Focus Issues: Insights on Eye Health and Treatment Options

Q: Focus Issues: Insights on Eye Health and Treatment Options

Hello： <br>1. <br>Focusing Issues： The focusing problems you described may be caused by high myopia, which might require adjustments to your eyeglass or contact lens prescription. <br>Due to the different prescriptions, you may find it difficult to focus, especially at close dist

Eye focusing issues?

Hello, doctor.
I have high myopia and floaters.
In mid-September, I visited two ophthalmology clinics due to focusing issues.
The first clinic mentioned that I have a slight exophoria and prescribed me a pair of glasses with a prism.
The second clinic suggested that my inability to focus was due to fatigue and prescribed me eye drops (Systane).
Since following the second clinic's advice, I haven't used the prism glasses much and have almost finished the eye drops.
However, my focusing issues remain unchanged.
When relaxed, my eyes tend to diverge, making it difficult to focus on nearby objects (about an arm's length away), which appear blurry or double.
I can feel a slight strain in my eyes when trying to focus (to transition from double vision to single vision).
Additionally, when reading, I alternate covering each eye; the text appears blurry at first and then becomes clear (taking about 0.5 to 1 second), and this cycle of blurriness and clarity repeats.
My focusing speed seems slower than before, and I'm unsure if it's due to an insufficient prescription.
However, the first doctor mentioned that my eyes are fatigued and that I don't need to change my glasses, even though one eye is -50 and the other is -100.
One eye also showed a pseudomyopia of 25 degrees.
I've been limiting my screen time to six hours a day and trying to get outside more, but after more than three months, my focus still hasn't returned.
This situation makes me unsure whether I should change my glasses or visit another clinic for a check-up.
I'm worried that my focus might not come back, and I'm concerned that I might actually have strabismus or presbyopia.
Every day, I wake up to this situation, which affects my mood and appetite.
Basically, whenever I look at something close, it tends to be blurry or double unless I feel a strain in my eyes to refocus.
Is there a possibility that I might need surgery for this condition? I've been very anxious about it.
I apologize for my anxiety, but I wanted to consult you, doctor.

Daxuesheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/11/06

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello:
1.
Focusing Issues: The focusing problems you described may be caused by high myopia, which might require adjustments to your eyeglass or contact lens prescription.
Due to the different prescriptions, you may find it difficult to focus, especially at close distances.
2.
Eye Fatigue: Prolonged use of electronic devices or reading can lead to eye fatigue, but this usually improves after resting.
You can try to take regular breaks for your eyes using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds to alleviate fatigue.
3.
Pseudomyopia: You mentioned being diagnosed with pseudomyopia, which may be due to a problem with the eye's accommodation.
This is often manageable with appropriate prescription adjustments.
4.
Eyeglass or Contact Lens Adjustment: It is advisable to consult an ophthalmologist to check if your current eyeglass or contact lens prescription meets your vision needs.
They can perform a comprehensive eye examination to determine if adjustments are necessary.
5.
Strabismus: Since the first ophthalmologist mentioned latent exotropia, it is important to note that latent exotropia and esotropia (crossed eyes) typically do not coexist.
If you suspect you have a strabismus issue, it is recommended to consult an ophthalmologist again for a more in-depth evaluation.
If your problems persist and negatively impact your life, do not hesitate to seek an eye examination from a professional ophthalmologist for assessment and diagnosis.
They can provide you with the most appropriate advice and treatment options to ensure your eye health.
In any case, do not feel anxious; seeking professional help is the first step to resolving your issues.

Reply Date: 2023/11/06

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 understandably causing you anxiety. Let's break down your situation and explore potential causes and treatment options.

From your description, it appears that you are dealing with several issues, including high myopia (nearsightedness), floaters, and difficulties with focusing, particularly on nearby objects. The fact that you have been diagnosed with a slight exophoria (a tendency for one eye to drift outward) and have been prescribed different types of eye drops suggests that your eye care professionals are trying to address both the mechanical aspects of your vision and any potential fatigue or strain.

Understanding Your Symptoms:
1. Focusing Issues: The difficulty you describe in focusing on close objects, along with the sensation of needing to "pull" your eyes to regain focus, may indicate a problem with your eye muscles or the coordination between your eyes. This could be exacerbated by prolonged screen time, which can lead to digital eye strain. Symptoms of digital eye strain include blurred vision, dry eyes, and discomfort.

