxious.
Please, doctor, I would greatly appreciate your response! Thank you very much!!

Xiao Ai, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/07/11

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology

1.
Your description may be "photopsia," which is caused by traction on the retina.
Since you regularly undergo retinal examinations, there is no need for concern.
2.
You might try adjusting the position of the light source to see if that helps; I am also unable to determine the exact cause! 3.
The area affected by your laser treatment should be very small and should not impact your color vision.
Please rest assured; however, I have no concept of why there might be instability in your color perception in both eyes, so I cannot provide an answer to that.

Reply Date: 2017/07/11

More Info

Understanding yellowish vision after laser treatment can be a source of concern, especially for individuals with a history of high myopia and retinal issues. Based on your description, it seems you have experienced several symptoms following your laser treatment, including visual disturbances and fatigue in your left eye. Let's address your concerns systematically.

1. The White Light Phenomenon: The flashes of white light you are experiencing, particularly when your eyelid twitches, could be indicative of a phenomenon known as "phosphenes." This occurs when the retina is stimulated, either by pressure or other stimuli, and can sometimes be linked to muscle spasms around the eye. While it is true that retinal issues often do not present with noticeable symptoms, the twitching and accompanying visual sensations could be related to eye strain, especially if you have recently increased your screen time due to work. It is essential to ensure that you are taking regular breaks from screen time to reduce eye fatigue, which can exacerbate these symptoms.

2. Eye Fatigue and Light Adjustment: The fatigue in your left eye and the inconsistency in light adjustment between your two eyes could be due to several factors. One possibility is that your left eye is experiencing more strain, which could be a result of the laser treatment or simply due to the demands of your work environment. If your left eye is not adjusting to light as efficiently as your right, it could be a sign of temporary changes in your visual system post-surgery. However, if this discrepancy persists, it may warrant further investigation to rule out any underlying conditions.

3. Yellowish Tint in Vision: The yellowish tint you perceive in your left eye when viewing white backgrounds could be related to several factors. Post-laser surgery, some patients report changes in color perception, although this is not universally experienced. The yellowish tint may also be influenced by the lighting conditions or the fatigue in your eye. If your left eye is more fatigued, it may not process colors as accurately as your right eye. Additionally, prolonged exposure to screens can lead to digital eye strain, which may affect color perception and contrast sensitivity.
It is crucial to monitor these symptoms closely. If the yellow tint persists or worsens, or if you begin to experience other symptoms such as distortion in vision or increased sensitivity to light, it would be advisable to consult your ophthalmologist for a comprehensive evaluation. They may perform tests to assess your retinal health and ensure that no complications from the laser treatment are developing.

In summary, while some of your symptoms may be related to the recent laser treatment and increased screen time, it is essential to remain vigilant and proactive about your eye health. Regular follow-ups with your eye care provider will help ensure that any potential issues are addressed promptly. Additionally, consider implementing strategies to reduce eye strain, such as the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) and ensuring proper lighting while working. Your comfort and visual clarity are paramount, and addressing these concerns with your healthcare provider will help alleviate your anxiety.

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