Eye Issues: Floaters and Dry Eye Symptoms Explained

Q: Eye Issues: Floaters and Dry Eye Symptoms Explained

Hello： Regarding floaters, this is a phenomenon of vitreous degeneration, which is more likely to occur in patients with high myopia. <br>Typically, these images are more noticeable against a relatively simple background, such as a white wall or blue sky. <br>Generally, they only

Eye problems and black floaters?

Hello, Doctor.
I originally did not have any symptoms of floaters, but last week I woke up one day with very dry eyes (I could clearly feel the dryness) and they were sore and painful.
It was manageable when looking at regular things, but when I looked at the computer or TV, my eyes would quickly become sore and painful (the air conditioning was quite strong for those two days).
I went to see a doctor, and he said that at my age, my eyes were somewhat dry, but I only felt very dry that day; I had never experienced this before.
After using his prescribed eye drops, I suddenly noticed symptoms of floaters when looking at a white wall at an angle.
The next day, I quickly went back to see a different doctor, the director of the clinic, who said my eyes were inflamed and a bit dry.
He prescribed two bottles: one for inflammation and a blue one that needs to be refrigerated.
He told me I could stop using the previous medication and that my eyes would be okay after using the new drops, but the floaters would not go away.
When looking at the computer or a white background, the floaters are very noticeable.
After finishing the medication, I thought I should go for another check-up, and this time I saw another doctor.
He measured my eye pressure because I sometimes experience sudden eye soreness and tearing.
He said this was due to dry eyes and mentioned that as long as the floaters do not increase significantly, there is no cause for concern.
Currently, I am using his prescribed Chloramphenicol eye drops and artificial tears.
Sometimes, my eyes still feel sore when looking at the computer, possibly due to the air conditioning or fan making my eyes too dry.
I also feel like everything looks a bit blurry (a very faint layer), is this just a psychological illusion? Generally, my vision is fine, but when I look at things at an angle or when my eyes are more tired, the floaters become quite noticeable (like little dots and lines floating).
So, do floaters, once they appear, never go away? I have high myopia, around -7.00 diopters, with slight astigmatism, about -1.00.
Now, I am doing warm compresses on my eyes morning and night and taking lutein supplements.

Xiao Yu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/09/26

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology

Hello: Regarding floaters, this is a phenomenon of vitreous degeneration, which is more likely to occur in patients with high myopia.
Typically, these images are more noticeable against a relatively simple background, such as a white wall or blue sky.
Generally, they only cause inconvenience and are mostly harmless.
However, it is recommended to undergo a dilated eye examination with an ophthalmologist the first time floaters appear, to ensure there are no retinal tears.
As for dry eyes, this issue is related to work environment, eye usage habits, and tear production.
Generally speaking, being in an air-conditioned environment or having direct airflow from a fan can lead to reduced tear quantity or quality, resulting in similar symptoms.
Wishing you peace and happiness.

Reply Date: 2012/09/26

More Info

Hello! Thank you for sharing your concerns about your eye health. It sounds like you are experiencing a combination of symptoms that can be quite distressing, particularly with the onset of floaters (often referred to as "flying mosquitoes") and dry eye symptoms. Let's break down your situation and address your questions.

Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Dry Eyes: The sensation of dryness, along with discomfort when using screens, is a common issue, especially in environments with air conditioning or fans. This can lead to a condition known as dry eye syndrome, where the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. Symptoms can include a gritty feeling, redness, and discomfort, particularly after prolonged screen time.
2. Floaters: The appearance of floaters can be alarming, especially if they appear suddenly. Floaters are typically caused by changes in the vitreous gel inside the eye, which can become more liquid with age or due to other factors. While they are often harmless, a sudden increase in floaters, especially if accompanied by flashes of light or a shadow in your peripheral vision, should be evaluated by an eye care professional to rule out any serious conditions like retinal detachment.

3. Visual Disturbances: The "black mist" or haziness you describe could be related to several factors, including dry eyes, the presence of floaters, or even anxiety about your eye health. Stress and anxiety can sometimes exacerbate the perception of visual disturbances, making them seem more pronounced.

Recommendations for Management
1. Hydration and Humidification: Ensure that you are adequately hydrated and consider using a humidifier in your living space, especially if you are frequently in air-conditioned environments. This can help alleviate dry eye symptoms.

2. Artificial Tears: Continue using the prescribed artificial tears or lubricating eye drops as directed. These can help keep your eyes moist and reduce discomfort. If your symptoms persist, discuss with your doctor the possibility of using preservative-free drops or other treatments.

3. Screen Time Management: Implement the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This can help reduce eye strain. Additionally, ensure that your screen is at a comfortable distance and that you are not straining to see.

4. Warm Compresses: Applying warm compresses can help with dry eyes and promote better oil secretion from the meibomian glands in your eyelids, which can improve tear quality.

5. Regular Eye Exams: Since you have a history of high myopia and are experiencing new symptoms, regular check-ups with your eye doctor are essential. They can monitor any changes in your vision and provide appropriate interventions.

6. Mental Health: If anxiety about your eye health is affecting your daily life, consider discussing these feelings with a mental health professional. Sometimes, addressing the psychological aspect can help alleviate the perception of physical symptoms.

Conclusion
In summary, while your symptoms of dry eyes and floaters can be concerning, they are often manageable with appropriate care and lifestyle adjustments. It is crucial to maintain open communication with your eye care provider, especially regarding any changes in your symptoms. Remember, while floaters can be persistent, they are usually benign unless accompanied by other alarming symptoms. Stay proactive about your eye health, and don't hesitate to seek further evaluation if your symptoms worsen or change. Your vision is important, and taking care of your eyes is a vital part of your overall well-being.

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