Eye Discomfort: Symptoms, Causes, and Next Steps

Q: Eye Discomfort: Symptoms, Causes, and Next Steps

Hello Mr. Liao： 1. Since floaters are harmless and there is no active treatment available, the current examination should be sufficient. 2. It is possible that your prescription is too strong, which may cause fatigue and difficulty focusing. You might

Inquiry about eye discomfort?

Hello Doctor: Two months ago, after experiencing severe headaches, I began to feel eye fatigue and blurred vision.
I have already consulted a neurologist and about six ophthalmologists.
The headaches have ceased, and examinations showed no abnormalities, but I still feel discomfort in my eyes.
Currently, my symptoms are: 1.
Floaters: Occasionally, I see a line that gradually turns into about 5 or 6 lines whenever I look at the blue sky or white clouds.
2.
Eye fatigue: My eyes, which previously had no blood vessels, are now filled with them, and I easily feel soreness and fatigue, making it difficult to focus.
3.
Glare and photophobia: Lights have become glaring and uncomfortable, with increased visual persistence, and I feel a bit of night blindness.
4.
Visual noise: When I look out, I see countless small black and light spots resembling television static, which makes reading difficult.
Examination reports: 1.
Vision: My prescription was -4.75 diopters until two years ago, but this time it changed to -3.75 diopters, with an increase of 0.50 diopters in glare sensitivity.
2.
OCT: I had three examinations; the last one showed slight red sensitivity, but the doctor said it was okay.
3.
Fundus examination: The first two showed no abnormalities, but one indicated slight inflammation, and the last one noted mild opacification of the lens, which was deemed acceptable, with no retinal detachment.
4.
Intraocular pressure: All normal (14-17).
5.
Visual field test: One eye showed a 30% defect, raising suspicion of glaucoma, but I was only prescribed artificial tears and told to return for re-examination in three months.
I would like to ask the doctor: 1.
Given the results of the examinations so far, the doctors have suggested monitoring, but my discomfort persists, and I am concerned about the opacification and worsening floaters.
Is it necessary to seek another hospital for a comparison? If so, what additional tests would you recommend? 2.
Would wearing multifocal glasses help improve my focusing difficulties? 3.
When I used artificial tears during a period of mild inflammation, I experienced burning pain and an increase in blood vessels.
Is this normal, or is it that inflammation should generally be kept away from water? I am now a bit hesitant to use them.
Thank you, Doctor, for your patience in reading this.

Liao, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/08/28

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello Mr.
Liao:
1.
Since floaters are harmless and there is no active treatment available, the current examination should be sufficient.

2.
It is possible that your prescription is too strong, which may cause fatigue and difficulty focusing.
You might consider trying multifocal glasses to alleviate the fatigue.

3.
Experiencing burning pain is abnormal and may indicate inflammation.
You might be allergic to the components of artificial tears, so it would be best to use eye drops specifically designed to treat inflammation.

Reply Date: 2022/08/28

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding your eye discomfort and the symptoms you are experiencing. It’s understandable to feel anxious when dealing with persistent eye issues, especially after a significant event like a severe headache. Let’s break down your symptoms and explore potential causes and next steps.

Symptoms Overview
1. Floaters (飛蚊症): The presence of floaters, particularly when looking at bright backgrounds like the sky, is common and often benign. However, an increase in floaters, especially if accompanied by flashes of light or a sudden loss of vision, should be evaluated promptly as it may indicate retinal issues.

2. Eye Fatigue (眼睛疲勞): The development of redness and fatigue in your eyes can be attributed to several factors, including prolonged screen time, dry eyes, or underlying conditions such as eye strain or inflammation.

3. Glare and Photophobia (眩光、畏光): Increased sensitivity to light can occur due to various reasons, including inflammation, cataracts, or even migraines. It’s essential to identify the underlying cause to manage this symptom effectively.

