Visual Disturbances: Waves in Peripheral Vision Explained

The appearance of wavy lines in peripheral vision?

Hello Dr.
He, this morning after working for about 2 hours, I started to see wavy lines in my left eye's afterimage, which lasted for about 5 minutes.
I closed my eyes to rest, and the symptoms disappeared without any accompanying physical discomfort.
I have been using the computer for a long time during work.
My refractive error is: Left eye -7.25 with astigmatism -2.00, Right eye -6.25 with astigmatism -2.50.
About 10 days ago, I experienced a similar symptom where the afterimage in my left eye appeared blurry after work in the evening.
I also closed my eyes to rest, and the symptoms lasted for about 1-2 minutes, again without any accompanying discomfort.
I would like to ask you if the above conditions can be diagnosed as any specific disease? Is there anything I need to pay special attention to? Thank you for taking the time to reply.
:) Eva

Eva, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/02/10

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology

Basically, if it is a disease, it is unlikely to resolve on its own.
Visual disturbances like these can be caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain.
Some may be accompanied by symptoms such as headaches, while others may not.
This is for your reference!

Reply Date: 2018/02/10

More Info

Hello Eva,
Thank you for your detailed description of your visual disturbances. Based on the symptoms you've described, it seems that you may be experiencing a phenomenon known as visual aura, which can occur in the context of migraine, even in the absence of a headache. This is characterized by transient visual disturbances, such as wavy lines, shimmering lights, or even temporary blurriness in your vision, which can last from a few minutes to about half an hour.

Your experience of seeing a water wave pattern in your peripheral vision, especially after prolonged computer use, could be related to several factors. First, extended screen time can lead to digital eye strain, which may cause temporary visual disturbances. However, the specific symptoms you describe—particularly the wavy lines—are more suggestive of a visual aura associated with migraine rather than simple eye strain.

In terms of your refractive errors (myopia and astigmatism), while they can contribute to visual discomfort, they are less likely to be the direct cause of the transient visual phenomena you are experiencing. It’s important to ensure that your glasses or contact lenses are up to date, as uncorrected vision can exacerbate eye strain and discomfort.

Given that your symptoms resolve quickly with rest and do not accompany any other physical discomfort, they may not indicate a serious underlying condition. However, it is crucial to monitor these symptoms closely. If you notice an increase in frequency, duration, or severity of these episodes, or if they begin to be accompanied by other symptoms such as headaches, nausea, or visual field loss, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare professional, preferably a neurologist or an ophthalmologist, for a comprehensive evaluation.

In the meantime, here are some recommendations to help manage your symptoms:
1. Take Regular Breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule while working on the computer—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This can help reduce eye strain.

2. Adjust Your Workspace: Ensure that your computer screen is at eye level and that you are sitting at a comfortable distance (about an arm's length away). Proper lighting can also help reduce glare on your screen.

3. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can exacerbate headaches and visual disturbances, so make sure you are drinking enough water throughout the day.

4. Manage Stress: Stress can trigger migraines and visual disturbances, so consider incorporating relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your routine.

5. Regular Eye Exams: Continue to have regular check-ups with your eye care professional to monitor your vision and any changes in your eye health.

If your symptoms persist or worsen, seeking a second opinion or further testing may be warranted. Conditions such as retinal detachment or other retinal issues can also cause visual disturbances, but these typically present with more severe symptoms and require immediate attention.

In summary, while your symptoms may be benign and related to migraine aura or digital eye strain, it is essential to remain vigilant and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns. Your eye health is important, and addressing these issues early can help prevent potential complications.

Take care, and I hope you find relief from your symptoms soon!

Similar Q&A

Understanding Visual Disturbances: Waves and Curves in Vision

Hello Doctor: I have myopia of -6.75 diopters in my right eye and -3.50 diopters in my left eye. I work long hours on the computer and have been wearing contact lenses for an extended period. Last month (February 20), I experienced a phenomenon where the peripheral vision in my r...

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology
Hello, Water Buffalo: Based on your description, it seems more like a prodromal symptom of a migraine. Although it is referred to as a migraine, it does not necessarily involve a headache; it may only present with aura symptoms such as visual disturbances. These typically last fr...

Understanding Visual Disturbances: Light Flashes and Surface Waves

Hello Dr. Gao, due to my work, I need to operate a computer for long periods. I would like to ask you about the following: 1. About two years ago, I frequently experienced overlapping images of the ceiling lights and decorations when I first woke up and was still lying in bed. T...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello Mr. Chang, 1. It is possible that you have a strabismus issue. When you are overly fatigued or just waking up, the images from both eyes may not align, leading to this phenomenon. 2. This is likely a liquefaction phenomenon caused by vitreous degeneration. Cavities begin t...

Understanding Visual Field Loss: Causes and Implications for Eye Health

1. In the case where the optic nerve is functioning normally, when the left eye is focused on a distant object and slightly to the right, experiencing a loss of peripheral vision on the left side could be attributed to a phenomenon known as "visual field loss" or "...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello Ms. Chen: If you are experiencing this situation, it is recommended that you visit an ophthalmologist for an examination and undergo a visual field test to check for any visual field defects. Generally, this type of phenomenon is not common.

Understanding Color Changes and Visual Disturbances in Eye Focus

1. When focusing on a point (such as during a conversation), there may be a phenomenon of peripheral color change, which normalizes after a few seconds. 2. Gazing at a white sky or screen may cause the perception of floating streaks. 3. There is slight photophobia in response to ...

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology
1. I cannot explain why you are experiencing changes in color perception based on my experience. 2. This is known as floaters, and I recommend undergoing a dilated fundus examination. 3. Sensitivity to light varies from person to person; if the photophobia is not severe, it s...