2. Floaters and High Myopia: Floaters are common in individuals with high myopia. They occur when the vitreous gel inside your eye begins to liquefy and separate from the retina, leading to the perception of small spots or threads in your vision. While floaters are usually harmless, any sudden increase in floaters or flashes of light should be evaluated by an eye care professional to rule out retinal detachment.

3. Eye Fatigue: The feeling of fatigue and the need to alternate between covering each eye while reading may suggest that your eyes are overworked. This is particularly common in individuals who spend long hours in front of screens or engage in activities requiring intense focus.

Next Steps:
1. Re-evaluation of Prescription: Given that your symptoms have persisted for over three months, it may be beneficial to return to an eye care professional for a comprehensive eye exam. This should include a refraction test to determine if your current prescription is adequate. If your vision has changed, a new prescription may help alleviate some of your focusing issues.

2. Consideration of Eye Strain: Discuss with your eye doctor the possibility of incorporating specific lenses designed for screen use or bifocals if you are experiencing signs of presbyopia (age-related difficulty focusing on close objects).
3. Eye Exercises and Breaks: Implementing the 20-20-20 rule can help reduce eye strain: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Additionally, consider practicing eye exercises that can strengthen the eye muscles and improve coordination.

4. Lifestyle Adjustments: Reducing screen time, ensuring proper lighting while reading, and taking regular breaks can significantly help alleviate symptoms of eye fatigue.
5. Surgical Options: While surgery is typically reserved for more severe cases, such as significant strabismus (misalignment of the eyes) or cataracts, it is essential to discuss your concerns with your eye doctor. They can provide guidance on whether surgical intervention is appropriate based on your specific condition.

Conclusion:
Your anxiety regarding your vision is completely understandable, especially when dealing with persistent symptoms. It is crucial to maintain open communication with your eye care provider and seek a second opinion if you feel your concerns are not being adequately addressed. Remember, many eye conditions can be managed effectively with the right treatment and lifestyle adjustments.
Please take care of your eye health, and do not hesitate to reach out for further assistance or clarification on any of these points.

Best wishes for your eye health,
Doctor Q&A Teams

Similar Q&A

Understanding Vision Issues: Seeking Solutions for Eye Health and Focus

Hello, doctor. When I look in the mirror, I notice that my left eye seems unable to focus, and I wonder if I might have some degree of strabismus. (When I was a child, the doctor mentioned that I had strabismus.) I haven't changed my glasses in eight years, and the frame is ...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello, strabismus is not simply a condition where one eye cannot focus, but rather a situation where the two eyes are unable to fuse images (with one eye deviating). Sometimes, this can lead to diplopia (seeing two images). If strabismus was present in childhood, it is still poss...

Understanding Myopia, Glaucoma, and Eye Health Concerns

Hello, doctor. I am currently a junior in college, and my myopia is -9.50 in the left eye and -11.00 in the right eye, with astigmatism of -2.00 in both eyes. Recently, I suddenly experienced headaches and dizziness, along with eye pain. I visited an ophthalmologist who conducted...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: 1. A cold can potentially cause headaches and eye pain. During a cold, all bodily functions may be affected, including the eye's ability to focus, which could lead to conditions like conjunctivitis and blurred vision. 2. Laser treatment is possible, but many facto...

Understanding Eye Issues: Common Concerns and When to Seek Laser Treatment

I have some eye issues I would like to ask Dr. Gao: 1. Sometimes when I turn off the lights and keep my eyes open, I see light quickly flickering from the corners of my eyes, which fades away in about 1-2 seconds. What is this phenomenon of light perception? It looks something li...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello, regarding the perception of light in the eyes, it is mostly caused by retinal discharge, which is likely related to vitreous traction. Other possibilities include: intraocular light phenomena or visual disturbances. If there is a retinal tear or particularly thin areas, la...

Managing Post-Surgery Complications: A Case of Amblyopia, Glaucoma, and Cataracts

Hello Doctor, my mother was born with small eyes and amblyopia. Previously, she often experienced elevated intraocular pressure, and after diagnosis, it was found that she has cataracts and glaucoma. She underwent cataract surgery in mid-May, but since then, her eyes have been co...

Dr. Ke Meilan reply Ophthalmology
Hello: The patient is evidently suffering from filamentary keratitis. It is recommended to instill preservative-free artificial tears every hour, along with mild steroid eye drops (FML) four times a day. If this does not improve the condition, please consult Dr. Wang Yizhong at N...