4. Visual Noise (視野雜訊): The perception of small black dots or visual disturbances can be related to several conditions, including retinal issues or even anxiety-related visual disturbances.

Diagnostic Findings
Your previous examinations have shown that your eye pressure is within normal limits, and while there was a mention of slight inflammation and some cloudiness in the lens, no significant retinal issues were detected. The suspicion of glaucoma based on visual field loss is concerning, and it’s good that you are being monitored.

Recommendations
1. Further Evaluation: Given your ongoing symptoms, it may be beneficial to seek a second opinion or return to an ophthalmologist for a more comprehensive evaluation. You might consider asking for additional tests such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to assess the retina and optic nerve more thoroughly, especially since you have experienced visual field loss.

2. Multifocal Glasses: If you are having difficulty focusing, multifocal or progressive lenses may help alleviate some of the strain, particularly for near tasks. However, it’s essential to have a proper fitting and prescription from an optometrist or ophthalmologist to ensure they meet your specific needs.

3. Artificial Tears: The burning sensation and increased redness after using artificial tears could indicate that your eyes are reacting to the preservatives in the drops or that your eyes are still inflamed. It’s crucial to use preservative-free artificial tears, especially if you have inflammation. If discomfort persists, discontinue use and consult your eye care provider.

4. Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, including when they occur and any potential triggers. This information can be invaluable for your healthcare provider in diagnosing and managing your condition.

Conclusion
Your symptoms warrant careful monitoring and possibly further investigation. While some of your symptoms may be benign, others could indicate underlying issues that require treatment. It’s essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare providers and advocate for your health. If your symptoms worsen or new symptoms arise, do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention.

Take care of your eyes, and I hope you find relief soon.

Best regards,
Doctor Q&A Teams

Similar Q&A

Understanding Visual Discomfort: Causes and Solutions for Eye Strain

Sometimes, when I can't read word by word, I feel discomfort in my body. Could you please explain what visual discomfort is?

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: Visual discomfort may refer to symptoms of discomfort or unease when seeing text or images. This sensation can include headaches, eye strain, eye pain, dizziness, nausea, and anxiety. Such discomfort may be related to eye conditions, such as presbyopia, myopia, astigmatism...

Understanding Blurry Vision: Causes and Solutions for Eye Discomfort

Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing discomfort in my eyes lately, especially in my right eye, which feels a bit dry and has a sensation of pressure around the eye socket. Blinking also causes some discomfort, but there are no noticeable blood vessels. Additionally, I have sign...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: The symptoms you described may be caused by eye strain. Common causes of eye strain include prolonged screen time, reading, and activities like driving that require the eyes to maintain the same position for extended periods. I recommend the following measures: 1. Rest you...

Managing Eye Pain and Discomfort: Effective Eye Drops and Tips

Hello Doctor, I am highly myopic (approximately -10.00 diopters) with mild amblyopia in one eye and some photophobia. Currently, I spend about 6 hours a day on the computer and around 3 hours on my smartphone (often until bedtime, and sometimes even in the dark). A few days ago, ...

Dr. Wang Zhishun reply Ophthalmology
Hello, Patidar is a medication for mild dry eye syndrome and does not cause pupil dilation. Additionally, you are using digital devices for too long, and it is best to avoid using them before bedtime. I recommend adjusting your eye usage habits first, and if you still experience ...

Understanding Eye Pain and Discomfort: Causes and Solutions

Hello Doctor: I have high myopia, dry eyes, and floaters. My intraocular pressure measured about 19-20 a month ago. Recently, I often experience soreness, dryness, and pressure in my eyes, especially in the right eye, which extends to my temples, shoulders, neck, brow bone, and e...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: 1. These symptoms may be caused by eye strain or trigeminal neuralgia. It is recommended that you consult an ophthalmologist or a neurologist for diagnosis and treatment. Preventive measures include taking appropriate breaks for your eyes, limiting the use of electronic de...