Physiological Blind Spots and Visual Distortions

Q: Physiological Blind Spots and Visual Distortions

Hello, Hsuan： The blind spot refers to an area where no visual information is perceived. <br>Are you referring to the regions surrounding the blind spot? The blind spot is located at the optic nerve head, and in cases of high myopia, there may be some traction or undulation of th

Questions about physiological blind spots?

My left eye has a prescription of nearly 800 to 900, while my right eye is 750.
I have a significant number of floaters in both eyes, which has been a longstanding issue.
I have been taking lutein for over a year, and during my annual health check-ups, retinal degeneration has been detected.
Therefore, I have regular eye examinations every six months.
The ophthalmologist I see regularly mentioned that the retina in the lower part of my right eye is slightly thin, but it is not a major concern.
If there are any issues, we can address them with laser treatment.
I would like to ask if the physiological blind spot can cause direct distortion in the visual field.
I have a large cutting mat on my desk with many grids, and I used both eyes to focus on a specific point to locate the blind spot.
When I extend my finger over it, my finger disappears, confirming that the blind spots in both eyes are symmetrical.
However, I noticed that straight lines in the blind spot appear distorted.
I had not paid special attention to this before and am unsure if this is normal.
Is this a typical occurrence? If it is abnormal, what kind of examination should I undergo at the ophthalmologist? Would a standard dilated fundus examination suffice?

Hsuān, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/10/24

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello, Hsuan: The blind spot refers to an area where no visual information is perceived.
Are you referring to the regions surrounding the blind spot? The blind spot is located at the optic nerve head, and in cases of high myopia, there may be some traction or undulation of the retina around the optic nerve, which could lead to the symptoms you described.
However, this should not be a significant concern.
The area surrounding the blind spot is not critical for vision; the macula is the important region.
If there is no distortion in the central visual field, it indicates that the macula is likely not affected, so you can be reassured.
Regular dilated eye examinations every six months should suffice.

Taiwan E-Hospital Puzi Hospital Ophthalmology: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM; Wednesday from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Online responses are for reference only; it is essential to seek medical attention at a healthcare facility if necessary.
I hope to have the opportunity to serve you.

Gao Pilin

Reply Date: 2019/10/24

More Info

Understanding physiological blind spots and visual distortions is crucial for anyone experiencing visual anomalies, especially in the context of existing eye conditions like myopia and floaters. Your situation, with significant myopia in both eyes and a history of retinal degeneration, necessitates careful consideration of how these factors might interact with your visual perception.

Firstly, it’s essential to clarify what a physiological blind spot is. The physiological blind spot, or scotoma, is a natural part of the visual field where the optic nerve exits the eye. This area lacks photoreceptors, meaning that no visual information is processed there. In a healthy individual, this blind spot is typically not noticeable because the brain fills in the missing information based on surrounding visual cues. However, the perception of distortions, such as the bending or warping of lines, can occur due to several factors, including the presence of myopia, astigmatism, or even the effects of floaters.

In your case, the observation that straight lines appear distorted when viewed through your blind spot is not uncommon. This distortion can be attributed to the brain's attempt to interpret the visual information around the blind spot. When you focus on a specific point and move your finger into the blind spot, the brain may struggle to fill in the gap accurately, leading to the perception of distortion. This phenomenon can be exacerbated by the presence of floaters, which can interfere with the clarity of the visual field and contribute to visual disturbances.

Given your history of retinal thinning and the presence of floaters, it is prudent to remain vigilant about any changes in your vision. While the distortion you describe may be a normal response to the physiological blind spot, it is essential to differentiate between normal visual phenomena and potential signs of retinal issues. The fact that your eye doctor has advised regular check-ups every six months is a good practice, especially considering your retinal condition.

If you notice any significant changes in your vision, such as an increase in the number or size of floaters, flashes of light, or a sudden change in the quality of your vision, you should seek immediate evaluation. A standard dilated eye exam, which includes a thorough examination of the retina and optic nerve, is typically sufficient to assess for any abnormalities. However, if your doctor suspects any serious issues, they may recommend additional imaging tests, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), which provides detailed cross-sectional images of the retina.

In summary, while the distortions you are experiencing may be a normal consequence of your physiological blind spot and existing eye conditions, it is essential to monitor your symptoms closely. Regular check-ups with your eye care professional will help ensure that any potential issues are caught early, allowing for timely intervention if necessary. If you have any concerns about the nature of the distortions or if they worsen, do not hesitate to consult your eye doctor for further evaluation.

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