Visual Disturbances Upon Waking: When to Seek Help

Q: Visual Disturbances Upon Waking: When to Seek Help

Hello, college student： This situation is likely a symptom that occurs right after waking up, and it should resolve quickly, so there is no need to worry too much. <br>All examinations are normal, and once every six months is fine. <br>In Taiwan, the Department of Ophthalmology a

Eye problems upon waking up?

Hello, doctor.
Sometimes, within a minute after waking up, I experience a problem where my eyes see a significant amount of black noise (when looking at a black wall, it’s not completely black; there are those noises).
This noise fluctuates in intensity, causing a sensation of flickering light and dark.
This condition disappears within a minute.
During this time, I also feel that reading is slightly more challenging due to the increased noise.
Additionally, right after waking up (within the first 10 seconds), I occasionally see things slightly vibrating (this happens less frequently).
Overall, my vision (field of vision, ability to see small objects, color discrimination) seems normal.
I tend to worry about my health, so I have eye examinations every six months; the last one was three weeks ago and was normal.
Recently, I was concerned about possibly having multiple sclerosis, so I asked my doctor to conduct evoked potentials (visual and auditory) and a wakefulness EEG, all of which were normal.
However, today I impulsively searched on Google and found information suggesting that persistent visual disturbances could indicate multiple sclerosis, which scared me.
Although I know that my symptoms only occur for a few seconds after waking up and that I might be overreacting, I still want to ask if it’s okay for me to continue having check-ups every six months?

Dàxuéshēng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/12/06

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello, college student: This situation is likely a symptom that occurs right after waking up, and it should resolve quickly, so there is no need to worry too much.
All examinations are normal, and once every six months is fine.
In Taiwan, the Department of Ophthalmology at Puzi Hospital is open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and on Wednesday afternoons from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Online responses can only serve as a reference; if necessary, you should visit a medical institution for treatment.
I hope to have the opportunity to serve you.
Gao Pi-Lin

Reply Date: 2020/12/06

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding the visual disturbances you experience upon waking. It’s understandable to feel anxious about changes in your vision, especially when they are accompanied by unusual symptoms. Let's break down your situation and discuss when it might be necessary to seek further medical help.

From your description, it seems that you experience a phenomenon where, upon waking, you see a sort of "visual noise" or "black speckles" against a dark background, which fluctuates in intensity. This is often referred to as visual snow or afterimages, and it can be quite disconcerting. The fact that these symptoms resolve within a minute is a positive sign, as many serious ocular conditions tend to have more persistent symptoms.

Visual disturbances upon waking can be attributed to several benign causes. One common reason is the transition from a state of sleep to wakefulness, during which your visual system may take a moment to fully adjust. This adjustment period can lead to temporary visual anomalies, including the perception of flickering or vibrating images. Additionally, if you have been sleeping in a position that restricts blood flow to your eyes or head, this could contribute to transient visual disturbances.

You mentioned that your visual acuity, color discrimination, and overall visual field have remained intact, which is reassuring. Regular eye examinations, such as the one you had three weeks ago, are crucial for monitoring your eye health. If your eye doctor has not expressed any concerns, it is likely that your symptoms are not indicative of a serious underlying condition.

However, it is essential to remain vigilant. If you notice any changes in the frequency, duration, or intensity of these disturbances, or if they are accompanied by other symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or changes in your overall health, it would be wise to seek medical advice sooner than your usual six-month check-up.
Regarding your concerns about multiple sclerosis (MS), it is important to remember that while some visual disturbances can be associated with neurological conditions, they are often nonspecific and can arise from various benign causes. The tests you underwent, including visual evoked potentials and EEG, returning normal results is a strong indicator that there is no significant neurological issue at play.
In summary, continuing with your regular eye examinations every six months is appropriate, especially since your last check-up was normal. However, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider if you experience any new or worsening symptoms. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health.

Lastly, I encourage you to avoid excessive online searching for medical information, as it can often lead to unnecessary anxiety. Instead, focus on maintaining open communication with your healthcare providers, who can give you the most accurate information tailored to your specific situation.

Take care, and I wish you the best in your health journey.

Sincerely,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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