Retinal Disorders: Shadows, Glare, and Vision Issues

Retinopathy causing visual afterimages?

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 fundus examination, the doctor found something unusual in my case.
He said there was a concerning scar in my left retina, but it looked stable for now, so we would just monitor it.
He also discovered a small hole in my left eye and recommended laser treatment.
As for my right eye, he said it could either develop a hole or not, depending on whether I wanted to treat it.
I was then scheduled for an OCT scan.
After the scan, the doctor and nurse discussed my condition, mentioning some posterior abnormalities, but I didn’t catch everything they said, and they didn’t mention anything specific about my macula.
The doctor found it strange that I have retinal changes at such a young age.
After he arranged for me to receive laser treatment, my initial symptoms did not disappear.
I have a few questions for you, Doctor (I have floaters):
1.
Does retinal disease mean I have a hole in my retina?
2.
Is retinal disease equivalent to macular disease?
3.
I used an Amsler grid for testing, and at first, everything looked normal, but after looking for a while, I noticed slight distortion.
Is this normal? How long should I generally focus on the center?
4.
Can early macular disease be detected with OCT? (I had some dilation for the examination.)
5.
Given my symptoms of halos and afterimages, is there a possibility that I have glaucoma?
6.
Is retinal disease caused by prolonged use of electronic devices?
7.
What could be the cause of my afterimages?
Thank you, Doctor, for taking the time to answer my questions.

Chin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/08/18

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-Yuan, Director of the Department of Ophthalmology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2018/08/18

More Info

Understanding retinal disorders, particularly in the context of symptoms like shadows, glare, and vision issues, is crucial for maintaining eye health. Based on your description of recent eye examinations and the findings from your doctors, let's address your concerns systematically.

1. What is retinal degeneration?
Retinal degeneration refers to a range of conditions that affect the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. This can include retinal holes, tears, or detachments. A retinal hole is a small break in the retina, which can lead to more serious conditions if not monitored or treated. Your doctor’s observation of a "scary scar" in your retina suggests that there may have been some previous damage or degeneration, but if they have advised monitoring, it indicates that it is not currently threatening your vision.

2. Is retinal degeneration the same as macular degeneration?
No, retinal degeneration and macular degeneration are not the same. Macular degeneration specifically affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. Retinal degeneration can encompass a broader range of issues affecting different parts of the retina, including the peripheral areas. While both conditions can lead to vision loss, they have different causes and implications.

3. Regarding the Amsler grid test:
The Amsler grid is a tool used to detect vision problems resulting from damage to the macula. It is normal for some individuals to experience slight distortion after prolonged viewing, especially if they have underlying conditions like retinal degeneration. However, if you notice significant distortion or changes in your vision, it is essential to report this to your eye care provider. Generally, you should focus on the center of the grid for about 10-15 seconds to assess for any distortions.

4. Can early macular degeneration be detected with OCT?
Yes, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging test that provides detailed images of the retina, including the macula. It can detect early signs of macular degeneration, such as changes in the retinal layers or the presence of drusen (yellow deposits under the retina). If your doctor performed an OCT and did not mention any issues with the macula, it is a positive sign, but ongoing monitoring is essential.

5. Could glare and shadows indicate glaucoma?
While glare and shadows can be symptoms associated with various eye conditions, including cataracts or retinal issues, they are not definitive indicators of glaucoma. Glaucoma typically presents with peripheral vision loss and increased intraocular pressure. However, if you have concerns about glaucoma, especially given your family history or risk factors, it would be wise to discuss this with your eye doctor.

6. Is retinal degeneration caused by prolonged use of electronic devices?
There is ongoing research into the effects of prolonged screen time on eye health. While excessive screen time can lead to digital eye strain (also known as computer vision syndrome), which causes discomfort and temporary vision issues, it is not directly linked to retinal degeneration. However, maintaining good eye health through regular breaks, proper lighting, and screen settings is essential.

7. What could be causing the shadows and glare?
The shadows and glare you are experiencing could be attributed to several factors, including vitreous detachment, where the gel-like substance in the eye pulls away from the retina, leading to visual disturbances. Additionally, retinal issues, such as the ones you mentioned, can also contribute to these symptoms. It is essential to keep your eye care provider informed about any changes in your vision.

In conclusion, while your symptoms and findings may seem concerning, it is crucial to follow your eye doctor's recommendations for monitoring and treatment. Regular check-ups and open communication with your healthcare provider will help manage your condition effectively. If you experience any sudden changes in your vision, such as an increase in floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow in your peripheral vision, seek immediate medical attention.

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