Abnormal Visual Field Reports After Eye Trauma

Abnormal visual field report?

Hello Doctor: I was in a car accident on January 6 of this year, where I was lying face down and my lower body was trapped under a motorcycle.
About an hour later, while I was signing a statement at the scene, I noticed that my vision was unclear, and all the letters appeared as squares, with only four Chinese characters recognizable.
Subsequently, I visited an ophthalmologist for follow-up and discovered that I could only see three large "C" letters with my left eye; the other "C" letters became smaller and more severely overlapped, with double-layer overlap (the second slightly to the right) and triple-layer overlap (the second and third slightly to the right).
I also saw two flat "O" letters stacked vertically and an inverted "C" (the Chanel logo).
During a visual field test, when my right eye was covered, my left eye saw a transparent refracted color blindness card with many small dots spaced apart.
For a period, I heard the sound of the machine, but I could not see any light spots appearing (the visual field test report on that day was abnormal).
The attending physician noted: 1.
You may not be familiar with the procedure during your first attempt.
2.
Optic nerve atrophy.
Today, on January 22, when I woke up, I noticed dry cracks in both eyes, with larger particles and fissures this time.
They disappeared after blinking.
Is this a normal phenomenon, or should I follow up with any specific specialties?

Ms. Wu, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/01/22

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology

Observe the symptoms, and if they persist, seek medical evaluation.

Reply Date: 2023/01/22

More Info

After experiencing a traumatic event such as a car accident, it is not uncommon for individuals to encounter various visual disturbances, including abnormal visual field reports. Your description indicates that you have been experiencing significant visual anomalies, such as seeing letters distorted into shapes and overlapping images. These symptoms can be indicative of several underlying issues related to the trauma you sustained.

Firstly, the fact that you perceived letters as square shapes and could only recognize a few characters suggests a possible disruption in your visual processing. This could be due to damage to the visual pathways in the brain or the retina, which may have been affected during the accident. The overlapping images you described, such as the "C" and "O" shapes, could point to a condition known as diplopia (double vision) or other visual distortions resulting from the trauma.

The visual field test results indicating abnormalities further support the idea that there may be damage to the optic nerve or the visual cortex. The optic nerve is responsible for transmitting visual information from the retina to the brain, and any injury to this nerve can lead to significant visual deficits. The mention of potential optic nerve atrophy (shrinkage) is concerning, as it suggests that there may have been some degree of damage that could affect your long-term vision.

Regarding the "dry cracks" and particles you observed upon waking, these could be related to several factors. They might be a result of dry eyes, which can occur after trauma, or they could be related to changes in the vitreous humor (the gel-like substance inside the eye) that can happen after an injury. If these symptoms are transient and resolve after blinking, they may not be a cause for immediate concern. However, if they persist or worsen, it would be advisable to seek further evaluation.

In terms of follow-up care, it is crucial to monitor your symptoms closely. If you continue to experience visual disturbances, it would be prudent to consult with an ophthalmologist who specializes in traumatic eye injuries. Additionally, a referral to a neurologist may be necessary to assess any potential brain-related issues that could be contributing to your visual symptoms. They can perform imaging studies, such as an MRI or CT scan, to evaluate the brain and optic pathways for any signs of injury.

In summary, while some visual disturbances may resolve over time, persistent or worsening symptoms warrant further investigation. It is essential to have a comprehensive evaluation by specialists in both ophthalmology and neurology to determine the extent of any damage and to develop an appropriate treatment plan. Early intervention can be critical in managing visual impairments and optimizing recovery.

Similar Q&A

Understanding and Managing Visual Field Loss After Neurological Trauma

Hello, Doctor! I had a car accident in early 2002, and I am still experiencing residual effects, including complete loss of vision in my left visual field (including the central area to the left). At that time, I underwent an MRI, and the physician at Taichung Veterans General Ho...

Dr. Huang Yingzhe reply Neurology
Dear Dr. Huang Ying-Che, Director of the Neurology Department at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: This must be differentiated to determine whether it is an issue with the optic nerve, the eyeball and its附屬器官 (accessory structures), or a brain problem. Please firs...

Understanding Unexplained Visual Field Loss: Causes and Insights

Hello Doctor, last December I experienced a fist-sized visual field defect in my right eye, specifically in the nasal peripheral vision (25-40 degrees). Despite seeking medical attention, the cause of this defect remains undetermined. The obscuration varies with light exposure; u...

Dr. Wang Zhangji reply Ophthalmology
In bright light, the pupils constrict. If there is localized opacification in the lens, it may obstruct the visual field. When the light diminishes, the pupils dilate, allowing light to enter from the periphery to compensate. However, you mentioned that this is no longer occurrin...

Understanding Vision Loss After Eye Injury: Causes and Solutions

Several months ago, a head injury resulted in an orbital bone fracture, and the orbit also sustained impact. Currently, the trauma has healed, but there is blindness in one eye. An eye examination has been performed, and the nerve conduction in the blind eye is the same as in the...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: It is also possible that there are issues beyond the optic nerve, and we are unsure if there is any brain damage. I recommend discussing this further with your ophthalmologist to determine the cause of the blindness.

Understanding Visual Disturbances After Intracranial Hemorrhage

Recently, a family member experienced intracranial hemorrhage due to an accident. In addition to symptoms of dizziness and headache, they also have visual discomfort in the right eye and difficulty seeing at a distance. The impact occurred at the lower right posterior area. An ey...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: According to what you mentioned, "the ophthalmologist said there are no structural neurological issues..." Based on medical principles: "Visual conduction pathway: visual field → retina → optic nerve → optic chiasm → optic tract → lateral geniculate nucleus ...