Blurry Vision: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps - Ophthalmology

More Info

---

Hello! Thank you for reaching out with your concerns about your vision. Based on your description, it sounds like you are experiencing some significant visual disturbances, and I understand how worrying that can be, especially with your history of myopia and amblyopia. Let’s break down your concerns into manageable parts.

1. Blurry Vision and the "Veil" Effect: The sensation of seeing through a "veil" or a layer of gauze can be attributed to several factors. Given your high degree of myopia (left eye -650 degrees, right eye -625 degrees), you may be experiencing symptoms related to refractive errors, which can include blurred vision, especially if your glasses prescription is not up to date. Additionally, conditions such as dry eye syndrome, which can be exacerbated by prolonged screen time or environmental factors, might cause a similar sensation.
Since you mentioned that this blurriness worsens at night, it could also be related to the way your eyes adapt to lower light conditions. In dim lighting, the pupils dilate, which can lead to increased aberrations in vision, particularly in individuals with high myopia. Furthermore, if you have not been using your eyes properly or have been under stress, this could contribute to visual fatigue, leading to the symptoms you are experiencing.

It’s essential to give your eyes adequate rest, especially if you’ve been using screens frequently. The 20-20-20 rule is a good practice: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. However, if you’ve already been resting for a week without improvement, it’s crucial to seek further evaluation.

2. Concerns about Retinal Changes: Your concern about potential retinal issues is valid, especially given your history of amblyopia and high myopia. High myopia can increase the risk of retinal complications, including retinal detachment or degeneration. Symptoms such as persistent blurriness, especially if accompanied by flashes of light or new floaters, should prompt immediate evaluation by an eye care professional.

It is advisable to undergo a comprehensive eye examination, including a dilated fundus exam, to assess the health of your retina. This examination can help identify any signs of retinal disease or other underlying conditions that may be contributing to your visual symptoms.

3. Next Steps: Given your symptoms and the duration of your discomfort, I recommend the following steps:
- Schedule an Eye Exam: Make an appointment with an ophthalmologist or optometrist for a thorough eye examination. Ensure they perform a dilated exam to check for any retinal issues.

- Update Your Prescription: If you haven’t had your glasses prescription checked recently, it may be time to update it. An incorrect prescription can lead to significant visual discomfort.

- Consider Dry Eye Management: If dry eyes are contributing to your symptoms, consider using artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to alleviate discomfort.

- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your vision, including new floaters, flashes of light, or changes in the quality of your vision. Report these to your eye care provider.

In conclusion, while some visual disturbances can be benign, your symptoms warrant a thorough evaluation to rule out any serious conditions. Early detection and management are key to maintaining your eye health, especially with your history of myopia. Don't hesitate to seek help, and remember that taking care of your eyes is crucial for your overall well-being. I hope this information helps, and I wish you the best in your journey toward clearer vision!