Occasional Visual Disturbances: When to Seek Help

Q: Occasional Visual Disturbances: When to Seek Help

Hello, Xun Cai： The wavy lines you see are caused by the liquefaction of the vitreous body, which is a temporary phenomenon, along with the white light and shadows. <br>When lying down and looking at the ceiling, the floaters sink closer to the retina, which is why you can see th

Occasional visual disturbances?

Hello Doctor: I have a job that requires extensive use of my eyes, and I have high myopia of up to 600 degrees along with symptoms of vitreous floaters.
I have been very careful with my eye usage and also undergo regular fundus examinations.
However, I have recently noticed some unusual phenomena when going to bed and waking up: 1) While lying in the dark and looking at the ceiling, I see wavy patterns in the upper part of my visual field; occasionally, I also notice unexplained flashes of light or dark shadows at the corners of my eyes, but these phenomena seem to fade or disappear after a while.
2) When I wake up and lie in bed looking at the ceiling, I experience a noise-like phenomenon, but it naturally disappears after I get out of bed.
I would like to ask if this is normal and why these phenomena occur.
Do I need to seek immediate medical attention, or can I continue with regular check-ups? P.S.: My last fundus examination was in the middle of last month, and the results were normal.

Xun Cai, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/08/12

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello, Xun Cai: The wavy lines you see are caused by the liquefaction of the vitreous body, which is a temporary phenomenon, along with the white light and shadows.
When lying down and looking at the ceiling, the floaters sink closer to the retina, which is why you can see them.
When you stand up, they sink downwards, causing them to disappear, and this is normal.
Therefore, maintaining regular check-ups is sufficient.

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; if necessary, you should visit a medical institution for treatment.
I hope to have the opportunity to serve you.
Gao Pilin

Reply Date: 2020/08/12

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding the visual disturbances you have been experiencing. It’s understandable to feel anxious when noticing changes in your vision, especially given your history of high myopia and vitreous floaters. Let’s break down the symptoms you described and discuss their potential implications.

1. Visual Disturbances in Darkness: The water wave-like patterns you see when lying in the dark could be related to several factors. One possibility is that these are visual phenomena associated with the vitreous gel in your eyes. As we age, the vitreous can become more liquid and may pull away from the retina, leading to visual disturbances such as floaters or wavy lines. This is often benign, especially if it resolves quickly.

2. Transient Light or Shadows: The flashes of light or shadows in your peripheral vision can also be attributed to the vitreous tugging on the retina. These are known as photopsias and can occur in individuals with high myopia due to the elongation of the eyeball and changes in the vitreous. While these occurrences can be alarming, they are not uncommon in myopic patients.

3. Visual Noise Upon Rising: The "visual noise" you experience when lying down that disappears upon standing could be related to changes in blood flow or pressure in your eyes. When you change positions, the blood flow to the retina can fluctuate, temporarily affecting your vision. This phenomenon is often benign but can be exacerbated by dehydration or fatigue.

Given that your last eye examination showed no abnormalities, it is reassuring. However, it is essential to monitor these symptoms closely. Here are some recommendations:
- Regular Eye Exams: Continue with your regular eye check-ups, especially since you have high myopia and a history of vitreous changes. Regular monitoring can help catch any potential issues early.

- Document Symptoms: Keep a log of when these symptoms occur, their duration, and any associated activities (like prolonged screen time or changes in posture). This information can be valuable for your eye care provider.

- Hydration and Rest: Ensure you are well-hydrated and take regular breaks during prolonged visual tasks. This can help reduce eye strain and may alleviate some symptoms.

- Seek Immediate Care if Necessary: If you experience sudden changes in vision, such as a significant increase in floaters, flashes of light that persist, or a curtain-like shadow over your vision, seek immediate medical attention. These could be signs of retinal detachment or other serious conditions.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be related to benign changes associated with high myopia and vitreous degeneration, it is crucial to remain vigilant. If you notice any worsening or new symptoms, do not hesitate to reach out to your eye care professional. They can provide a thorough evaluation and peace of mind.

Take care of your eyes, and don't hesitate to seek help when needed.

Best regards,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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