Eye Issues: Floaters, Dry Eyes, and Digital Strain

Floaters and Other Issues

I am a heavy user of electronic devices and my sleep schedule is reversed.
I am 23 years old, and my eye prescription is: left eye: -6.00, right eye: -5.25.
Since April of last year, I have been experiencing symptoms that have persisted for a year, including sharp pain in my eyes, sensitivity to wind and bright light, and discomfort when looking at white backgrounds on the computer.
Over the past year, I have continuously consulted doctors (the symptoms have changed from affecting both eyes to only the left eye experiencing pain).
One doctor diagnosed me with conjunctivitis and prescribed eye drops that were completely ineffective, and the pain persisted.
Another doctor suggested dry eye syndrome, while another indicated that I have an allergic constitution and am very sensitive (the prescribed eye drops provided some symptom relief, but the doctor mentioned that it is difficult to completely cure the condition).
During this time, I also underwent a dilated eye exam and paid out of pocket for a test involving green light (I forgot the name) which showed no abnormalities.

I would like to ask the doctor what exactly my eye symptoms are.
From my online research, the closest information I found is dry eye syndrome, but among the multiple doctors I consulted, only one suggested dry eye syndrome, while the others said that someone my age is unlikely to have it.

Recently, I noticed black shadows floating in my vision, which I understand to be floaters.
However, my symptoms are present only in one eye (the right eye).
Online information indicates that unilateral floaters are usually associated with more serious conditions.
I went to a clinic for a dilated eye exam, but the doctor said it was benign and showed no abnormalities.
The day after the examination, I found it easier to see the floaters (originally, I could hardly see them while wearing glasses, but they became more apparent when I took them off; after the exam, they were consistently visible while wearing glasses).
Is this condition normal?
Regarding my previous point about light sensitivity, during the floaters examination, the doctor used a very bright light to examine my eyes, which was quite uncomfortable.
Is there a connection between this and my light sensitivity? Is unilateral floaters truly benign? (Online sources indicate that unilateral cases are often serious.) Is there a possibility of misdiagnosis? The clinic seemed to be older and did not use advanced equipment; they simply had me lie down and shine a light to check.
Should I seek further examination at a larger hospital?
Additionally, due to my work, I need to use the computer for long periods.
Will this exacerbate my floaters?
Combining questions 1 and 2, I find that I easily experience eye fatigue from using electronic devices, even if I take breaks of more than 10 minutes after an hour of use.
Is there a way to improve this condition?
Thank you, doctor, for addressing my questions.

Mr. Tao, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/03/24

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology

Hello, as a heavy user of electronic devices, addressing your irregular sleep patterns and excessive screen time will likely help alleviate your symptoms.
Wishing you peace and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Tsai Wen-Yuan, Director of the Ophthalmology Department, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2019/03/24

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your detailed questions regarding your eye issues. It sounds like you are experiencing a combination of symptoms that can be quite distressing. Let's break down your concerns and address them one by one.

1. Understanding Your Symptoms: Based on your description, it seems you are dealing with a few potential issues: dry eyes, sensitivity to light, and floaters. Dry eye syndrome can cause symptoms like stinging, burning, and discomfort, especially when using digital devices for extended periods. The fact that your symptoms have persisted for a year suggests that it could be a chronic condition. While some doctors may have suggested allergic reactions or conjunctivitis, the persistent nature of your symptoms aligns more closely with dry eye syndrome, especially given your heavy use of digital devices and irregular sleep patterns.

2. Floaters: The presence of floaters, particularly in one eye, can be concerning. However, it is important to note that floaters are common and often benign, especially if they are not accompanied by flashes of light or significant vision changes. The fact that your doctor has examined your eyes and deemed the floaters benign is reassuring. It’s also worth mentioning that floaters can become more noticeable after a dilated eye exam due to changes in the vitreous gel in the eye. If your floaters are increasing or if you notice any new symptoms, it’s wise to follow up with an eye care professional.

