Blurred Vision in the Outer Field of Left Eye - Ophthalmology

Share to:

Blurry vision in the peripheral area of the left eye?


Hello Doctor, I am highly myopic (approximately 900 degrees in both eyes).
Two years ago, I experienced a sudden vitreous hemorrhage in my left eye, so I have been regularly visiting the hospital for dilated fundus examinations and visual field tests every six months.
During my visits, the doctors have consistently reported that my intraocular pressure and retina are normal.
However, the visual field tests indicate that the outermost areas of both eyes appear grayish-black, suggesting that I cannot see clearly in those regions (although I personally do not feel that my visual field has narrowed).
Since the results are not very pronounced, the doctors are unable to determine whether this is indicative of a pituitary tumor and have recommended that I be referred to Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for more precise examinations.
I have an appointment for a visual field test scheduled for early August.
Recently, I have been closely examining my visual field and noticed that the "outer periphery of the central vision in my left eye" is relatively more blurred compared to the central and inner areas of my vision.
It is not that I cannot see anything; rather, I can see objects, but they are noticeably less clear compared to the central and inner areas.
Although my right eye experiences similar blurriness, it seems to be less severe than in my left eye.
I am very concerned because I had not previously noticed this condition and am afraid it may continue to worsen.
Therefore, I would like to ask the doctor if this could be a symptom of a pituitary tumor.
The information I found online suggests that visual field loss in the periphery is more indicative of a tumor.
If this is not the case, could it possibly be related to macular degeneration or another eye disease? Since the vitreous hemorrhage over two years ago, I have felt that my eye condition has been deteriorating.
Although several examinations have shown that my retina is normal, I am still worried about how this may affect my daily life in the future.
Thank you, Doctor.

Kaiwen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/07/10

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology


Hello Kevin: Blurred vision in the outer fields of both eyes may indicate a defect in the visual field examination.
If the retinal examination is normal, we should consider issues related to the optic nerve and the brain.
The first thing to consider is a potential problem with the pituitary gland.
Therefore, there is no need to worry prematurely; it is essential to undergo examinations to rule out this condition.
Information found online should only be used as a reference; it is necessary to seek medical attention at a healthcare facility.
Best regards, Gao Pilin.

Reply Date: 2021/07/10

More Info


Understanding blurred vision, particularly in the outer field of vision, can be complex, especially for individuals with a history of ocular issues such as high myopia and vitreous hemorrhage. Your concerns about the changes in your left eye's vision, particularly the increased blurriness in the outer field, are valid and warrant careful consideration.

Firstly, it is important to recognize that high myopia (or nearsightedness) can lead to various complications, including retinal detachment, macular degeneration, and changes in the vitreous body. The vitreous humor, which is the gel-like substance filling the eye, can undergo changes as we age or due to trauma, leading to symptoms such as floaters or blurred vision. Given your history of vitreous hemorrhage, it is possible that the structural integrity of your vitreous body has been compromised, which could contribute to the visual disturbances you are experiencing.

The fact that your visual field tests show a grayish area in the outer field, despite normal intraocular pressure and retinal health, raises the question of whether this could be related to a neurological issue, such as a pituitary tumor. While it is true that pituitary tumors can cause peripheral vision loss, they typically present with more pronounced visual field defects, often described as "tunnel vision" or significant peripheral loss. However, the symptoms can vary widely among individuals, and subtle changes in vision can sometimes be overlooked.

Your observation that the left eye's outer field is blurrier compared to the center and inner field is significant. This could indicate a few possibilities:
1. Macular Degeneration: While you mentioned that your retina has been checked and deemed normal, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or other forms of maculopathy can cause central vision to remain clear while peripheral vision becomes increasingly blurred.

2. Retinal Issues: Even if the retina appears normal during examinations, there could be underlying issues such as retinal thinning or early signs of retinal detachment that may not be immediately apparent.

