Blurry Vision and Eye Strain: Causes and Solutions

Slight blurriness and discomfort in the right eye?

Hello, due to the recent winter break, my daily routine has been irregular (staying up late at night and waking up late during the day).
I have noticed in the past two days that my right eye seems to have worsened in vision (I normally have a disparity of about 150 degrees between my two eyes, but recently, when I haven't worn my glasses, the disparity feels greater and my right eye appears blurry).
When I wear my glasses, I can see normally with both eyes, but my right eye feels more strained.
Additionally, when looking at distant objects, my right eye is slightly blurrier than my left, which has caused some mild pain in my temples and a bit of dizziness.

I visited an ophthalmologist, who confirmed that my current prescription matches my glasses and that my vision has not worsened.
The doctor prescribed eye fatigue relief drops and short-acting dilating drops for nighttime use.
However, after using them for a few days, I haven't noticed any improvement.
I would like to know if this could be due to my recent irregular schedule.
Is it possible for eye fatigue to cause visual blurriness for such an extended period? If I continue using the drops without improvement, how long should I wait before returning to the ophthalmologist? Should I undergo any additional tests? (I'm not sure if my current symptoms could be related to any specific eye diseases.) Thank you.

Bubu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/02/06

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello,
The most common cause of eye symptoms is excessive eye strain and irregular sleep patterns, which prevent adequate rest.
Eye drops are only a supplementary measure; without proper rest, they are insufficient.
Please try to restore a normal routine.
I wonder if you are heavily using electronic devices, as this can lead to increased eye fatigue.

For eye care, you can use the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes of computer use, look away from the screen for 20 seconds and focus on something 20 feet (6 meters) away.
Blinking 20 times during this break would be even better.

The ophthalmology department at Puzi Hospital in Taiwan is available on the following schedule:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and Wednesday from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM.

Please note that online responses can only serve as a reference; if necessary, you should seek medical attention at a healthcare facility.
I hope to have the opportunity to assist you.

Best regards,
Gao Pilin

Reply Date: 2020/02/06

More Info

Hello! It sounds like you're experiencing a combination of blurry vision, eye strain, and discomfort, particularly in your right eye. Given your recent irregular sleep schedule and the symptoms you've described, it's quite possible that your issues are related to eye fatigue and strain, which can be exacerbated by changes in your routine.

Causes of Blurry Vision and Eye Strain
1. Eye Fatigue: Prolonged periods of screen time, reading, or focusing on near objects can lead to digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome. Symptoms include blurry vision, dry eyes, headaches, and discomfort. Your irregular sleep schedule may further contribute to this fatigue, as adequate rest is essential for eye health.

2. Refractive Errors: Even if your current prescription matches your vision needs, changes in your visual acuity can occur, especially if you have a significant difference in prescription between your two eyes (aniseikonia). This can lead to discomfort and a feeling of strain in the eye with the higher prescription.

3. Muscle Imbalance: If your eyes are not working together effectively, it can lead to symptoms like double vision or increased strain in one eye. This is particularly relevant given your mention of a 150-degree difference in your prescriptions.

4. Environmental Factors: Dry air, glare from screens, and poor lighting can also contribute to eye strain and discomfort.
5. Underlying Conditions: While your eye doctor has confirmed that your prescription is accurate, persistent symptoms may warrant further investigation to rule out conditions such as astigmatism, which can cause blurred vision, or other ocular health issues.

Solutions and Recommendations
1. Rest Your Eyes: Implement the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This can help reduce eye strain.

2. Proper Lighting: Ensure that your workspace is well-lit to minimize glare and strain. Adjust your screen brightness and contrast to comfortable levels.

3. Hydration and Humidification: Keep yourself hydrated and consider using a humidifier in dry environments to prevent dry eyes.

4. Regular Eye Exams: Since you are experiencing persistent symptoms, it’s advisable to follow up with your eye doctor if your condition does not improve after using the prescribed eye drops for a week. They may suggest additional tests, such as a visual field test or a thorough examination of the retina, to rule out any underlying issues.

5. Consider a New Prescription: If your symptoms persist, it may be worth revisiting your optometrist to discuss the possibility of a new prescription or additional options, such as specialized lenses for digital use.

6. Manage Stress: Since stress can exacerbate physical symptoms, consider incorporating relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your routine.

When to Seek Further Help
If your symptoms do not improve after a week of using the prescribed drops, or if you experience any new symptoms such as significant vision loss, flashes of light, or persistent headaches, you should seek further evaluation from your eye care professional. They may recommend additional tests or refer you to a specialist if necessary.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be primarily due to eye fatigue from recent lifestyle changes, it’s essential to monitor your condition closely and maintain regular communication with your eye care provider. Taking proactive steps to manage your eye health can help alleviate your discomfort and improve your overall visual experience.

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