3. Light Sensitivity: Your sensitivity to light (photophobia) could be related to dry eyes or other underlying conditions. When your eyes are dry, they may become more sensitive to bright lights. The discomfort you experienced during the examination with bright lights could be a direct result of your dry eye condition. It’s crucial to manage your dry eyes effectively, which may involve using lubricating eye drops, taking breaks from screens, and ensuring a humid environment.

4. Impact of Digital Device Use: Prolonged use of digital devices can exacerbate dry eye symptoms and lead to digital eye strain, which can cause discomfort, fatigue, and blurred vision. To mitigate these effects, consider implementing the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. Additionally, ensure that your workspace is well-lit and that you are using appropriate screen settings to reduce glare.

5. Improving Your Condition: To improve your symptoms, consider the following strategies:
- Hydration: Stay well-hydrated, as this can help maintain moisture in your eyes.

- Artificial Tears: Use preservative-free artificial tears regularly to keep your eyes lubricated.

- Screen Breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule to reduce eye strain.

- Blinking: Make a conscious effort to blink more often, especially when using screens, as this helps to keep your eyes moist.

- Consultation: If your symptoms persist or worsen, consider seeking a second opinion from a specialist, particularly one who focuses on dry eye management.

6. Follow-Up Care: Given your ongoing symptoms, it may be beneficial to have a comprehensive eye exam at a larger medical facility where more advanced diagnostic tools are available. This can help rule out any underlying conditions that may not have been detected in previous exams.

In conclusion, while your symptoms are concerning, they are not uncommon among heavy digital device users, especially those with irregular sleep patterns. With appropriate management strategies and regular follow-ups with your eye care provider, you can work towards alleviating your symptoms and improving your overall eye health. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out. Take care!

Similar Q&A

Understanding Floaters and Eye Strain: Causes and Solutions

Hello Doctor, I am 22 years old. Since I started university at 18, I have been using my phone and computer for about 10 hours a day. After four years of excessive eye strain, I discovered during a military physical examination six months ago that my eyesight has worsened by 50 de...

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology
Hello, I often experience soreness and dryness in my eyes upon waking up in the morning. Even without using electronic devices early in the day, I feel tension in the nerves below my eyes. Additionally, when I close my eyelids or open my eyes in the dark, I see a whole area of wh...

Understanding Eye Strain: Symptoms and Solutions for Digital Fatigue

Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing floaters for about one to two years. Recently, I have noticed that my eyes feel more fatigued and dry, and when I lack sleep, I sometimes see blue light when I wake up and blink. However, if my eyes are not as tired, I seem to see less blue...

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology
Staring at light for an extended period can cause an afterimage, which is a normal phenomenon of visual persistence. Additionally, using air conditioning or a fan can accelerate the evaporation of tears, leading to discomfort, and should be avoided.

Managing Eye Pain and Discomfort: Effective Eye Drops and Tips

Hello Doctor, I am highly myopic (approximately -10.00 diopters) with mild amblyopia in one eye and some photophobia. Currently, I spend about 6 hours a day on the computer and around 3 hours on my smartphone (often until bedtime, and sometimes even in the dark). A few days ago, ...

Dr. Wang Zhishun reply Ophthalmology
Hello, Patidar is a medication for mild dry eye syndrome and does not cause pupil dilation. Additionally, you are using digital devices for too long, and it is best to avoid using them before bedtime. I recommend adjusting your eye usage habits first, and if you still experience ...

Understanding Eye Issues: Dry Eyes, Floaters, and Night Vision Concerns

Hello, Doctor. I visited several clinics in July and August due to dry eyes (with a tear break-up time of 7.2) and an increase in floaters. All examinations (visual field, fundus, macula) were normal, and I was prescribed artificial tears. By September, my symptoms surprisingly r...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: 1. This symptom is likely to be floaters. 2. Rainbow circles can sometimes be caused by corneal edema or secretions, and dry eyes can also lead to this phenomenon. Sometimes, wearing glasses can cause similar effects due to lens refraction or humidity. If the visual field,...