Retinal Issues: Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions

Q: Retinal Issues: Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions

Hello： <br>1. <br>Floaters are a common eye symptom, usually caused by the aggregation of proteins in the vitreous or the contraction of the vitreous posterior membrane. <br>While this condition does not pose a direct threat to vision, if you experience discomfort, you can try th

Retinal issues

Recently, after finishing the high school entrance exam, I've been spending a lot of time on my phone, and now I feel like there might be an issue with my eyes.
I would like to consult you on a few points:
1.
I do not have myopia or hyperopia, but I do have floaters.
Although I know they cannot be treated, they have persisted for two and a half years.
What can I do to alleviate this symptom?
2.
Recently, when I blink while looking at a white wall or a flat surface, I notice a faint line, which becomes more pronounced with rapid blinking.
There is even a slight rainbow near the line, and I can also see a bit of it when I close my eyes to rest.
Is this a sign of glaucoma or halos? If neither, please let me know what this symptom might be and what I should do about it.
3.
Could you explain the difference between vitreous detachment and retinal detachment? What are their common symptoms and differences?

Hei Jie Ge, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/04/11

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello:
1.
Floaters are a common eye symptom, usually caused by the aggregation of proteins in the vitreous or the contraction of the vitreous posterior membrane.
While this condition does not pose a direct threat to vision, if you experience discomfort, you can try the following methods to alleviate symptoms: ensure good eye health by quitting smoking, getting adequate sleep, staying hydrated, and maintaining a balanced diet.
Be mindful of eye fatigue by taking breaks every hour for 5-10 minutes, and remember to blink frequently and gaze into the distance.
Avoid working in overly bright environments or staring at electronic screens for prolonged periods, and use sunshades or sunglasses appropriately.
2.
Based on your symptom description, this may be indicative of vitreous opacities.
The vitreous is a transparent gel-like substance inside the eyeball that allows light to pass through and project onto the retina.
Sometimes, proteins or other substances in the vitreous can clump together, forming cloudy spots or lines that move with the movement of the eyeball.
Occasionally, you may even see rainbow-colored halos around these spots.
These symptoms typically do not severely impact vision but can cause visual discomfort.
It is advisable to have an examination.
3.
Vitreous detachment and retinal detachment are two distinct eye conditions, each with different symptoms and implications.
Vitreous detachment refers to the gradual separation of the vitreous from the retina.
This condition usually occurs in older individuals but can also happen in younger people.
Symptoms of vitreous detachment typically include floaters, flashes of light, temporary blurred vision, and the presence of dark spots or lines in the vision.
This condition usually does not require treatment; however, if symptoms are severe or if vitreous detachment leads to complications such as retinal tears, treatment may be necessary.
Retinal detachment refers to the separation of the retina from the wall of the eyeball.
This condition typically occurs in individuals with high myopia, older age, a history of eye diseases, or eye injuries.
Symptoms of retinal detachment include sudden flashes of light, floaters, transient blurred vision or blindness, and flashes or white spots in the dark.
Retinal detachment requires prompt treatment, as untreated cases may lead to permanent vision loss.
Overall, while both vitreous detachment and retinal detachment are eye conditions, their symptoms and effects differ.
If you suspect you have these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention promptly to confirm the diagnosis and receive appropriate treatment.

Reply Date: 2023/04/11

More Info

Understanding retinal issues is crucial for maintaining eye health, especially in today's digital age where prolonged screen time is common. Based on your concerns, let's break down the symptoms and potential solutions to your eye problems.

1. Floaters (Myodesopsia): You mentioned experiencing floaters for the past two and a half years. Floaters are small specks or strands that drift through your field of vision, often more noticeable against a bright background. While they are generally harmless and a common occurrence, their persistence can be bothersome. Unfortunately, there is no definitive treatment for floaters, but there are ways to manage the discomfort they cause. Here are some suggestions:
- Eye Exercises: Regularly practicing eye exercises can help your eyes adjust better to floaters. For example, try moving your eyes up and down or side to side to shift the floaters out of your direct line of sight.

- Limit Screen Time: Reducing the amount of time spent on screens can help alleviate eye strain and may make floaters less noticeable.

- Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration can support overall eye health.

- Regular Eye Check-ups: Since floaters can sometimes indicate underlying issues, regular visits to an eye care professional are essential to monitor any changes.

2. Visual Disturbances: You described seeing a line and a rainbow effect when blinking at a white wall or flat surface. This phenomenon could be related to several factors:
- Visual Aura: Sometimes, visual disturbances can be a precursor to migraines, even if you do not experience headache pain.

- Afterimages: Staring at a bright surface can cause afterimages or visual artifacts due to the photoreceptors in your retina becoming temporarily overstimulated.

- Rainbow Effect: This could be due to light diffraction or corneal irregularities, but it is unlikely to be glaucoma or rainbow vision (chromatic aberration) unless accompanied by other symptoms like eye pain or significant vision loss.

- Consultation: If these symptoms persist or worsen, it is advisable to consult an eye specialist for a thorough examination to rule out any serious conditions.

3. Vitreous Detachment vs. Retinal Detachment: Understanding the difference between these two conditions is vital:
- Vitreous Detachment: This occurs when the vitreous gel that fills the eye begins to shrink and pull away from the retina. Symptoms include floaters and flashes of light. It is generally not serious but can lead to retinal detachment in some cases.

- Retinal Detachment: This is a more serious condition where the retina separates from the back of the eye. Symptoms include sudden flashes of light, a sudden increase in floaters, and a shadow or curtain over part of your vision. This requires immediate medical attention.

- Common Symptoms: Both conditions can share symptoms like floaters and flashes, but retinal detachment often presents with more severe visual changes and requires urgent treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.

In conclusion, while floaters and visual disturbances can be concerning, they are often benign. However, it is essential to monitor your symptoms closely and seek professional advice, especially if you notice any sudden changes in your vision. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management of any potential issues. Remember to take breaks from screens, practice good eye hygiene, and maintain a healthy lifestyle to support your eye health.

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