Essential Eye Care: Regular Checkups and Important Tests for Vision Health

Q: Essential Eye Care: Regular Checkups and Important Tests for Vision Health

Hello： <br>Question 1： Regarding your vision condition, it is recommended that you have an eye examination annually, which includes a refraction test and a fundus examination. <br>Additionally, glaucoma and cataract screenings will be conducted during the visit, and you can discu

Regular Eye Examinations & Eye Care Knowledge

Hello, I have been nearsighted for the past five years, with my prescription ranging from -3.50 to -5.00 diopters, and I also have astigmatism (50, 100) and floaters.
In my daily life, I can drive, read, and use electronic devices (which has a slight impact but is not severe).
During a retinal examination in 2022, the doctor noted that my retina is thinner but did not recommend surgical treatment.

Question 1: I would like to ask the doctor what additional tests I should consider for my annual check-ups.
Currently, I only undergo (1) refraction tests and (2) retinal examinations.
Should I also consider adding tests for retinal thickness, cataracts, glaucoma, or any other assessments?
Question 2: Regarding the doctor's previous comment about my thin retina, I would like to inquire further: Is it safe for someone with myopia and a thin retina to ride amusement park rides? I have read in newspapers and magazines that there may be risks of retinal detachment, blindness, or vision impairment, but I am unsure how high these risks are.
Question 3: A family member recently noticed that when looking towards the outer corner of their eye, they see halos or blurriness.
They mentioned that the areas where the halos and blurriness occur seem to be different.
What specific ophthalmic examination would you recommend for this condition?
Question 4: If I lower the brightness of my electronic device screens to a comfortable level for my eyes (for example, reducing the brightness of my iPhone by half, with white point settings from 0 to 75), could this potentially lead to worsening vision?
Question 5: I enjoy watching movies and would like to know if using a projection screen to watch films is less straining on the eyes compared to watching on a laptop screen (considering screen size, brightness, and blue light exposure).
Thank you very much for your answers!

Xiao Bu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/02/16

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello:
Question 1: Regarding your vision condition, it is recommended that you have an eye examination annually, which includes a refraction test and a fundus examination.
Additionally, glaucoma and cataract screenings will be conducted during the visit, and you can discuss with your physician whether a retinal thickness assessment is necessary.
Question 2: Concerning the issue of thinner retinas, riding amusement park attractions is generally safe.
However, it is advisable to avoid extreme heights and speeds to reduce any potential risk of retinal damage.
If you have concerns, it is recommended to consult with an ophthalmologist beforehand.
Question 3: If someone at home is experiencing halos around lights or blurred vision, it is advisable to seek an eye examination as soon as possible.
A retinal and other ocular assessments may be necessary to determine the source of the problem and to initiate appropriate treatment.
Question 4: Adjusting the brightness of screens on electronic devices to a comfortable level for both eyes is a wise practice.
Generally, proper brightness settings are unlikely to worsen vision.
However, prolonged use of electronic devices can lead to eye strain, so it is recommended to take regular breaks: every 20 minutes of screen time, rest your eyes for 20 seconds to allow them to relax.
Question 5: Watching movies on a projection screen, compared to a laptop screen, typically places less strain on the eyes due to the greater distance.
However, sometimes projections can be dimmer, which may lead to eye fatigue.
A larger screen, sufficient distance, adequate brightness, and reduced blue light can all help minimize eye strain, but it is still advisable to take appropriate breaks and implement eye protection measures.
Wishing you good eye health!

Reply Date: 2024/02/16

More Info

Regular eye care is essential for maintaining good vision and preventing potential eye diseases, especially for individuals with myopia (nearsightedness) and other conditions like astigmatism and floaters. Given your situation, let's address your questions systematically.

Question 1: Recommended Annual Eye Exams
For someone with a history of myopia and a thinner retina, it's crucial to have a comprehensive eye examination annually. While you are currently undergoing refraction tests (to determine your prescription) and fundus examinations (to check the health of the retina), I recommend adding the following tests:
1. Visual Field Test: This assesses your peripheral vision and can help detect issues related to glaucoma or retinal problems.

2. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): This non-invasive imaging test provides detailed images of the retina, allowing for the assessment of retinal thickness and the detection of any abnormalities.

3. Pachymetry: This measures the thickness of your cornea, which is important in evaluating glaucoma risk.

4. Slit Lamp Examination: This allows the doctor to examine the anterior segment of your eye, including the lens, which can help in assessing cataracts.

5. Retinal Photography: This creates a permanent record of the retina's condition, which can be useful for monitoring changes over time.

These tests can provide a more comprehensive view of your eye health and help in early detection of any potential issues.

Question 2: Riding Amusement Park Rides
Regarding your concern about riding amusement park rides with myopia and a thin retina, it is essential to be cautious. While the risk of retinal detachment is generally low for most individuals, those with myopia and a thinner retina may have a slightly increased risk. The rapid movements and changes in G-forces experienced on rides can potentially stress the retina. It would be wise to consult your eye care professional for personalized advice based on your specific retinal condition before engaging in such activities.

Question 3: Symptoms of Light Halos and Blurriness
For your family member experiencing halos and blurriness when looking towards the periphery, it is advisable to seek an eye examination promptly. These symptoms could indicate several conditions, including:
- Cataracts: This could cause light to scatter, leading to halos around lights.

- Corneal Issues: Such as keratoconus or corneal edema.

- Retinal Problems: Including retinal detachment or vitreous detachment.

A comprehensive eye exam, including a slit lamp examination and possibly OCT, would be beneficial in diagnosing the underlying cause.

Question 4: Screen Brightness and Vision
Adjusting the brightness of your device to a comfortable level is generally advisable. Excessively bright screens can cause eye strain, leading to discomfort and potentially worsening visual acuity over time. However, reducing brightness to a comfortable level should not inherently cause vision deterioration. It's essential to take regular breaks (the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) to reduce eye strain.

Question 5: Watching Movies on Different Screens
When comparing viewing experiences between a projection screen and a laptop, several factors come into play:
- Screen Size: A larger screen can reduce eye strain as it allows for a more comfortable viewing distance.

- Brightness: Projectors can vary in brightness; ensure the projector is bright enough for the environment to avoid straining your eyes.

- Blue Light Exposure: Both screens emit blue light, which can contribute to digital eye strain. Using blue light filters or glasses can help mitigate this effect.

In general, if the projection setup is well-lit and appropriately sized, it may be easier on the eyes than a smaller, bright laptop screen.

Conclusion
Regular eye check-ups and appropriate testing are vital for maintaining eye health, especially for individuals with myopia and other visual concerns. Always consult with your eye care provider to tailor your eye care routine to your specific needs and conditions.

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