Peripheral Vision Distortion in High Myopia - Ophthalmology

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Understanding peripheral vision distortion in individuals with high myopia can be quite complex, especially when considering the unique anatomical and physiological changes that occur in the eyes of those with significant refractive errors. High myopia, often defined as a refractive error greater than -6.00 diopters, can lead to various visual disturbances, including peripheral vision distortion.

In your case, you mentioned experiencing distortion specifically at the extreme left of your left eye and the extreme right of your right eye, which is somewhat atypical. Typically, peripheral vision distortions are more commonly reported in the central visual field, particularly in conditions affecting the retina or optic nerve. However, there are several factors related to high myopia that could contribute to your symptoms.

1. Lens Thickness and Optical Distortion: High myopia often necessitates the use of thicker corrective lenses. These lenses can introduce optical distortions, particularly at the periphery. When you are not wearing your glasses, the light entering your eyes may not be properly focused, leading to a distorted perception of your peripheral vision. This is especially true if your glasses have a high prescription, as the edges of the lenses can cause significant distortion.

2. Changes in the Vitreous Body: Individuals with high myopia are at an increased risk for vitreous changes, such as liquefaction or posterior vitreous detachment. These changes can lead to visual disturbances, including floaters and possibly distortions in peripheral vision. While you mentioned that your retina and macula are healthy, the vitreous changes can still affect how you perceive peripheral images.

3. Refractive Errors: The asymmetry in your vision could also be attributed to the nature of your refractive error. High myopia can lead to elongation of the eyeball, which may cause varying degrees of distortion in peripheral vision depending on the specific shape and alignment of your eyes. If one eye is more myopic than the other, this could lead to differences in how peripheral images are processed.

4. Adaptation and Visual Processing: The brain plays a crucial role in how we perceive visual information. If there is a significant difference in the refractive power between your two eyes, your brain may struggle to fuse the images from both eyes, leading to distortions in peripheral vision. This is particularly relevant when you are not wearing your corrective lenses, as the disparity in focus can become more pronounced.

5. Potential for Other Conditions: While you have ruled out retinal issues, it’s important to consider that other conditions, such as early cataracts or corneal irregularities, could also contribute to peripheral vision distortion. These conditions may not always be apparent during routine examinations, so further investigation may be warranted if symptoms persist.

In conclusion, your experience of peripheral vision distortion while not wearing glasses could indeed be related to the thickness of your lenses and the nature of your high myopia. It is advisable to discuss these symptoms with your eye care professional, who may recommend further evaluation or adjustments to your prescription. Additionally, ensuring that your glasses are properly fitted and considering options such as contact lenses or refractive surgery could help alleviate some of the visual distortions you are experiencing. Always prioritize regular eye exams to monitor any changes in your vision and eye health.