Eye Floaters and Blinking Issues: What You Need to Know

Q: Eye Floaters and Blinking Issues: What You Need to Know

Hello, anxious college student： 1. It's a common phenomenon among adolescents, but I'm not sure either. 2. The Amsler grid test assesses the macula but cannot determine retinal thinning. 3. Floaters are not related to bright lights. 4. If you see brigh

Subsequent Issues with Floaters and Blinking Problems

Hello, Doctor.
I apologize for bothering you, but I have a few questions that have been troubling me for a long time, and I am really anxious.
I developed floaters around November last year, and it has been very distressing.
I am extremely cautious when moving my eyes, fearing that it might pull on my retina and cause flashes.
I have had my eyes examined with a slit lamp and dilated fundus examination at Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Renai Hospital, and Veterans General Hospital in February, March, and May of this year, and there were no issues found.
However, my symptoms have been worsening, and I have started seeing some strange phenomena.
Due to remote learning, I have been spending a lot more time on the computer, and by August, I began to feel anxious again.

When I blink, especially when facing a white wall, I see jagged lines of light (throughout my entire field of vision).
It feels similar to the effect on the surface of water.
Initially, it was only in the tails of my left and right eyes, but now it has appeared in the upper half of my right eye and near the bridge of my nose, as well as in the tail of my left eye.
This phenomenon occurs only when the lights are on, particularly when there is bright light.
It happens only when I blink or cover my eyes with my hand and then uncover them (the brightness changes).
I am very worried that the area of light is expanding from the periphery to the center of my vision, fearing that it might indicate a retinal tear or thinning.
What could this symptom be?
I am nearsighted with about 400 degrees of myopia and have significant astigmatism of nearly 200 degrees.
During my last visit in May, I asked the doctor at Veterans General Hospital if there was any thinning or tearing of the retina, and she said there was none and did not recommend any follow-up.
However, she did ask me to use a magnifying device while lying down, rather than sitting with the slit lamp.
I am concerned that this method might not be clear enough.
She mentioned that there was a common phenomenon in adolescents in my left eye (I didn’t hear it clearly), but that it was normal.
I would like to ask the doctor what this phenomenon could be.

I have read many articles online, and it seems that symptoms of retinal tears or thinning are often subtle and not easy to detect.
Can the Amsler grid test reveal these issues? How can I self-assess for potential problems? Additionally, after the doctor at Veterans General Hospital pulled five eyelashes from each eye for examination, she said there were bugs on my eyelashes and recommended a cleaning solution.
I was a bit shocked.
Could the presence of bugs on my eyelashes be related to the flashes of light I see when I blink?
Is this phenomenon of seeing light when I blink, but not in dark areas, a precursor to a tear, thinning, or "visual field loss"? I am really worried.
I feel that my eyes are fatigued when wearing glasses, but without them, I see many strange phenomena that are distressing.
Does eye fatigue accelerate the detachment of the vitreous body? I would like to ask the doctor if there are any solutions.

Last night, while using the computer, I experienced a strong flash in the tail of my left eye, but my eyeball and head did not move much.
Could it have been caused by the flash from the nearby television or the light? I am really scared.
I often see flashes when I am focused on something and my eyeballs are not moving much, and during these flashes, there seems to be a slight vibration around my eyes.
I am now hesitant to move my eyes at all.
Can I move my eyes normally? I am very worried because my last examination was in May, and now it is mid-August.

Due to my studies in a computer-related field, I cannot avoid using the computer.
I would like to know if eye fatigue can also accelerate the degeneration of the vitreous body.
Last year, when I closed one eye or the other while looking at a white wall, I noticed a fixed shadow near the center of my vision.
It was not very obvious and did not look like a floater, but it only appeared against the white wall.
When I relaxed my eyes and looked again, it seemed to disappear, but the positions of my eyes were symmetrical (the left eye was slightly left of center, and the right eye was slightly right).
I do not experience this when looking at objects with both eyes, but there is a feeling of fatigue.
What could this be? It seems that the color tones of my left and right eyes are slightly different, with one appearing cooler and the other warmer, though not very noticeably.
Could this indicate any underlying issues?
Lastly, I have been hesitant to use the methylsulfate neostigmine eye drops prescribed by the doctor because I am afraid that the side effect of retinal detachment mentioned is true.
I also have a small question: I have conducted chemical experiments and found that regular glass can filter blue light, so I believe that wearing glasses can filter blue light as well.
However, many manufacturers sell blue light filtering lenses.
Are these effective, or is my understanding incorrect?
I sincerely appreciate your advice on these numerous questions.
Thank you very much, and I apologize for having so many questions!

