Visual Disturbances: Allergies, Dry Eyes, and Recovery

Q: Visual Disturbances: Allergies, Dry Eyes, and Recovery

Hello： 1. The reasons for seeing visual noise (visual snow syndrome) in the situations you mentioned may include： - Eye fatigue： Prolonged use of electronic devices can lead to overexertion of the ciliary muscles, resulting in visual disturbances. - Dry

Seeing noise in the sky and on walls?

Hello, Doctor.
I am an engineer, and I have been experiencing significant eye strain over the past few months.
About a month ago, I developed eye inflammation, and after seeing a doctor, I was told it was due to allergies.
However, I have been unable to identify the allergen, and my eyes have been going through cycles of allergy and inflammation.
Eventually, this led to some meibomian gland blockage, resulting in dry eyes.
During this time, I also seemed to experience symptoms of ciliary muscle fatigue (slower focusing speed when switching from distant to near vision).
I have seen three or four doctors, all of whom said my eyes looked fine, just fatigued.
Three days ago, after another examination, the doctor used a slit lamp and checked my upper and lower meibomian glands, concluding that there were no issues, just allergies.
He prescribed Chloramphenicol as a maintenance antibiotic.
That day, I identified the main allergen as the air conditioning in my room, and after avoiding it, my eyes improved somewhat; they are not as prone to dryness, and I can ride my bike without wearing a mask, experiencing dryness only occasionally.
After resting my eyes for a while, I feel that my focusing speed has mostly returned.
However, since the inflammation, I have noticed that when looking at the blue sky, it seems to have some noise, making the sky appear not purely blue.
I also notice this with walls, and it is more pronounced in brighter areas.
I had not consulted a doctor about this before because I found the dry eye issue more bothersome.
I would like to ask: 1.
What could be causing the visual noise? 2.
Do I need to have a fundus examination, or will resting my eyes suffice? 3.
Will my dry eyes completely recover? I had no symptoms of dry eyes before the allergies.
4.
How long should I use Chloramphenicol? 5.
I am currently using an electric eye mask for heat therapy and massage once a day, but after one session, my eyes felt swollen and painful.
What could be the cause of this? Thank you, Doctor, for taking the time to respond!

Yu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/07/30

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello:
1.
The reasons for seeing visual noise (visual snow syndrome) in the situations you mentioned may include:
- Eye fatigue: Prolonged use of electronic devices can lead to overexertion of the ciliary muscles, resulting in visual disturbances.

- Dry eye syndrome: Dry eye can affect tear film stability, leading to blurred vision or a sensation of visual noise.

- Retinal issues: Although you mentioned that multiple doctors have examined you with no obvious problems, if symptoms persist, a more detailed examination is recommended.

2.
Need for a fundus examination: If your symptoms continue or worsen, a fundus examination is advised to rule out issues with the retina or optic nerve.
This can help determine if there are underlying retinal or neurological conditions.

3.
Recovery from dry eye syndrome: The recovery time for dry eye syndrome varies from person to person.
Since you have identified and avoided the main allergens, this is a good start.
Continuing to maintain eye hygiene and appropriate care measures should lead to gradual improvement of symptoms.

4.
Duration of chloramphenicol use: Chloramphenicol is typically used as a short-term antibiotic.
Please follow your doctor's instructions; if there are no specific directives, it is generally recommended not to exceed 7-10 days.
If long-term use is necessary, please consult your ophthalmologist again.

5.
Causes of eye swelling and pain after warm compress: Swelling and pain after warm compress may be due to excessive temperature or prolonged application time.
It is recommended to:
- Ensure the temperature of the warm compress is moderate and not too hot.

- Limit each warm compress session to no more than 10-15 minutes.

- If discomfort persists, discontinue the warm compress and consult your ophthalmologist.

Recommendations:
1.
Ophthalmic examination: If the visual noise phenomenon continues or worsens, a detailed ophthalmic examination is recommended.

2.
Eye care: Continue using artificial tears, maintain good eye habits, and avoid allergens.

3.
Healthy lifestyle: Adequate rest and avoiding prolonged use of electronic devices can help reduce eye fatigue.

4.
Consult a physician: If you have any concerns or if symptoms worsen, please seek an ophthalmic examination immediately.

Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Reply Date: 2024/07/30

More Info

Hello! Thank you for sharing your concerns about your eye health. It sounds like you've been experiencing a range of visual disturbances, particularly related to allergies, dry eyes, and potential fatigue of the ciliary muscles. Let’s address your questions one by one, while also providing some additional context regarding your symptoms.

