Retinal Issues After Eye Trauma: Symptoms and Solutions - Ophthalmology

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It sounds like you've experienced a significant eye trauma from being hit by a dodgeball, and your symptoms are understandably concerning. Based on your description, it seems you have a few issues that need to be addressed: persistent redness, transient visual disturbances, and shadows in your vision.

First, let's discuss the redness in your eye. After trauma, it's common for the eye to become red due to irritation or inflammation. This can be exacerbated by wearing contact lenses, which can irritate the surface of the eye, especially if there is any underlying damage or if the lenses are not properly fitted. The use of artificial tears, like the "沙龍眼藥水" you mentioned, can help to lubricate the eye and reduce irritation, but if the redness persists, it may indicate that there is still some inflammation or irritation that needs to be addressed. It’s crucial to follow up with your eye care provider if the redness does not improve or worsens, as they may need to prescribe a stronger anti-inflammatory medication or investigate further for any underlying issues.

Regarding the visual disturbances, such as the shadows you see when looking up, this could be related to several factors. After an eye injury, the retina can be sensitive, and any trauma can lead to temporary changes in vision. The fact that you experienced a reduction in your visual field immediately after the injury is concerning, but since your retinal examination showed no abnormalities, it suggests that there may not be any permanent damage. However, the transient nature of your symptoms—where shadows appear when looking in certain directions—could indicate that your eye is still healing. The eye may be reacting to light differently or may have some residual swelling that affects how light is processed.

It's also worth noting that after trauma, the eye can develop a condition known as "post-traumatic syndrome," where symptoms such as visual disturbances, light sensitivity, and discomfort can persist even after the initial injury has healed. This condition can sometimes take time to resolve, and management may involve a combination of rest, proper hydration, and possibly the use of specific eye drops to reduce inflammation.

In terms of solutions, here are some steps you can take:
1. Rest Your Eyes: Ensure you are giving your eyes ample time to rest, especially after prolonged use of screens or reading. The 20-20-20 rule can be helpful: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

2. Avoid Contact Lenses Temporarily: If possible, consider switching to glasses until your symptoms fully resolve. This will reduce irritation and allow your eye to heal.

3. Follow Up with Your Eye Doctor: Since your symptoms are persisting, it’s important to keep your eye doctor informed. They may want to perform additional tests or provide a different treatment plan.

4. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur and any activities that seem to exacerbate them. This information can be valuable for your doctor.

5. Consider Anti-inflammatory Drops: If your doctor has not already prescribed them, anti-inflammatory eye drops may help reduce redness and irritation.

6. Stay Hydrated and Maintain Eye Health: Ensure you are drinking enough water and consider incorporating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can support eye health.

In conclusion, while it’s reassuring that your retinal examination showed no abnormalities, the symptoms you are experiencing warrant close monitoring and possibly further evaluation. Eye trauma can lead to a range of symptoms, and while many resolve with time, some may require additional intervention. Always prioritize communication with your healthcare provider to ensure the best care for your eyes.