Slanted Text Perception in High Myopia and Eye Conditions - Ophthalmology

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The font appears to be slanted?


Hello Doctor: I have high myopia, floaters, and dry eyes.
Two weeks ago, my fundus examination was normal.
Recently, while working, I noticed that the text on the computer appears somewhat italicized at times, and this sensation can be more pronounced in one eye.
Other times, it feels okay.
What could be the reason for this?

Miao Miao, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/04/07

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology


Hello: The symptoms you described could be attributed to one of the following reasons: 1.
Eye strain: Prolonged exposure to computer screens can lead to eye strain, which may affect vision.
When experiencing eye strain, you might notice symptoms such as distorted or blurred text, especially when reading small fonts.
2.
High myopia: Individuals with high myopia are more prone to strabismus, which can result in symptoms like distorted or slanted text.
If you have not experienced such symptoms before, further examination may be necessary to determine the cause.
3.
Other ocular issues: Conditions such as floaters and dry eye syndrome can also lead to visual abnormalities.
It is advisable to have an examination to identify the cause of your symptoms.
Additionally, reducing prolonged screen time, taking appropriate breaks for your eyes, and maintaining good lifestyle habits can help alleviate eye strain.

Reply Date: 2023/04/07

More Info


Hello! Thank you for your question regarding your visual perception issues, particularly the slanted text perception you are experiencing. Given your history of high myopia, floaters, and dry eyes, it's understandable that you're concerned about these new symptoms.

Firstly, it's important to recognize that high myopia can lead to various visual disturbances due to the elongation of the eyeball and changes in the retina and vitreous body. In your case, the perception of text appearing slanted or distorted could be attributed to several factors related to your eye conditions.

1. Vitreous Changes: In individuals with high myopia, the vitreous gel that fills the eye can undergo changes such as liquefaction and posterior vitreous detachment. These changes can lead to visual distortions, including the perception of slanted or wavy text. The presence of floaters, which you mentioned, is also a common symptom associated with these vitreous changes. When you look at text, the movement of the vitreous can create a sensation of distortion, making letters appear slanted or wavy.

2. Dry Eyes: Dry eye syndrome can significantly impact visual clarity and comfort. When your eyes are dry, the quality of your tear film is compromised, leading to fluctuating vision. This can cause text to appear blurry or distorted, and you may find that your symptoms worsen with prolonged screen time. Ensuring that your eyes are adequately lubricated with artificial tears can help alleviate some of these symptoms.

3. Eye Fatigue and Accommodation: Extended periods of focusing on screens can lead to eye strain or fatigue, particularly in individuals with high myopia. This can affect your ability to focus properly, resulting in a sensation of distortion in your visual field. The ciliary muscles responsible for adjusting the lens may become fatigued, leading to temporary issues with accommodation, which can manifest as slanted or blurred text.

4. Neurological Factors: Although less common, visual perception can also be influenced by neurological factors. If your brain is processing visual information differently due to fatigue or stress, it may interpret the shapes of letters in a distorted manner. This is particularly relevant if you are experiencing any additional stress or fatigue in your daily life.

Given that your recent eye examination showed normal results, it is reassuring that there are no immediate concerns regarding your retinal health. However, it is essential to monitor your symptoms closely. If the perception of slanted text persists or worsens, or if you experience any new symptoms such as flashes of light or a sudden increase in floaters, it would be prudent to follow up with your eye care professional for further evaluation.

In the meantime, consider implementing some strategies to help manage your symptoms:
- Take Regular Breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away to reduce eye strain.

- Use Artificial Tears: If you are experiencing dryness, using preservative-free artificial tears can help maintain moisture and comfort in your eyes.

- Adjust Screen Settings: Ensure that your screen brightness and contrast are set to comfortable levels, and consider using a matte screen filter to reduce glare.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be related to your existing eye conditions, they are not uncommon among individuals with high myopia. Monitoring your symptoms and maintaining regular check-ups with your eye care provider will be crucial in managing your visual health. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.

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