Blurry Vision: Causes and Solutions for Eye Discomfort

Blurred vision

Hello Doctor, I am a 29-year-old male with no significant medical history or family history of diseases.
I have myopia in both eyes, approximately -700 diopters, and I wear regular glasses.
Two years ago, I had a retinal tear and underwent laser surgery at a general clinic.
At that time, my intraocular pressure was normal.
I had a follow-up appointment a year ago with no issues, and I haven't had a follow-up this year yet.
My main concern is that for the past 2-3 years, I occasionally experience discomfort (with varying frequency, about once every few months), particularly when looking at things up close.
Initially, I feel unable to focus, and the text on the computer screen appears misaligned.
Then, I start to feel a dull, tight sensation in the upper left eyelid (this has only occurred in my left eye, never in my right).
Subsequently, the sensation in the upper left eyelid turns into pain, and at this point, I feel nauseous and dizzy when looking at things up close, making it nearly impossible to work.
If I take a break immediately during this series of symptoms, I can prevent it from worsening, but full recovery requires a good night's sleep.
Applying pressure to the upper eyelid or using a warm compress or taking a hot shower can temporarily relieve the discomfort.
An ophthalmologist at a clinic examined me and suggested that my new glasses (which I got 2-3 years ago) have an incorrect pupillary distance, leading to these issues.
However, when I returned to the optical shop with my glasses to report this, the optometrist scolded me harshly, accusing me of not trusting his expertise.
He then remeasured my pupillary distance and concluded that the glasses were fine, becoming quite upset and asking me to tell him which eye clinic made that claim.
At this point, I am unsure of what to do or whom to believe.
The main issue is that my discomfort persists.
Therefore, I would like to ask the doctor if there could be other underlying causes for my symptoms and whether I should consider changing my clinic or my glasses.
Thank you.

Xiao Sun, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/06/28

Dr. Guo Jinliang reply Ophthalmology

It is recommended that you return to the hospital for a re-examination of your retina, especially since you mentioned in your letter that you have high myopia and a history of retinal tears.
Additionally, whether it is a refractive issue needs to be assessed through a refraction test.
Furthermore, consider the usage of your eyes; excessive eye strain may also lead to discomfort.
Please return to the hospital for an examination and discuss your concerns with your physician.

Reply Date: 2011/06/28

More Info

Understanding blurry vision and associated discomfort can be complex, especially when symptoms are intermittent and vary in intensity. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a combination of visual disturbances and discomfort localized to your left eye, which may be exacerbated by prolonged near vision tasks, such as using a computer.

Possible Causes of Your Symptoms
1. Visual Fatigue (Asthenopia): Given that your symptoms occur primarily during near tasks, visual fatigue could be a significant factor. This condition arises when the eye muscles become strained from prolonged focusing on close objects. Symptoms can include blurred vision, discomfort, and even headaches. It’s essential to take regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

2. Uncorrected Refractive Error: Although you have been prescribed glasses, if your prescription has changed or if the glasses do not fit properly (e.g., incorrect pupillary distance), this could lead to visual discomfort. It’s worth revisiting an optometrist or ophthalmologist to ensure your prescription is up to date and that your glasses are correctly fitted.

3. Eye Strain from Incorrect Prescription: If your current glasses were prescribed based on an outdated prescription or if the lenses are not suitable for your specific needs (e.g., if you require bifocals or progressive lenses for near work), this could lead to the symptoms you describe.
4. Migraine-Associated Visual Disturbances: The symptoms you describe, particularly the pain in the upper eyelid and the sensation of nausea, could be indicative of ocular migraines. These can cause temporary visual disturbances and discomfort, often accompanied by headache.
5. Underlying Eye Conditions: Given your history of retinal issues, it’s crucial to rule out any potential complications. Conditions such as retinal detachment or macular degeneration can lead to visual disturbances. Regular follow-ups with an eye care professional are essential, especially after previous retinal surgery.

6. Sinus Issues: The sensation of pressure or pain in the upper eyelid could also be related to sinus issues. Sinusitis can cause referred pain to the eye area and may be exacerbated by certain positions or activities.

Recommendations
1. Seek a Comprehensive Eye Exam: It’s advisable to visit an ophthalmologist for a thorough examination. They can assess your current prescription, check for any underlying conditions, and ensure that your previous retinal surgery has not led to any complications.

2. Consider a Second Opinion: If you feel that your concerns are not being adequately addressed, seeking a second opinion from another eye care professional may provide clarity and reassurance.

3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their duration, and any activities that seem to trigger them. This information can be invaluable for your eye care provider.

4. Adjust Work Habits: Implement ergonomic adjustments to your workspace, ensuring that your computer screen is at eye level and that you are sitting at a comfortable distance.
5. Manage Stress and Fatigue: Since stress can exacerbate visual discomfort, consider incorporating relaxation techniques into your routine, such as deep breathing exercises or mindfulness practices.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be related to visual fatigue or an incorrect prescription, it is essential to rule out any serious underlying conditions, especially given your medical history. Regular eye exams and open communication with your eye care provider are key to managing your symptoms effectively.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Blurry Vision: Causes and Solutions for Eye Discomfort

Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing discomfort in my eyes lately, especially in my right eye, which feels a bit dry and has a sensation of pressure around the eye socket. Blinking also causes some discomfort, but there are no noticeable blood vessels. Additionally, I have sign...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: The symptoms you described may be caused by eye strain. Common causes of eye strain include prolonged screen time, reading, and activities like driving that require the eyes to maintain the same position for extended periods. I recommend the following measures: 1. Rest you...

Understanding Visual Discomfort: Causes and Solutions for Eye Strain

Sometimes, when I can't read word by word, I feel discomfort in my body. Could you please explain what visual discomfort is?

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: Visual discomfort may refer to symptoms of discomfort or unease when seeing text or images. This sensation can include headaches, eye strain, eye pain, dizziness, nausea, and anxiety. Such discomfort may be related to eye conditions, such as presbyopia, myopia, astigmatism...

Understanding Blurry Vision: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help

Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing discomfort in my eyes for over two months. Here are my symptoms: 1. When watching TV, I feel that the image becomes blurry whenever the camera moves. 2. My eyes lose focus, and I have to strain to see clearly. 3. Sometimes, my vision tempora...

Dr. Hu Yusheng reply Ophthalmology
Hello: If the physician examines your eyes and finds that the structure is normal, the issue may be functional, such as nystagmus, poor accommodation (either excessive or insufficient), optic neuritis, or imbalance in the extraocular muscle strength, among other causes. However, ...

Understanding Blurry Vision: Causes and Solutions for Eye Discomfort

Hello, Doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing a foggy sensation in my right eye, but my vision remains unaffected. This symptom sometimes does not appear at all; for instance, I don’t notice it right after waking up, but it tends to occur after a while (it does not last al...

Dr. Wang Zhishun reply Ophthalmology
Hello, it is possible, but if it's only one eye, it's better to have it checked. For eye fatigue, it's best to change your visual habits; dietary changes may not be very helpful.