Visual Distortions: When to Worry About Your Eyesight

Q: Visual Distortions: When to Worry About Your Eyesight

Hello： The situation you mentioned may be related to eye strain, dry eye syndrome, or high myopia. <br><br>1. <br>Lines appearing distorted in the Amsler grid test： If you occasionally notice lines not straight while using the Amsler grid test, but they return to normal after bli

Macula?

Hello, Doctor.
I have personal myopia of 500-600 degrees and astigmatism of 150-200 degrees.
I have an undiagnosed test for glaucoma (the doctor said it is caused by high intraocular pressure), but I am on a fixed regimen of eye drops and have follow-up examinations.
On April 13, I underwent retinal/OCT/visual field tests, all of which showed no abnormalities.
I would like to ask the following questions:
1.
Recently, when using the Amsler grid test at a distance of 30 centimeters while fixating on the black dot, I sometimes feel that the lines are not perfectly straight.
However, this condition is very subtle and vague, and sometimes after blinking, the lines return to normal.
2.
Additionally, sometimes when I stare at the black dot without blinking or after repeated testing, after a few seconds, I notice dark spots appearing around the black dot, with a rotating pattern of squares (similar to the grid lines rotating around the perimeter of the black dot).
However, after blinking and resting, this phenomenon disappears.
I would like to know if this is an optical illusion or caused by eye fatigue.
Because sometimes during self-checks, the grid appears normal, and only occasionally do I experience the aforementioned situation.
However, I do not feel any distortion when reading or looking at text.
Thank you, Doctor.

Lin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/06/29

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: The situation you mentioned may be related to eye strain, dry eye syndrome, or high myopia.

1.
Lines appearing distorted in the Amsler grid test: If you occasionally notice lines not straight while using the Amsler grid test, but they return to normal after blinking, this may be due to eye strain or unstable tear film.
When the eyes are fatigued or dry, the tear film surface may become uneven, affecting visual quality and causing lines to appear distorted.
This phenomenon typically improves after blinking or resting.
2.
Rotating grids around black spots: This condition may be a result of eye strain or a temporary visual phenomenon.
Prolonged fixation on the same point, especially in the context of dry eyes or fatigue, can lead to temporary visual changes.
The disappearance of these visual phenomena after blinking or resting indicates that these symptoms are not permanent retinal issues.
Although your retinal and visual field examination results show no abnormalities, considering your history of undetermined test glaucoma and high intraocular pressure, it is crucial to have regular check-ups and monitor your eye condition.

If you continue to feel discomfort or if symptoms worsen, it is advisable to consult an ophthalmologist to ensure your eye health.
Additionally, to reduce eye strain, it is recommended to take regular breaks when using electronic devices or reading, such as resting your eyes for 20 seconds every 20 minutes and looking at a distance to relax your eyes.
Maintaining good eye habits and proper eye care is very important for your eye health.

Reply Date: 2024/06/29

More Info

Hello! Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding your eyesight. Based on the symptoms you've described, it seems that you are experiencing some visual distortions that can be quite concerning, especially given your history of myopia and elevated intraocular pressure. Let's break down your questions and provide some insights.

1. Amsler Grid Test Results: The Amsler grid is a useful tool for detecting visual disturbances, particularly those related to the macula, which is responsible for central vision. When you notice that lines appear wavy or distorted, it could indicate a potential issue with the macula, such as macular degeneration or other retinal problems. However, since you mentioned that the distortion is not consistent and sometimes resolves after blinking, it may also be related to eye fatigue or temporary visual disturbances rather than a permanent issue. Eye fatigue can occur from prolonged focus on a single point, especially at close distances, which can lead to temporary visual distortions.

2. Visual Phenomena with Black Spots and Rotating Grids: The phenomenon of seeing black spots or distortions around the fixation point, especially after prolonged staring, can be attributed to several factors. One possibility is that it could be a form of visual fatigue or a temporary visual illusion caused by the way your eyes and brain process visual information. When you fixate on a point for too long without blinking, the visual system may start to create afterimages or visual artifacts, which can manifest as the rotating grids you described. This is often harmless and resolves with blinking or resting your eyes.

3. Eye Fatigue and Its Effects: Given your high degree of myopia and the history of elevated eye pressure, it’s essential to manage eye fatigue effectively. Prolonged screen time or reading can lead to digital eye strain, which can cause symptoms such as blurred vision, dry eyes, and discomfort. To alleviate these symptoms, consider implementing 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 eyes to refocus.

4. When to Seek Further Evaluation: While the symptoms you describe may be related to fatigue or temporary visual disturbances, it’s crucial to monitor them closely. If you notice that the distortions become more frequent, last longer, or are accompanied by other symptoms such as flashes of light, significant vision loss, or changes in your peripheral vision, it would be wise to consult with your eye care professional. Given your history of high eye pressure and the potential risk for glaucoma, regular follow-ups and comprehensive eye exams are essential to ensure that your eyes remain healthy.

5. General Eye Care Tips: To maintain your eye health, ensure you are using appropriate corrective lenses, taking regular breaks from screens, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids. Staying hydrated is also important for overall eye health.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be related to eye fatigue or temporary visual distortions, it’s essential to remain vigilant and consult your eye care provider if you have any concerns. Regular monitoring and appropriate eye care can help manage your condition effectively. Thank you for your questions, and I hope this information helps clarify your concerns!

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