Eye Issues: Floaters and Visual Disturbances Explained - Ophthalmology

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Hello,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding your eye health. As a 45-year-old with high myopia (over 600 degrees) and experiencing floaters, it's understandable that you may feel anxious about your visual disturbances. Let's break down your symptoms and the potential underlying causes.

1. Floaters: Floaters are common, especially in individuals with high myopia. They occur when the vitreous gel inside the eye begins to liquefy and pull away from the retina, leading to the perception of small spots or strands that drift in your field of vision. The fact that you have undergone comprehensive examinations, including dilated retinal exams, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), visual field tests, and MRI of the brain, and that all results were normal, is reassuring. It suggests that there are no significant retinal tears or detachments, which are serious conditions that can arise with floaters.

2. Visual Disturbances: The sensations of seeing a small area of your vision that appears to have a "wavy" or "water-like" effect, especially when looking at the ground or during casual glances, can be attributed to a few factors. In high myopia, the structure of the eye is altered, which can lead to visual distortions. Additionally, the perception of slight movements around your peripheral vision when focusing on a screen could be related to visual fatigue or strain, particularly if you spend long hours in front of a computer. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as "visual snow" or "visual disturbances" and can be exacerbated by prolonged screen time.

3. Flashes of Light: The experience of seeing brief flashes of light or sudden changes in brightness, especially when daydreaming or in a relaxed state, can also be concerning. These flashes may be related to the vitreous gel tugging on the retina, which can happen in myopic eyes. While these flashes can be benign, they warrant attention if they become more frequent or are accompanied by a significant increase in floaters or a shadow in your peripheral vision.

4. Anxiety and Eye Symptoms: It's important to recognize that anxiety can manifest physically, including in your vision. Stress and anxiety can lead to heightened awareness of bodily sensations, including visual disturbances. This can create a feedback loop where anxiety exacerbates your perception of visual issues, leading to further worry.

5. Recommendations: Given your symptoms and the normal results from your eye examinations, here are some recommendations:
- Regular Eye Exams: Continue to have regular check-ups with your eye care professional to monitor your condition, especially since you have high myopia.

- Visual Hygiene: Practice good visual hygiene by taking regular breaks when using screens (the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds).

- Stress Management: Consider stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga, which can help alleviate anxiety and may improve your overall perception of visual disturbances.

- Consultation: If your symptoms worsen or if you experience new symptoms, do not hesitate to reach out to your eye care provider for further evaluation.

In conclusion, while your symptoms can be distressing, the normal results from your extensive testing are a positive sign. It's essential to stay proactive about your eye health and to address any concerns with your healthcare provider. Remember, you are not alone in experiencing these sensations, and with proper management and care, many individuals with similar conditions lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

Take care, and I hope this information helps alleviate some of your concerns!