Allergic Conjunctivitis and Vision Issues: Your Questions Answered

Conjunctivitis and issues related to mydriasis?

Hello Doctor,
I have three questions I would like to ask.
Recently, my eyes have been very red.
Before school started, I visited an ophthalmologist near my home and was diagnosed with allergic conjunctivitis.
After school began, I continued to see an ophthalmologist near my school, and the doctor also confirmed it was allergic conjunctivitis.
However, the right eye is more severely affected.
This week marks the third week, and my eyes have improved significantly, but the vision in my right eye is still somewhat blurry.
Here are the names of the eye drops I have been using: CROMO EYE DROPS, 0.01% & 0.02% FOXONE OPHTH.
I have had floaters since high school, and they have increased during college.
Currently, my prescription is -5.25 in the right eye and -5.75 in the left eye.
During the summer vacation, I had a dilated eye exam, and the doctor said my retina was normal.
However, after school started, one day my right eye suddenly flashed, like a camera flash.
Sometimes at night, I see flashes around my eyes while trying to sleep.
Today, I went to the ophthalmologist near my school for another dilated exam, and the doctor said my retina was also normal, but there was a small thin area at the 6 o'clock position in my right eye.
During both dilated exams, the eye pressure was measured, and the nurse did not comment, so it should be normal.
1.
Could the eye drops be causing the blurry vision? Will it improve later?
2.
Would you recommend that I get a check-up at another ophthalmology clinic?
3.
Can a dilated exam also check for glaucoma, cataracts, retinal diseases, etc.?
Thank you, Doctor, for taking the time to respond!

L, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/09/19

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology

Hello, the vision in your right eye is somewhat blurry.
If the symptoms persist, it is advisable to have further examinations.
Dilation can reveal cataracts, retinal, and optic nerve disorders, among others.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Tsai Wen-Yuan, Director of Ophthalmology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2018/09/19

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding your eye health. Based on your description, it seems you are dealing with allergic conjunctivitis, which can indeed cause significant discomfort and visual disturbances. Let’s address your questions one by one.

1. Could the eye drops be causing blurred vision? Will it improve?
The eye drops you mentioned, such as CROMO EYE DROPS and FOXONE OPHTH, are commonly used to treat allergic conjunctivitis. CROMO EYE DROPS contains sodium cromoglycate, which is an antihistamine that helps to reduce allergic symptoms. FOXONE OPHTH is likely a steroid or anti-inflammatory drop, which can also lead to temporary blurred vision as a side effect. It’s not uncommon for patients to experience blurred vision when using certain eye drops, especially if they are not instilled properly or if they cause temporary changes in the tear film. As your allergic conjunctivitis improves, the inflammation in your eye should decrease, which may lead to an improvement in your vision. However, if the blurriness persists, it’s essential to follow up with your eye care provider.

2. Should I consider getting a second opinion?
If you feel that your symptoms are not improving or if you have concerns about the diagnosis or treatment plan, seeking a second opinion is always a reasonable approach. Different eye care professionals may have varying perspectives and treatment options. Given that you have experienced persistent symptoms for three weeks, it may be beneficial to consult another ophthalmologist or an allergist who specializes in ocular allergies. They can provide further evaluation and possibly recommend alternative treatments or additional tests to ensure that your condition is managed effectively.

3. Can dilation (pupil dilation) help check for glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal diseases?
Yes, pupil dilation is a crucial part of a comprehensive eye examination. When your pupils are dilated, the eye doctor can get a better view of the internal structures of your eye, including the lens (to check for cataracts), the optic nerve (to assess for glaucoma), and the retina (to look for any retinal diseases). Dilation allows for a more thorough examination, which is particularly important given your history of floaters and the recent flashes of light you experienced. These symptoms can sometimes indicate retinal issues, so a detailed examination is warranted.

In summary, it’s essential to monitor your symptoms closely. If your blurred vision continues or worsens, or if you experience any new symptoms such as increased flashes of light or a sudden increase in floaters, you should seek immediate medical attention. Allergic conjunctivitis can often be managed effectively with the right treatment, and ensuring that your eyes are healthy is paramount.

Lastly, maintaining regular eye examinations is crucial, especially given your history of myopia and floaters. Regular check-ups can help catch any potential issues early and ensure that your vision remains as clear as possible.

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

Best regards,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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