Focus Issues: Eye Health Concerns and Solutions

Q: Focus Issues: Eye Health Concerns and Solutions

Hello： <br>1. <br>Issues with focusing on near objects： The difficulties you described may be related to myopia or other visual problems. <br>Eye strain and the inability to maintain focus on a single object can be common symptoms of myopia or accommodation issues. <br>Your condi

Focusing issues with the eyes?

Hello, doctor.
I am a patient with ID numbers 198351 and 198404.
After a week, I feel that my focus hasn't improved, so I visited another clinic.
Since there was no recovery, I asked if I have strabismus.
The doctor said that everyone has a slight outward deviation and that my situation is due to fatigue from staring at screens too much.
He prescribed a similar type of eye drops as the previous clinic and mentioned that my condition is irreversible, advising me to learn to coexist with it.
However, during the summer vacation, I've actually been sleeping more and working less than before, so I'm looking at screens even less.
Yet, when I focus on nearby objects, I still experience repeated blurriness and difficulty maintaining focus.
For example, if I hold my fist about 30 centimeters in front of me and stare at it for about seven or eight seconds, my focus drifts to the background instead of my hand.
When reading text on my phone, I find that I can only see half of it clearly before it becomes blurry or reflects the phone's screen.
The only improvement seems to be that my eyes no longer twitch or hurt at night.
However, the other night, I was unsure if it was my eyelid or the muscles inside my eye that were twitching before sleep.

I would like to know if my ability to focus on nearby objects will ever return to how it was before, or if this is similar to presbyopia.
I've been quite anxious about my eye issues lately.
Additionally, I was prescribed an eye ointment for a minor abrasion, but I wasn't told how long to use it.
Should I apply it until it's finished, or is there a recommended duration? Each time I apply it, I feel a slight stinging sensation.
Also, I've noticed that upon waking, my eyes often feel very dry.
I'm not sure if this is due to the air conditioning or increased secretions.

When using my phone, should I look at it in a relaxed state or while focusing intently? Although my eyes don't feel as tired in a relaxed state, I sometimes have to refocus frequently when looking at nearby objects.
I'm concerned that because I haven't been using the muscles for near focus as much, it might become harder to focus in the future.
I feel that the time I can maintain focus has decreased compared to before.
Even when I can see clearly, I can feel the muscles in my eyes straining, which makes me feel fatigued easily.
Regarding my glasses, although one eye has a prescription that is 50 degrees less, the clinic mentioned that my eye pressure is currently high, so I plan to return later for a proper refraction before getting new glasses.
I apologize for asking so many questions, doctor.

Jiao Lv Da Xue Sheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/07/16

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello:
1.
Issues with focusing on near objects: The difficulties you described may be related to myopia or other visual problems.
Eye strain and the inability to maintain focus on a single object can be common symptoms of myopia or accommodation issues.
Your condition could potentially be latent strabismus.
It may be worth considering a visit to a strabismus clinic.
2.
Use of eye ointment: Regarding the frequency and duration of eye ointment use, it is best to follow your physician's instructions.
Typically, the duration and frequency of eye ointment application will be mentioned in the prescription or usage instructions, and generally, applying it until it is fully absorbed should not be a problem.
3.
Dry eyes upon waking: Experiencing dry eyes in the morning can be a normal phenomenon, but it may also be related to environmental factors or eye health.
Maintaining indoor humidity, reducing air conditioning use, and ensuring adequate hydration may help alleviate the sensation of dry eyes.
Ointments can also help relieve this dryness.
4.
Relaxing your eyes while using a smartphone: When using a smartphone or other digital devices, it is advisable to follow good eye care habits, including taking regular breaks, maintaining an appropriate reading distance and angle, and ensuring a comfortable environment.
The best way to care for your eyes may vary for each individual, so you can find the method that works best for you based on your own feelings.

Reply Date: 2023/07/16

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding your eye health. It sounds like you are experiencing a range of symptoms that are affecting your ability to focus, particularly on near objects. Based on your description, it seems that you are dealing with issues related to eye strain, possibly exacerbated by prolonged screen time and changes in your visual habits.

Firstly, the symptoms you describe—difficulty maintaining focus on near objects, experiencing blurriness, and the sensation of your eyes being fatigued—are common in individuals who spend significant time looking at screens or engaging in activities that require intense visual concentration. This condition is often referred to as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome. Symptoms can include blurred vision, dry eyes, headaches, and discomfort in the eyes.
The fact that you mentioned your eyes feel dry upon waking could be related to several factors, including environmental conditions such as air conditioning, which can reduce humidity and lead to dryness. Additionally, the use of screens often leads to reduced blinking, which can exacerbate dryness and discomfort.
Regarding your concern about whether your focusing issues are permanent or akin to presbyopia (age-related difficulty in focusing on near objects), it is essential to understand that presbyopia typically begins to affect individuals in their 40s and is a natural part of aging. However, your symptoms may not necessarily indicate presbyopia, especially if you are younger. Instead, they may be a result of eye strain or fatigue from your current visual habits.

To address your concerns, here are several recommendations:
1. Regular Breaks: Implement the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This helps reduce eye strain and allows your eye muscles to relax.

2. Proper Lighting: Ensure that your workspace is well-lit to reduce glare on screens and minimize strain. Avoid using screens in dark environments.

3. Adjust Screen Settings: Increase text size and contrast on your devices to make reading easier. Consider using blue light filters, especially in the evening.

4. Hydration and Humidification: Keep your eyes hydrated by using artificial tears if you experience dryness. Additionally, consider using a humidifier in your room to maintain moisture in the air, especially if you are using air conditioning.

5. Eye Exercises: Engage in simple eye exercises to strengthen your eye muscles. For example, focus on a near object for a few seconds, then switch to a distant object.

6. Consult an Eye Care Professional: Since you mentioned that your vision has not returned to normal, it may be beneficial to have a comprehensive eye exam. An optometrist or ophthalmologist can assess your vision and determine if corrective lenses or other treatments are necessary.

7. Medication Use: If you have been prescribed eye ointments or drops, follow your doctor's instructions regarding their use. If you experience discomfort or irritation, consult your eye care provider for advice.

8. Limit Screen Time: While it may not be feasible to eliminate screen time entirely, try to reduce it where possible, especially for activities that require intense focus.

In conclusion, while it is understandable to feel anxious about your vision, many of the symptoms you are experiencing can be managed with lifestyle changes and proper eye care. If your symptoms persist or worsen, please do not hesitate to seek further evaluation from a healthcare professional. Your eye health is important, and addressing these concerns early can lead to better outcomes.

Take care, and I hope you find relief soon.

Sincerely,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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