Managing Vision Imbalance and Dizziness After Eye Injury

Binocular vision imbalance, eye strain, and dizziness issues?

Hello Dr.
Wang, I am the anxious patient who was hit by a badminton shuttlecock, resulting in a membrane formation on my lens.
Last week, I followed your advice and went to see an optometrist regarding my new glasses and dizziness.
The results showed that my glasses prescription is fine.
She mentioned that I might be experiencing eye strain from excessive computer use and suggested taking more breaks, as I do not have issues while driving or doing other activities.
However, I also experience pressure and pain above my eyebrows when reading with contact lenses.
It feels like my injured eye is not exerting any effort (even though it corrects to 0.8, it is a blurry 0.8), and the clarity of my uninjured eye compared to the blurriness of the injured eye is confusing my visual processing system.
Will this condition improve over time? Before the injury, both of my eyes were corrected to 1.0, and I was accustomed to wearing contact lenses, with my vision being crystal clear at that time.
I am very worried that this condition may be permanent.
After reading for just an hour, I start to feel discomfort.
Is there any way to help me adapt to this situation so that I can read and work without experiencing headaches? I am also concerned that my uninjured left eye may suffer from overuse, leading to further deterioration of my vision in the long term (currently, my left eye is 550-600 with astigmatism of 175-200).
Just thinking about these issues makes me restless.
Additionally, I asked my doctor, and he said that my current condition cannot be treated with laser to remove the membrane.
I have also heard about research on eye drops that improve cataracts, which have shown effectiveness.
Would these eye drops be helpful for my condition? Furthermore, in your medical experience, have you encountered similar cases where patients opted to replace their artificial lens? Although my local doctors say it is unnecessary, is the risk of surgery really much worse than my current situation? Thank you for your guidance!

Jiao Lv Xiao Jie, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/09/28

Dr. Wang Zhishun reply Ophthalmology

Hello, there is indeed research that proves the effectiveness of eye drops for improving cataracts, but it seems that your situation may not necessarily require them at this time.
As for surgery, it is better to consider it only when necessary.
I believe your condition will gradually improve as you adapt, since your description indicates that you have no issues seeing far but have some problems seeing close up, suggesting that further adjustments can be made (such as adjustments to reading glasses).

Reply Date: 2015/09/28

More Info

Managing vision imbalance and dizziness after an eye injury can be a complex issue, especially when the injury has led to changes in visual perception and clarity. Your situation, where one eye has been injured and the other is functioning normally, can lead to a phenomenon known as "visual disparity." This occurs when the brain receives conflicting visual information from each eye, which can cause discomfort, dizziness, and difficulty focusing.

Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Visual Disparity: The difference in clarity between your injured eye and your healthy eye can create confusion in your visual processing system. This can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and visual discomfort, especially during tasks that require prolonged focus, like reading or using a computer.

2. Eye Strain: Given that you are experiencing discomfort when wearing contact lenses and after extended periods of reading, it is likely that your eyes are straining to compensate for the imbalance. This strain can exacerbate headaches and discomfort, particularly if you are using digital devices for long hours.

3. Cataract Formation: The mention of a "thin membrane" on your lens suggests that you may be developing a cataract, which can cause blurred vision. While cataracts are common, especially as we age, they can also develop after eye injuries.

Potential Management Strategies
1. Regular Eye Exams: Continue to have regular check-ups with your optometrist or ophthalmologist. They can monitor the progression of any cataracts and assess the health of both eyes. If your vision continues to deteriorate, they may recommend further interventions.

2. Visual Rehabilitation: Consider working with a vision therapist or occupational therapist who specializes in visual rehabilitation. They can provide exercises and strategies to help your brain adapt to the differences in vision between your two eyes. This can be particularly beneficial in reducing dizziness and improving visual comfort.

3. Adjusting Work Habits: Since you mentioned that your symptoms worsen with prolonged computer use, implementing the 20-20-20 rule can be helpful: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This can help reduce eye strain.

4. Proper Lighting: Ensure that your workspace is well-lit to reduce glare and strain on your eyes. Adjusting the brightness and contrast settings on your computer can also help.

5. Artificial Tears: If you experience dryness or discomfort, using preservative-free artificial tears can help keep your eyes lubricated, especially when wearing contact lenses.

Exploring Treatment Options
1. Cataract Surgery: If your cataract progresses to the point where it significantly affects your vision, cataract surgery may become necessary. This procedure is generally safe and effective, and many patients report improved vision post-surgery. Discuss the risks and benefits with your ophthalmologist to make an informed decision.

2. Eye Drops for Cataracts: There are ongoing studies regarding eye drops that may help dissolve cataracts. While these treatments are still in research phases, it’s worth discussing with your doctor if they might be applicable to your situation.

3. Intraocular Lens (IOL) Replacement: If cataract surgery is performed, your surgeon may recommend replacing the cloudy lens with an artificial intraocular lens. This can restore clarity and improve your overall vision. However, the decision to proceed with surgery should be based on a thorough evaluation of your specific condition.

Conclusion
Your concerns about the potential for permanent vision changes are understandable, especially given your previous visual acuity. While some degree of adaptation may occur over time, it is crucial to actively manage your symptoms and seek professional guidance. Regular follow-ups with your eye care provider, along with lifestyle adjustments and potential therapeutic interventions, can significantly improve your quality of life and visual comfort. Remember, open communication with your healthcare team is key to navigating your recovery effectively.

Similar Q&A

Post-Hospitalization: Managing Blurry Vision and Dizziness After a Car Accident

When I wake up in the hospital, I often experience blurred vision and dizziness. I was discharged because I was involved in a car accident.

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Dear Mr. Df, You mentioned that you often experience blurred vision and dizziness upon waking up, particularly after the car accident. I would like to know how long you experienced loss of consciousness, as this could indicate potential post-concussion syndrome. Additionally, we...

Vision Issues After Car Accident: Understanding Recovery and Treatment

After being sent to the emergency room following a car accident, I woke up in the intensive care unit with normal vision in both eyes. However, I fell into a coma again before being transferred to a regular ward, and I only woke up in the regular ward after an unknown amount of t...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello Mr. Tsai: It is possible that there is damage to the optic nerve. The physician will provide appropriate treatment, and then it will depend on the nerve's ability to repair itself. The extent of recovery will depend on the severity of the injury.

Understanding Diplopia: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Hello Doctor: I was involved in a car accident last June, resulting in an open fracture of the frontal bone, as well as fractures of the orbital bone, zygomatic bone, and skull base. After the swelling around my eyes subsided, I experienced double vision. I consulted with an opht...

Dr. Zhang Yanrui reply Ophthalmology
Hello: Due to your facial bone fracture, there has been damage to the extraocular muscles or the oculomotor nerve, making complete recovery difficult. If surgery is required, the principle must be to achieve single vision when looking straight ahead; achieving single vision in ot...

Understanding Retinal Damage: Recovery and Long-Term Effects After Eye Injury

At the end of June this year, I was struck in the right eye by a badminton shuttlecock, resulting in retinal damage. I went to the hospital for an examination, where a CT scan revealed that the impact hit the center of the retina, causing cell rupture, which led to blurred vision...

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology
Theoretically, blurred vision should not cause dizziness; however, whether your eye condition will improve cannot be determined without examining your actual situation, as it is impossible to make a judgment based solely on your description.