Eye Focus Issues: Symptoms and Solutions for Clear Vision - Ophthalmology

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Focusing issues with the eyes?


Recently, I've noticed that my prescription isn't strong enough, so I'm planning to get new lenses this weekend.
However, over the past couple of days, I've experienced some issues when looking at my phone from a normal distance, especially with white text on a black background.
Sometimes, while wearing my glasses, I feel uncertain if it's my eye muscles that are struggling to control the focus of one eye, as the text can shift from being clear to blurry, and then back to normal when I refocus.

A while ago, when I visited the ophthalmologist, I didn't experience this issue while wearing my glasses; it only happened when I took them off.
The doctor mentioned that my high myopia might cause me to see double when looking closely in the mirror.
Other tests, including intraocular pressure and optical coherence tomography, showed no problems.

I'm wondering if this could be due to fatigue or if there's another underlying issue.
I'm considering going back for another check-up.
Additionally, when riding my bike, I notice a complete halo around traffic lights and motorcycle lights, and sometimes the halo appears sharp.
I'm curious if this could be astigmatism or a prescription issue.
I also found some information online suggesting it might be cataracts, which makes me a bit worried.

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

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology


Hello: Based on your description, you experience blurriness in your vision while wearing glasses, which then returns to clarity.
This may be related to eye fatigue, especially if you have been staring at your phone screen for extended periods or using your phone in unsuitable environments, which can lead to eye strain.
When your eyes are fatigued, you may feel that your focus adjustment is inaccurate or blurry.

Regarding the halo effect you mentioned while wearing glasses, there could be several reasons for this.
One possibility is astigmatism, which refers to an irregular shape of the cornea that prevents light from focusing properly on the retina.
This can cause halos or glare around light sources.
Another possibility is an incorrect prescription; if your glasses prescription is not accurate, it may also lead to halo effects.

As for the cataracts you mentioned, cataracts typically cause symptoms such as blurred vision and light sensitivity, but they usually do not affect focus adjustment.
If you are concerned that you might have cataracts, it is advisable to have an eye examination by an ophthalmologist.

Reply Date: 2023/07/07

More Info


Understanding eye focus issues can be quite complex, especially for individuals with high myopia or other refractive errors. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing fluctuations in your vision, particularly when looking at screens or reading text. This can be attributed to several factors, including eye fatigue, muscle control issues, or even underlying eye conditions.


Symptoms and Possible Causes
1. Fluctuating Vision: The sensation of your vision going from clear to blurry and back again could indicate a problem with the eye's focusing mechanism. This is often due to the ciliary muscles, which control the lens's shape for focusing, becoming fatigued. When these muscles are overworked, they may struggle to maintain focus, especially when switching between different distances, such as looking at a phone screen and then at something further away.

2. Visual Fatigue: Spending prolonged periods looking at screens can lead to digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome. Symptoms include blurred vision, dry eyes, and discomfort. This is particularly common among individuals with high myopia, as their eyes may already be under additional strain.

3. Halo and Glare: The halos you see around lights, such as traffic signals, can be associated with several conditions. In high myopia, this can be due to corneal irregularities or the lens's shape. However, halos can also be a symptom of other conditions like cataracts, which can cause light to scatter as it enters the eye.

4. Eye Pressure and Health: Since you mentioned that your eye pressure and other tests were normal, it’s less likely that you have glaucoma or other severe conditions. However, it’s essential to keep monitoring your eye health, especially with your history of high myopia.


Recommendations
1. Rest Your Eyes: Implement the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This helps reduce eye strain and allows your ciliary muscles to relax.

2. Adjust Your Environment: Ensure that your workspace is well-lit and that your screen is at a comfortable distance. Consider using blue light filters on your devices to reduce glare and strain.

3. Regular Eye Exams: Since you are experiencing these symptoms, it would be wise to schedule a follow-up appointment with your eye care professional. They can perform a comprehensive eye exam to rule out any underlying conditions and assess your current prescription.

4. Consider Your Prescription: If your current glasses are not providing clear vision, it may be time to update your prescription. Sometimes, even a slight change in lens power can make a significant difference in clarity and comfort.

5. Discuss Symptoms with Your Doctor: If you are concerned about the halos or any other symptoms, bring these up during your next visit. Your doctor may want to conduct additional tests to ensure there are no underlying issues, such as cataracts or other refractive errors.

6. Stay Hydrated and Maintain Eye Health: Ensure you are drinking enough water and consider using artificial tears if you experience dryness. This can help keep your eyes comfortable, especially during prolonged screen time.


Conclusion
Your symptoms of fluctuating vision and halos around lights are not uncommon among individuals with high myopia, especially when combined with screen use. While fatigue and muscle control issues are likely contributors, it’s essential to monitor your symptoms and consult with your eye care professional for a thorough evaluation. Regular check-ups will help ensure that your vision remains stable and that any potential issues are addressed promptly. Remember, taking breaks and adjusting your viewing habits can significantly improve your comfort and visual clarity.

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