Jiao Lv De Da Xue Sheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/08/21

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello, anxious college student: 1.
It's a common phenomenon among adolescents, but I'm not sure either.
2.
The Amsler grid test assesses the macula but cannot determine retinal thinning.
3.
Floaters are not related to bright lights.
4.
If you see bright lights when blinking and have been checked without issues, then it's probably nothing to worry about.
5.
You can have two pairs of glasses, one for distance and one for near vision, or you can get multifocal lenses.
6.
If you're concerned, I recommend getting an examination; if there are issues, they can be treated, and if not, you can feel reassured.
7.
It shouldn't be a problem.
8.
It is likely to be floaters.
9.
Physiological differences should not be a concern.
10.
I haven't encountered such side effects.
11.
It should still have an effect; however, general blue light is not significantly harmful to the eyes.

Reply Date: 2021/08/21

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a range of concerning visual symptoms, and I understand how distressing this can be. Let's break down your symptoms and address your concerns one by one.

1. Eye Floaters and Visual Disturbances: Floaters, or "flying mosquitoes," are common and often harmless. They are typically caused by changes in the vitreous gel inside the eye as it ages or due to other factors. The fact that you've been evaluated multiple times by eye specialists and they found no retinal tears or significant issues is reassuring. However, the increasing severity of your symptoms, such as seeing jagged lines or flashes of light, warrants further attention. These could be related to the vitreous gel pulling away from the retina, which is known as vitreous detachment. While this is often benign, it can sometimes lead to more serious conditions like retinal tears or detachment.

2. Flashes of Light: The flashes of light you describe, especially when moving your eyes or in bright conditions, can be a sign of vitreous traction on the retina. This is not uncommon, especially in individuals with myopia (nearsightedness) like yourself. It is crucial to monitor these symptoms. If you notice an increase in flashes or a sudden increase in floaters, you should seek immediate medical attention.

3. Color Perception Differences: The perception of color differences between your eyes could be due to several factors, including differences in the health of the retina or the optic nerve. This is something that should be evaluated by your eye doctor, as it can sometimes indicate underlying issues.

4. Eye Strain and Fatigue: Prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain, which may exacerbate your symptoms. Symptoms of eye strain include discomfort, fatigue, and blurred vision. Taking regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) can help alleviate some of this strain. Additionally, ensuring proper lighting and reducing glare from screens can also be beneficial.

5. Concerns About Retinal Issues: You mentioned worries about retinal thinning or tears. While these conditions can be asymptomatic, regular comprehensive eye exams are essential for monitoring your eye health, especially given your symptoms. If your doctor has reassured you that there are no signs of retinal issues, it's important to trust their expertise, but also to communicate any new or worsening symptoms promptly.

6. Medication Concerns: Regarding the eye drops prescribed, it is essential to discuss any concerns about side effects with your eye doctor. They can provide clarity on the risks versus benefits of the treatment.

7. Blue Light Filtering Glasses: As for blue light filtering glasses, they can help reduce glare and may improve comfort during prolonged screen use, but they do not prevent eye damage. Regular glasses can also filter some blue light, but specialized lenses may offer additional benefits for those who spend significant time in front of screens.

8. General Recommendations: Continue to have regular check-ups with your eye care provider, especially if your symptoms change. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including proper hydration, nutrition, and adequate sleep, can also support overall eye health. If you experience any sudden changes in your vision, such as a curtain-like shadow or sudden loss of vision, seek immediate medical attention.

In summary, while your symptoms are concerning, the evaluations you've had so far suggest that there are no immediate threats to your vision. However, ongoing monitoring and communication with your eye care provider are crucial. Don't hesitate to reach out to them with any new symptoms or concerns, as they can provide the best guidance tailored to your specific situation.

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