Blurry Vision: Causes and Solutions for Eye Health - Ophthalmology

More Info

---

Hello, Yulin. Thank you for your question regarding your vision issues, particularly the blurriness you experience at night when looking at lights. This phenomenon is not uncommon, especially among individuals with differing degrees of vision in each eye, such as your case of left eye myopia and right eye being normal.

The scattering of lights you observe at night, often described as halos or starbursts around light sources, can be attributed to several factors. One primary cause is the presence of astigmatism, which can occur even if you do not have a formal diagnosis. Astigmatism results from an irregular curvature of the cornea or lens, leading to distorted or blurred vision at night, especially when viewing bright lights.
Another potential cause could be related to the size of your pupils. At night, your pupils dilate to allow more light to enter the eye. If there are any imperfections in the cornea or lens, this can lead to light scattering, resulting in the halos you see around lights. Additionally, if you have any dryness or irritation in your eyes, this can also contribute to visual disturbances, particularly in low-light conditions.

It's also worth noting that wearing glasses or contact lenses that are not optimized for your specific vision needs can exacerbate these issues. If your left eye is myopic and you are not wearing corrective lenses, your brain may be relying on the right eye to compensate, which can lead to visual confusion, especially in low-light situations.

Regarding your concern about using your better eye to compensate for the weaker one, this is a common behavior. The brain tends to favor the eye that provides clearer vision, which can lead to a phenomenon known as "suppression," where the brain ignores input from the weaker eye. This can sometimes lead to further visual discomfort or strain.

To address your concerns, I recommend the following steps:
1. Comprehensive Eye Examination: Schedule an appointment with an eye care professional for a comprehensive eye exam. This will help identify any underlying issues such as astigmatism, dry eye syndrome, or other refractive errors that may be contributing to your symptoms.

2. Corrective Lenses: If you are not already wearing corrective lenses for your myopia, consider getting a prescription that addresses both eyes. This can help balance the visual input and reduce strain.

3. Eye Care Routine: Ensure you maintain good eye hygiene and consider using lubricating eye drops if you experience dryness, especially in environments with low humidity or prolonged screen time.

4. Limit Screen Time: If you spend a lot of time in front of screens, take regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This can help reduce eye strain.

5. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your vision or the frequency of your symptoms. If they worsen or new symptoms arise, seek medical attention promptly.

In conclusion, while the blurriness you experience at night can be concerning, it is often manageable with the right approach. Regular eye care and appropriate corrective measures can significantly improve your visual comfort and overall eye health. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out.