Pseudomyopia: Causes, Treatment, and Eye Drops Side Effects

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Hello, doctor.
I previously asked you about my eye condition.
The symptoms are that my vision is a bit blurry when looking at things, but it only happens sometimes.
Is it possible that I have pseudomyopia? I went to see an ophthalmologist, and the doctor said I have a little bit of pseudomyopia, but it's just that.
The doctor gave me a small bottle of eye drops (the bottle is red and labeled "Le Shi Ming" with the English text "Oasis Chemical Ind.
Co.; Ltd." and "Losemin") and instructed me to use it once every night before bed.
However, when I used it for the first time, I experienced a stinging pain in my eyes and a slight urge to tear up because it was really painful, so I was afraid to continue using it.
Doctor, is it normal for the eye drops to cause stinging pain? Can using them cure pseudomyopia? Please answer, thank you! Thank you!

A-Wan~, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2002/05/29

Dr. Chen Xuan reply Ophthalmology

Losemin is a short-acting cycloplegic agent that also has the effect of dilating the pupils.
Clinically, in addition to its use in dilating the pupils for fundus examinations, ophthalmologists often use it for the prevention of myopia and the treatment of pseudomyopia.
When using a mydriatic agent, patients may experience a stinging sensation in the eyes; however, this can be alleviated by following some proper instillation techniques: when administering eye drops, the lower eyelid should be pulled down, and the eyes should be directed upwards towards the forehead, allowing the drops to be placed in the lower conjunctival sac.
This is the correct method for instilling eye drops.
Some individuals mistakenly place the drops directly onto the cornea (the colored part of the eye), which is not only very irritating but also causes the medication to wash away with tears, reducing its effectiveness.

The degree of pseudomyopia can be reversed through cycloplegia or by adequately relaxing the ciliary muscle (for example, after a good night's sleep and focusing on distant objects).
The cause of pseudomyopia is excessive tension in the ciliary muscle, rather than a change in the optical refractive structure of the eyeball (such as the elongated axial length seen in high myopia).
Therefore, most cases can improve with pharmacological treatment.
However, it is still important to change visual habits, such as limiting the time spent watching television or using a computer for close-up tasks to no more than 30 to 40 minutes, followed by a 10-minute break.
This allows the strained ciliary muscle a chance to rest; otherwise, subtle changes in the internal environment of the eye may occur, leading to the elongation of the eyeball in growing individuals (under 20 years old) and resulting in true myopia.
In those whose eye growth has ceased (over 20 years old), this may manifest as eye strain or discomfort.
Dr.
Chen Hsuan, an ophthalmologist, provides this information.

Reply Date: 2002/05/29

More Info

Pseudomyopia, often referred to as "false myopia," is a condition where the eye exhibits symptoms similar to myopia (nearsightedness) but is not due to a permanent change in the eye's structure. Instead, it is typically caused by excessive strain on the eye muscles, particularly the ciliary muscle, which controls the lens's shape for focusing on near objects. This condition is particularly common among individuals who spend prolonged periods focusing on close tasks, such as reading or using digital devices.

Causes of Pseudomyopia
The primary cause of pseudomyopia is prolonged near work, which leads to the ciliary muscle remaining in a contracted state. This muscle tension can result in temporary blurriness when trying to focus on distant objects. Other contributing factors may include inadequate lighting, poor posture while reading, and insufficient breaks during visual tasks. Stress and fatigue can also exacerbate the symptoms.

Symptoms
Individuals with pseudomyopia may experience:
- Blurred vision, particularly when looking at distant objects.

- Eye strain or fatigue, often described as a feeling of heaviness in the eyes.

- Headaches, especially after extended periods of near work.

- Difficulty focusing, which may lead to squinting or rubbing the eyes.

Treatment Options
The treatment for pseudomyopia primarily focuses on reducing eye strain and improving visual habits. Here are some effective strategies:
1. Visual Hygiene: Implement the 20-20-20 rule, which suggests that for every 20 minutes of near work, you should look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This helps relax the ciliary muscle.

2. Proper Lighting: Ensure that your workspace is well-lit to reduce strain on your eyes.

3. Corrective Lenses: In some cases, your eye doctor may prescribe glasses for distance vision to alleviate symptoms.

4. Eye Drops: The eye drops you mentioned, which contain ingredients like those found in "乐视明" (Losemin), may be intended to provide lubrication and reduce irritation. However, if you experience significant discomfort or pain after using them, it is essential to consult your eye doctor. It is not uncommon for eye drops to cause a stinging sensation, especially if they contain preservatives or if the eye is already irritated.
5. Regular Eye Exams: Regular check-ups with an eye care professional can help monitor your eye health and adjust treatment as necessary.

Side Effects of Eye Drops
Regarding the side effects of the eye drops you mentioned, it is important to note that many eye drops can cause temporary discomfort, including stinging, burning, or a sensation of dryness. If these symptoms persist or worsen, it is crucial to stop using the drops and consult your eye care provider. They can determine whether the drops are appropriate for you or if an alternative treatment is necessary.

Conclusion
Pseudomyopia is a reversible condition, and with proper management, including lifestyle adjustments and possibly corrective lenses, many individuals can see significant improvement. While eye drops may provide temporary relief, they are not a standalone solution for treating pseudomyopia. It is essential to address the underlying causes of eye strain and to maintain good visual habits. If you continue to experience discomfort or if your symptoms do not improve, please reach out to your eye care professional for further evaluation and personalized treatment options.

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