Shadows in Your Vision: Possible Causes and Concerns

Seeing shadows when the eyes are slightly open?

Hello, I have recently noticed that when I wake up in the morning and my eyes are slightly open, there is a dark shadow on the right side of my right eye (not a floater).
When I look straight ahead, the shadow is in the center, and when I look to the left, it shifts to the left.
This means it moves with my line of sight.
However, if I fully open my eyes, the shadow becomes faint and disappears.
After I get up and start moving around, this phenomenon does not occur.
It seems to happen after lying down for a while.
What could this issue be? Could it be a symptom of glaucoma?

Yun Dan Feng Qing, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/07/30

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology

This is not glaucoma; however, based on your description, it is difficult to determine what the condition might be.
I recommend that you visit an ophthalmologist for a proper examination to identify any issues.

Reply Date: 2015/07/30

More Info

The phenomenon you are experiencing, where you notice a shadow or dark spot in your vision upon waking, can be concerning, especially when you are unsure of its cause. Based on your description, it seems that the shadow appears to move with your gaze and diminishes when you fully open your eyes. This could potentially be linked to several factors, but it is unlikely to be directly indicative of glaucoma.

One possible explanation for the shadows you see could be related to the vitreous humor in your eye. The vitreous is a gel-like substance that fills the eye and can change with age or due to other factors. When you are lying down, the vitreous may shift slightly, leading to temporary visual disturbances, including shadows or floaters. This is particularly common in individuals who have experienced changes in their vitreous, such as vitreous detachment or degeneration, which can cause shadows or dark spots in the field of vision.

Another consideration is the phenomenon of visual persistence or afterimages. When you wake up, your eyes may still be adjusting to the light and the environment, which can cause temporary visual disturbances. The brain may also take a moment to fully process visual information, leading to the perception of shadows or outlines that are not actually present.

It is also worth noting that if you have any underlying conditions, such as retinal issues or a history of eye problems, these could contribute to the symptoms you are experiencing. For instance, if you have had previous issues with your retina, such as thinning or tears, this could lead to visual disturbances upon waking.

Regarding your concern about glaucoma, it is important to understand that glaucoma typically presents with a gradual loss of peripheral vision and increased intraocular pressure. The symptoms you describe do not align with the common signs of glaucoma. However, if you have a family history of glaucoma or other risk factors, it is always prudent to have regular eye examinations to monitor your eye health.

Given that your symptoms seem to resolve after you fully wake up and begin to move around, it may not be an urgent issue. However, if these shadows persist, worsen, or are accompanied by other symptoms such as flashes of light, significant changes in vision, or pain, it would be advisable to seek a comprehensive eye examination from an ophthalmologist. They can perform tests to evaluate the health of your retina, vitreous, and overall eye function.

In summary, while the shadows you are experiencing may be related to normal changes in the eye or temporary visual adjustments, it is essential to remain vigilant about your eye health. Regular check-ups with an eye care professional can help ensure that any potential issues are identified and managed early, providing peace of mind and maintaining your vision health.

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