Blurry Vision and Visual Disturbances: Possible Causes and Solutions

Q: Blurry Vision and Visual Disturbances: Possible Causes and Solutions

Hello： Based on your description, it may be related to the eye's accommodative ability, which could indicate early symptoms of presbyopia. <br>If there is a difference in the prescription between your two eyes, one eye may be more affected than the other. <br>I recommend that you

It resembles presbyopia and issues with visual afterimages?

Hello, doctor.
My work environment primarily involves using a computer, monitoring screens, and wearing safety glasses.
Due to the pandemic over the past two years, plastic sheets have been installed in the office and break room, which are not very transparent and create a narrow view, limiting my ability to see far.
About a year ago, I noticed that my right eye had difficulty seeing small text up close; I could only see clearly when I looked further away.
I visited an ophthalmologist, and my pupils were normal.
Recently, about a month ago, I experienced the same issue in my left eye, but it is now more severe than in my right eye, requiring me to look even farther away (about 24 cm) to see clearly.
I have also consulted an ophthalmologist, and my pupils were normal.
Based on my research, this seems similar to presbyopia.

I have observed that I am more sensitive to light and experience eye fatigue more easily.
When working on the computer, I see dense data that makes my vision blurry, and I experience headaches.
I also notice white light afterimages flickering when looking at text (the same text).
At its worst, this affects my reading ability, making it difficult to see clearly due to visual afterimages.

There are a few less frequent occurrences:
1.
About two weeks ago, I saw three instances of a shadow moving quickly and then disappearing; I haven't seen it since that week.

2.
Occasionally, while reading articles on the computer, the text jumps, and I'm unsure if this is due to fatigue.
I conducted a self-test using the Amsler grid (on the computer screen), and the lines appeared normal, but I noticed that the X lines or diagonal lines appeared slightly brighter.
I'm uncertain if this is an afterimage or an illusion.
I would like to ask, if it is presbyopia, can one eye suddenly deteriorate faster than the other? Are there other potential eye conditions that could explain my symptoms? Additionally, I have recently experienced some issues that may suggest autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and my family physician has ruled out hyperthyroidism through blood tests.

Niming C, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/07/30

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: Based on your description, it may be related to the eye's accommodative ability, which could indicate early symptoms of presbyopia.
If there is a difference in the prescription between your two eyes, one eye may be more affected than the other.
I recommend that you see an ophthalmologist for an examination; getting a pair of glasses may alleviate your symptoms.

Reply Date: 2022/07/30

More Info

Blurry vision and visual disturbances can be concerning, especially when they affect daily activities such as reading or working on a computer. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a combination of symptoms that could be attributed to several factors, including age-related changes in vision, environmental influences, and possibly underlying health issues.

Firstly, the symptoms you describe, such as difficulty focusing on small text at close distances, increased sensitivity to light, and visual disturbances like seeing shadows or flickering lights, could indeed suggest presbyopia, which is a common condition that typically begins to affect individuals in their 40s and older. Presbyopia occurs due to the hardening of the lens inside the eye, making it less flexible and thus more challenging to focus on close objects. It is not unusual for one eye to show symptoms earlier or more severely than the other, as individual eyes can age at different rates.

However, the rapid deterioration of vision in one eye compared to the other, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms like light sensitivity and visual disturbances, warrants further investigation. It is essential to rule out other potential causes, such as:
1. Refractive Errors: Conditions like myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness) can cause blurry vision. If you have not had a comprehensive eye exam recently, it may be beneficial to do so.

2. Dry Eye Syndrome: Prolonged computer use, especially in environments with poor lighting or air circulation, can lead to dry eyes, resulting in discomfort and blurred vision. This condition can be exacerbated by wearing safety glasses that may not provide adequate ventilation.

3. Digital Eye Strain: Spending long hours in front of screens can lead to digital eye strain, characterized by symptoms such as blurred vision, headaches, and eye fatigue. The use of blue light filters or taking regular breaks (the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) can help alleviate these symptoms.

4. Visual Disturbances: The phenomenon of seeing shadows or flickering lights can be related to various factors, including migraines, retinal issues, or even neurological conditions. The fact that you have experienced transient visual disturbances (seeing moving shadows) could indicate a need for a thorough examination by an eye care professional.

5. Underlying Health Issues: Given your mention of autonomic nervous system dysregulation and the exclusion of hyperthyroidism, it is crucial to consider that systemic health issues can also impact vision. Conditions such as diabetes or hypertension can lead to changes in vision and should be monitored closely.

6. Amsler Grid Test: Your use of the Amsler grid is a good self-assessment tool for detecting potential issues with the macula, such as macular degeneration. If you notice any distortions or changes in the grid, it is essential to follow up with an eye care specialist.

In conclusion, while presbyopia could explain some of your symptoms, the rapid deterioration in one eye and the presence of other visual disturbances suggest that further evaluation is necessary. I recommend scheduling a comprehensive eye examination with an ophthalmologist who can assess your vision, check for any underlying conditions, and provide appropriate treatment options. Additionally, consider discussing your work environment and habits with your healthcare provider, as they may offer strategies to reduce eye strain and improve your overall visual comfort.

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