Eye Issues: Floaters, Sensitivity, and Visual Fatigue

Q: Eye Issues: Floaters, Sensitivity, and Visual Fatigue

Hello Sandwich： Your symptoms indicate that you have floaters. <br>Please visit an ophthalmologist for an examination; if the results are normal, there is no need to worry. <br>Macular degeneration does not disappear and will persist, so it is likely not the cause. <br>For near v

Various issues?

Hello, doctor.
I have floaters and myopia of -500 degrees in both eyes.
Because of the floaters, I often pay attention to the presence of "light" and notice small details.
Recently, I feel that I am more prone to visual persistence and reflections.
When I blink, I sometimes see a straight line of light, which I may not have noticed before, but now I am very sensitive to it.
When I explain this to others, they say they don't see it.
Is this situation due to my heightened sensitivity, or is it because my eyes are too tired? Or could it be a type of photopsia? I frequently see reflections and feel that even small lights cause visual persistence.
Bright lights seem glaring, and I feel uncomfortable looking at screens.
I want to rest or sleep.
Even after resting for a long time, or spending less than an hour on digital devices in a day, I still feel uncomfortable when I look at the screen.
I read online that "glare causes visual fatigue." Is this what I'm experiencing? Will using Eyesmin help improve these symptoms? At night, when I close my eyes, I see light as if a lamp is suddenly turned on and then off, and when I open my eyes, I no longer see it.
Sometimes, when my retina is pulled, I see flashes of light, but I know that if I see flashes along with floaters, I should quickly get a fundus examination.
Thank you for your response, doctor.

Sandwich, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/08/13

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello Sandwich: Your symptoms indicate that you have floaters.
Please visit an ophthalmologist for an examination; if the results are normal, there is no need to worry.
Macular degeneration does not disappear and will persist, so it is likely not the cause.
For near vision tasks, you can use glasses with a lower prescription and ensure to rest your eyes for at least ten minutes every hour.
This should help alleviate your eye discomfort.
Using eye drops only addresses the symptoms temporarily and does not treat the underlying issue.
Flashes are often caused by the vitreous pulling on the retina, so please consult an ophthalmologist; if everything is fine, just monitor for any changes.
In Taiwan, the ophthalmology department at Puzi Hospital is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and Wednesday afternoons from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
We hope to have the opportunity to serve you.
Gao Pilin

Reply Date: 2015/08/13

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for your detailed inquiry regarding your eye issues, particularly concerning floaters, sensitivity to light, and visual fatigue. Based on your description, it appears that you are experiencing a combination of symptoms that can be quite distressing. Let's break down your concerns and explore potential explanations and recommendations.

Understanding Floaters and Visual Sensitivity
Floaters, or "muscae volitantes," are small specks or strands that drift through your field of vision. They are typically caused by changes in the vitreous humor, the gel-like substance that fills the eye. As we age, the vitreous can become more liquid and may pull away from the retina, leading to the perception of floaters. While floaters are often benign, a sudden increase in their number, especially if accompanied by flashes of light or a shadow in your peripheral vision, warrants immediate attention from an eye care professional, as it could indicate a retinal tear or detachment.

Your sensitivity to light and the experience of visual fatigue can be attributed to several factors. First, high myopia (nearsightedness) can increase the risk of retinal issues and may also contribute to visual discomfort. Additionally, prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain, characterized by symptoms such as dryness, irritation, and blurred vision. This condition is often exacerbated by inadequate lighting, poor screen resolution, or improper viewing distances.

Visual Afterimages and Glare
The phenomenon you describe, where you see lines of light or experience afterimages, can be related to several factors. Visual afterimages occur when the photoreceptors in your retina become overstimulated and continue to send signals to your brain even after the stimulus is removed. This can happen with bright lights or high-contrast images, particularly if you are sensitive to glare.

Your mention of seeing reflections and feeling discomfort from small light sources suggests that you may be experiencing heightened sensitivity, possibly due to fatigue or strain. It is not uncommon for individuals with visual fatigue to become more aware of light sources and experience discomfort when looking at screens or bright lights.

Recommendations for Relief
1. Regular Eye Exams: Ensure you have regular comprehensive eye exams. Given your myopia and symptoms, it is crucial to monitor your eye health closely.

2. Screen Time Management: Limit your screen time and take regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This can help reduce eye strain.

3. Proper Lighting: Ensure that your workspace is well-lit to minimize glare on screens. Consider using anti-glare screens or glasses if necessary.

4. Hydration and Artificial Tears: If you experience dryness, consider using artificial tears to keep your eyes lubricated. Staying hydrated is also essential for overall eye health.

5. Eye Exercises: Engage in simple eye exercises to help alleviate fatigue. For instance, rolling your eyes or focusing on distant objects can help relax the eye muscles.

6. Consultation for Symptoms: If you notice any sudden changes in your vision, such as an increase in floaters or flashes of light, seek immediate medical attention. These could be signs of more serious conditions.

Conclusion
Your symptoms of floaters, light sensitivity, and visual fatigue are not uncommon, especially in individuals with high myopia. While some of these issues may be benign, it is essential to remain vigilant and consult with an eye care professional for a thorough evaluation. They can provide personalized advice and treatment options tailored to your specific needs.

If you have further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out. Your eye health is paramount, and addressing these issues early can help prevent more significant problems in the future.

Best regards,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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