Night Vision Issues: Black Shadows and Eye Discomfort - Ophthalmology

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Understanding night vision issues, particularly the experience of black shadows and discomfort in the eyes, can be quite complex. Based on the symptoms you've described—seeing black shadows in low light, experiencing a darkening of the visual field, and feeling discomfort around the eye area—it's important to consider several factors that could be contributing to these phenomena.

Firstly, the presence of black shadows in low light conditions is not uncommon, especially for individuals with significant refractive errors, such as high myopia (nearsightedness). In dim lighting, the eye relies more heavily on rod cells, which are responsible for vision in low light. If these cells are not functioning optimally, or if there is some form of retinal distortion, it can lead to the perception of shadows or dark spots in your vision. This is particularly relevant in your case, given your reported myopia of 500 degrees in the right eye.

The discomfort you feel around the eye, described as a sensation of being "pulled," could be related to several factors. One possibility is that the eye muscles are straining to focus in low light conditions, which can lead to fatigue and discomfort. Additionally, if there is any underlying issue with the retina or the vitreous gel (the clear gel that fills the space between the lens and the retina), it could contribute to both the visual disturbances and the discomfort.

The phenomenon of seeing flashes of light after looking away from a screen is often referred to as "photopsia." This can occur due to a variety of reasons, including the stimulation of the retina or the vitreous gel pulling on the retina, which can happen more frequently in individuals with myopia or those who have conditions like posterior vitreous detachment. This is generally considered a physiological response, but if it occurs frequently or is accompanied by other symptoms, it warrants further investigation.

Regarding your concern about night blindness (nyctalopia), the symptoms you've described do not align perfectly with this condition. Night blindness typically refers to difficulty seeing in low light or darkness, rather than the specific visual disturbances you are experiencing. However, it is crucial to rule out any retinal issues, especially given your history of high myopia and the presence of floaters (which you mentioned in previous queries).

In summary, while your symptoms may not indicate night blindness, they do suggest that there could be underlying issues related to your myopia, retinal health, or even the physiological response of your eyes to low light conditions. It is highly advisable to consult with an eye care professional for a comprehensive eye examination, including a dilated fundus examination, to assess the health of your retina and rule out any serious conditions. Regular check-ups are particularly important for individuals with high myopia, as they are at a higher risk for retinal complications.