1. Seeing "Noise" in the Vision: The phenomenon you describe, where you see a sort of "noise" or distortion in bright areas like the sky or walls, can be related to several factors. This could be a result of your eyes adjusting to changes after inflammation or dryness. When the eyes are dry, the tear film can become unstable, leading to visual disturbances. Additionally, if there was any inflammation in the retina or other parts of the eye, it might cause temporary changes in how you perceive light and color. This is often referred to as "visual snow" or other forms of visual disturbances, which can occur after prolonged irritation or inflammation.

2. Need for Fundus Examination: Given your symptoms, it would be prudent to have a comprehensive eye examination, including a fundus examination, especially if you continue to experience visual disturbances. While your recent visits have indicated no significant issues, a thorough check can help rule out any underlying conditions that may not have been apparent during previous evaluations. It's always better to be cautious, especially when it comes to changes in vision.

3. Recovery from Dry Eyes: Dry eye symptoms can often improve with proper management and care. Since you mentioned that you had no symptoms before the allergy, there is a good chance that with the right treatment and avoidance of allergens (like the air conditioning), your eyes can return to their previous state. Regular use of lubricating eye drops, maintaining a humid environment, and taking breaks from screens can significantly help in recovery.

4. Duration for Chloramphenicol: The duration for using Chloramphenicol can vary based on the specific condition being treated. Typically, for bacterial infections, it may be prescribed for about 7 to 10 days. However, since your doctor mentioned it as a maintenance treatment, it’s essential to follow their specific instructions regarding how long to use it. If you have any concerns about its use or side effects, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.

5. Electric Eye Mask and Discomfort: Using an electric eye mask for heat therapy can be beneficial for dry eyes and meibomian gland function. However, if you experience discomfort or a feeling of pressure after using it, it may be due to the temperature being too high or the mask being too tight. It’s essential to ensure that the heat is comfortable and not excessive. If the discomfort persists, consider reducing the temperature or duration of use, and consult your doctor if it continues.

In summary, while it seems like you are on the right track with managing your symptoms, it’s crucial to continue monitoring your condition and seek further evaluation if necessary. Allergies and dry eyes can significantly impact your quality of life, but with appropriate care and adjustments, many people find relief and improvement. Always prioritize your eye health and don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider for clarification on any treatments or symptoms you experience. Take care!

Similar Q&A

Understanding Visual Disturbances: Light Sensitivity and Afterimages

I have been experiencing persistent dryness in my eyes. During the day, I use preservative-free artificial tears, and before bed, I apply vitamin A ointment. I have had floaters for several years without significant changes, but my light sensitivity has been worsening. For the pa...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello DAMY: If you are very sensitive to light and find it uncomfortable to see, in addition to dry eye syndrome, it could also be a sign of presbyopia. If you do not usually wear reading glasses, you might want to give them a try. If you already wear them, it’s important to chec...

How to Alleviate Dry Eyes and Visual Disturbances at Night

Doctor, I have a question. Recently, I've been experiencing double vision and glare at night, with halos around objects. However, I had a fundus examination last month, and everything was fine. What can I do to improve this condition?

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: It is possible that dry eyes and insufficient tear production are causing refractive issues. Other conditions such as astigmatism, corneal edema, and ocular discharge can also lead to similar symptoms. It is recommended that you visit an ophthalmologist for further examina...

Understanding Vision Decline: Causes and Treatment Options

Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing issues with allergic conjunctivitis and dry eye syndrome. Previously, I was using medications like Azelastine and Loteprednol. I tend to use my eyes a lot, and I also noticed floaters in my vision about two years ago, but the retinal examin...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: 1. Glasses Prescription Issue: Since you have recently experienced a decline in vision, it may be due to the need for an adjustment in your glasses prescription. Changes in vision could be related to an increase in myopia. It is advisable to visit an ophthalmologist for ...

Understanding Blurry Vision and Visual Disturbances: Possible Causes and Solutions

Hello, doctor. My work environment primarily involves using a computer, monitoring screens, and wearing safety glasses. Due to the pandemic over the past two years, plastic sheets have been installed in the office and break room, which are not very transparent and create a narrow...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: Based on your description, it may be related to the eye's accommodative ability, which could indicate early symptoms of presbyopia. If there is a difference in the prescription between your two eyes, one eye may be more affected than the other. I recommend that you se...