Visual Disturbances: When to Seek Eye Care - Ophthalmology

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Hello! Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding your vision after your recent accident. It’s understandable to feel anxious when experiencing visual disturbances, especially after a significant event like a fall. Let’s break down your symptoms and discuss the potential implications and next steps.

From your description, it sounds like you are experiencing visual distortions such as wavy lines, noise, or shaking text, particularly while reading. This can be quite distressing, especially if it’s a new symptom. Given your history of high myopia (over 600 degrees), it’s important to be vigilant about any changes in your vision, as high myopia can increase the risk of various eye conditions, including retinal detachment, macular degeneration, and other complications.

The symptoms you’re describing could indeed be related to changes in the vitreous gel in your eye, which is common in individuals with high myopia. As we age or experience trauma, the vitreous can begin to pull away from the retina, leading to visual disturbances often referred to as "floaters" or "visual snow." In some cases, this can also be associated with a condition known as posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). While PVD is generally not serious, it can sometimes lead to retinal tears or detachment, which are more serious conditions.

The fact that you notice these symptoms primarily when reading and not during regular daily activities could suggest that your eyes are straining more during close work. This is not uncommon, especially if you have uncorrected vision issues or if your glasses prescription needs updating. Using one eye to read without issues could indicate that your brain is compensating for the distortion in one eye, which is a natural response.

As for whether this is a serious warning sign or if it will resolve on its own, it’s difficult to say without a comprehensive eye examination. While some visual disturbances can improve over time, others may require intervention, especially if they are indicative of a more serious underlying condition.
Here are some recommendations for you:
1. Seek an Eye Examination: Given your recent symptoms and the history of high myopia, it’s crucial to see an eye care professional as soon as possible. They can perform a thorough examination, including a dilated fundus exam, to check for any signs of retinal issues or other complications.

2. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of when these symptoms occur, their severity, and any other associated symptoms (like flashes of light or a sudden increase in floaters). This information can be helpful for your eye doctor.

3. Rest Your Eyes: If you’re experiencing discomfort while reading, try to take regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This can help reduce eye strain.

4. Consider Lighting: Ensure that you have adequate lighting when reading or doing close work, as poor lighting can exacerbate visual disturbances.

5. Stay Informed: While it’s good to research your symptoms, be cautious of misinformation online. Stick to reputable sources or consult your eye care provider for accurate information.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may not necessarily indicate a severe condition, they warrant a professional evaluation to rule out any serious issues. Early detection and treatment are key in managing eye health, especially with your history of high myopia. Don’t hesitate to reach out to an eye care professional soon. Your vision is important, and taking proactive steps can help ensure your long-term eye health.