3. Vitreous Changes: As mentioned, changes in the vitreous can lead to symptoms like blurred vision, especially if there are areas of condensation or detachment that affect how light enters the eye.

4. Neurological Factors: Although less likely given your description, neurological conditions can manifest as visual disturbances. If the visual field loss is not consistent with typical patterns, further investigation with a neurologist may be warranted.

5. Psychological Factors: Sometimes, anxiety about vision can lead to heightened awareness of visual changes, which can exacerbate the perception of blurriness or distortion.

Given your situation, it is crucial to follow through with the recommended referral to a specialized clinic for further evaluation. Advanced imaging techniques, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) or visual field testing with more sensitive equipment, can provide more insight into the health of your retina and optic nerve.
In the meantime, maintaining regular follow-ups with your ophthalmologist and possibly consulting a neurologist if symptoms persist or worsen is advisable. Keeping a detailed log of your symptoms, including when they occur and any associated factors (like lighting conditions or fatigue), can also be helpful for your healthcare providers in diagnosing the issue.

Lastly, it is essential to manage any anxiety regarding your vision. While it is natural to worry about changes in eyesight, many conditions can be monitored and treated effectively, especially with early intervention. Your proactive approach to your eye health is commendable, and continuing to seek answers will help ensure you receive the appropriate care.

Similar Q&A

Unexplained Blurry Vision: Seeking Answers for Left Eye Issues

Dear Dr. Wang, I noticed blurred vision in my left eye around the end of last year, feeling as if there was a layer of oil floating on the surface of my eye. I initially thought it was due to wearing contact lenses, which caused eye fatigue, so I switched to regular glasses. How...


Dr. Wang Yuwei reply Ophthalmology
Hello Marian: I'm not sure how severe the blurriness in your left eye is, but it's important to note that the diagnosis of any condition does not necessarily improve with more tests. A detailed in-person consultation is more effective in identifying the underlying cause...

[Read More] Unexplained Blurry Vision: Seeking Answers for Left Eye Issues


Understanding Blurry Vision in One Eye: Causes and Next Steps

Hello doctor, I have been experiencing occasional blurriness in my left eye over the past month. The visual field in my left eye is noticeably worse than in my right eye. Additionally, when looking at non-direct light sources, the light appears slightly more yellow in my left eye...


Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology
Monitor the symptoms, and if they persist, seek medical evaluation.

[Read More] Understanding Blurry Vision in One Eye: Causes and Next Steps


Blurred Vision in Left Eye: Possible Causes and Solutions

I have myopia with astigmatism, approximately 400 to 500 diopters. My left eye has difficulty seeing close objects clearly; everything appears somewhat blurry. Wearing glasses provides slight improvement, but I still struggle to read small text on the computer screen when it'...


Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology
Hello, could this possibly be due to uncorrected hyperopia? It is difficult to make a judgment without sufficient data. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cai Wenyuan, Director of the Ophthalmology Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

[Read More] Blurred Vision in Left Eye: Possible Causes and Solutions


Understanding Macular Issues: When to Seek Eye Care

I would like to consult a doctor. My eyesight is approximately -4.00 diopters in both eyes, and I have floaters in my right eye but not in my left. Recently, I used an Amsler grid with a white background and black lines to check my vision and noticed that the lower left part of m...


Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello, Kang Kang: This is likely a phenomenon of floaters. Macular degeneration does not resolve with a blink, so it should not be the case. You may continue to observe it yourself.

[Read More] Understanding Macular Issues: When to Seek Eye Care


Related FAQ

Blurry Vision

(Ophthalmology)

Visual Field

(Ophthalmology)

Visual Disturbance

(Ophthalmology)

Vision Discrepancy

(Ophthalmology)

Astigmatism

(Ophthalmology)

Visual Field Test

(Ophthalmology)

Transient Monocular Blindness

(Ophthalmology)

Double Vision

(Ophthalmology)

Nyctalopia

(Ophthalmology)

Visual Afterimages

(Ophthalmology)