Unusual Vision Symptoms: Seeking Answers for Eye Discomfort

Hello, doctor. Everything I see with my eyes looks strange?

Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my eyes.
My right eye is -190 degrees and my left eye is 0 degrees, but I feel that when I look at objects within about 150 centimeters with my left eye, they appear unclear, similar to nearsightedness.
However, if I strain my eye, the objects become clear again, as if adjusting the focus of a telescope.
As for my right eye, I feel a similar situation occurs at around 35 centimeters.
Even when I wear glasses, I still have to strain to see clearly.
Can you please tell me what might be the cause of this?
Additionally, I have another question.
I feel that when I look at things, everything seems strange.
For example, when I read, some areas appear slightly blurry, but it’s not a strong blur; it feels like a very mild nearsightedness.
The same happens when I look at distant objects.
When I look at the computer screen, which is white with black text, the white areas seem a bit like looking at a "white wall for too long," where the wall appears hazy, almost like a black mist.
However, it feels like that black mist is both there and not there at the same time (I’m not sure if you understand what I mean...
I hope it’s not too difficult to comprehend).

I would appreciate it if you could provide me with possible causes based on my symptoms.
The more possibilities, the better.
Thank you in advance, Doctor.

I have another way to describe this feeling: it’s as if the image I see is covered by a black net, and I’m looking through this very faint black net.
It feels like some areas are missing color, but then again, it feels like they are not.
I might not be expressing this clearly.

Another way to put it is that I feel I can see things clearly, but the intensity is not strong.
It feels like some areas are blurry.
When I look at the computer screen, the light from the screen appears to be emitted in a square shape, similar to how fluorescent lights emit a soft glow.
However, if I just open my eyes wider, it seems to improve.
Why is this happening?
When I read, it feels very strenuous, and I can’t read comfortably.
It seems like there are slightly hazy dark spots on the pages, but then again, it feels like they are not there.
I can barely read my favorite comic books now.
I feel that when I cover my right eye, my field of vision seems smaller, and without the nearsighted left eye, it feels even smaller with more pronounced hazy dark areas.
But when I use both eyes, it’s not the same; I feel like some areas are nearsighted while others are not.

A few days ago, I went to the hospital for a dilated eye exam, a retinal exam, and a visual field test, and they said everything was fine.
Then the doctor referred me to a neurologist, who performed an MRI and said there were no issues.
The neurologist asked me to return to the ophthalmology department.
(He did an MRI without contrast; is there a difference compared to one with contrast?)
However, the hospital doctor showed me a color vision test, and I had issues with it.
I could see the first image, but I couldn’t see the numbers in the subsequent images at all.
Yet, I can see traffic lights, and my perception of colors is quite clear.
When I looked at the color vision test, I noticed some areas had different colors, but I just couldn’t identify the numbers.
What could this possibly indicate, Doctor? Thank you for your patience in reading my disorganized message.
I hope you can understand what I mean.

If there are parts that are unclear, please indicate them, and I will try to explain further.
The ophthalmologist and neurologist I consulted seemed to have difficulty understanding me and just proceeded with tests, saying everything was fine and that I might be experiencing stress or eye strain.
However, I can say I have almost no stress; my daily life consists of playing and relaxing.

By the way, my eyes have been experiencing allergies for about a year, intermittently.
Sometimes they are fine, and sometimes they are allergic.
Could this possibly cause such symptoms? But the doctor I consulted said it wouldn’t.

If I need to undergo further eye examinations, could you please suggest some tests that I haven’t done yet? I’m really worried about the possibility of losing my vision because everything I see seems strange.
My right eye has only recently started showing these symptoms, while my left eye has had similar issues since I was very young.
Now, it feels like I’m watching everything around me as if I’m watching TV, and it seems like everything happening around me is unrelated to me.
I often feel this way now...

Thank you for your time, Doctor.

Awei, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/09/30

Dr. Ke Meilan reply Ophthalmology

Hello! Please check your actual prescription for proper correction and also undergo a visual field test to assess your light sensitivity.
It is advisable to visit a major hospital's ophthalmology department for examination.
Don't worry too much, as anxiety won't solve the problem and will only drain your energy.
Corresponding through letters is not an effective method.
If you are in Hsinchu, go to the Hsinchu City Hospital; if you are elsewhere, consider a medical center.
Best wishes, Komeilan.

Reply Date: 2007/09/30

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for sharing your detailed concerns regarding your vision. It’s clear that you are experiencing a range of symptoms that are causing you significant distress. Based on your description, it appears you are dealing with a combination of visual disturbances, which may include blurriness, difficulty focusing, and possibly some perceptual issues. Let’s break down your symptoms and explore potential causes and recommendations.

Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Blurriness and Difficulty Focusing: You mentioned that your left eye has a prescription of 0 degrees and your right eye is at 190 degrees, which indicates a significant difference in refractive error. This discrepancy can lead to visual discomfort, especially when trying to focus on objects at varying distances. The sensation of needing to "force" your eyes to focus could be a sign of eye strain or fatigue, particularly if your visual system is struggling to reconcile the differences between your two eyes.

2. Visual Distortions: The feeling of seeing through a "black net" or experiencing a "foggy" visual field can be indicative of several conditions. These could range from simple eye fatigue to more complex issues such as visual processing disorders or even early signs of retinal problems. The fact that you see these distortions more prominently when looking at bright backgrounds (like a white wall or computer screen) suggests that your visual system may be reacting to high contrast situations.

3. Color Perception Issues: Your difficulty in identifying numbers on the Ishihara color test, despite being able to perceive colors in other contexts (like traffic lights), raises concerns about potential color vision deficiencies. This could be related to the health of your retinal cells or the optic nerve, and it’s essential to investigate this further.

4. Eye Allergies: You mentioned having allergies for about a year, which can lead to dry eyes and discomfort. Allergic reactions can cause inflammation and may contribute to visual disturbances, especially if they lead to chronic eye strain or fatigue.

Recommendations
1. Comprehensive Eye Examination: Since you have already undergone some tests, including a dilated fundus examination and MRI, I recommend returning to your ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye exam that includes:
- Visual Field Testing: This will help assess if there are any blind spots or areas of reduced vision.

- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): This imaging test can provide detailed images of the retina and may help identify any underlying issues that standard examinations might miss.

- Color Vision Testing: A more thorough assessment of your color perception can help determine if there is a specific deficiency.

2. Addressing Eye Strain: To alleviate symptoms of eye strain, consider implementing the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. Additionally, ensure that your workspace is well-lit and that you are using appropriate eyewear for your vision needs.

3. Managing Allergies: If your eye allergies are contributing to your symptoms, consult with an allergist or your primary care physician about potential treatments, such as antihistamines or eye drops designed to reduce allergic reactions.

4. Stress Management: Although you mentioned feeling little stress, it’s important to consider that even low levels of chronic stress can impact your visual perception. Techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or relaxation exercises may help reduce any underlying tension.

5. Follow-Up: Given the complexity of your symptoms, it’s crucial to maintain regular follow-ups with your eye care provider. If your symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop, seek immediate medical attention.

Conclusion
Your symptoms are concerning, and it’s essential to continue seeking answers through appropriate medical channels. While some of your experiences may be related to refractive errors or eye strain, others could indicate more serious underlying conditions. By following the recommendations above and maintaining open communication with your healthcare providers, you can work towards understanding and alleviating your visual discomfort.

Thank you for your patience, and I hope this information helps clarify your situation. Please feel free to reach out with any further questions or concerns.

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

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