Blurred Vision and Eye Discomfort: Seeking Solutions for Computer Users

Blurred vision at a distance?

I am 43 years old and have to use a computer for long hours due to work, which causes my eyes to feel sore, hot, and uncomfortable, and I have difficulty seeing clearly.
After visiting an ophthalmologist, my condition improved, but during my most recent visit (two weeks ago), the doctor prescribed reading glasses with a +1.00 diopter and provided two types of eye drops: a dilating agent and an eye care solution.
However, after using the dilating agent that evening, my previously blurry vision worsened, especially for distance vision (near vision remained relatively unchanged).
Additionally, after looking at something up close for a while, my distance vision also became blurry, which made me quite anxious.
A week later, I returned to the ophthalmologist, who diagnosed me with astigmatism and administered a stinging eye drop on the spot, along with a prescription for the eye care solution (EyeHelp) to use at home.
However, after five days, my symptoms have not improved.
Should I return to this ophthalmologist for further evaluation, and how should I continue my treatment? Also, could you please explain the purpose of the stinging eye drop that was administered? Additionally, I have recently been experiencing high-pitched tinnitus, headaches, and neck and shoulder pain.

jong, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/10/06

Dr. Wang Zhishun reply Ophthalmology

Hello, the mydriatic agent should be used to relieve fatigue, applied before bedtime, and you should go to sleep right after applying it (otherwise, your vision may start to blur after 10 to 20 minutes).
By the next day, the effects of the medication should have worn off.
As for the eye drops that cause a stinging sensation, I'm not sure why that happens.
If the symptoms persist, it may be a good idea to seek a second opinion from another physician.

Reply Date: 2015/10/06

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a range of symptoms related to prolonged computer use, which is quite common among individuals who spend significant time in front of screens. Your symptoms, including eye discomfort, blurred vision, and the sensation of increased strain, can be attributed to a combination of factors, including digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome (CVS), and possibly underlying refractive errors like astigmatism.

Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Digital Eye Strain: This condition arises from extended screen time, leading to symptoms such as dryness, irritation, blurred vision, and difficulty focusing. The discomfort you feel, particularly after long hours of work, is a classic sign of this syndrome. The fact that your symptoms improve after a break indicates that your eyes are fatigued from constant use.

2. Refractive Errors: Your recent diagnosis of astigmatism and the recommendation for reading glasses suggest that your eyes may not be focusing light correctly on the retina. This can lead to blurred vision, especially when switching focus between near and far objects. The use of glasses can help alleviate some of this strain by providing clearer vision.

3. Pupil Dilation and Medication Effects: The use of a dilating agent (like the one you mentioned) can temporarily blur vision, especially for distance. This is because the medication affects the muscles that control the lens of your eye, making it harder to focus. If you experienced increased blurriness after using the dilating drops, it could be a side effect of the medication rather than a worsening of your condition.

4. Eye Drops: The eye drops that caused a stinging sensation are likely a form of anesthetic or a medication designed to reduce inflammation or discomfort. These drops can help in diagnosing certain conditions but may also cause temporary discomfort.

Recommendations for Management
1. Follow-Up with Your Eye Care Provider: Given that your symptoms have persisted despite treatment, it is advisable to return to your eye care provider. They can reassess your condition, check for any changes in your vision, and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

2. Consider a Comprehensive Eye Exam: If you feel that your current eye care provider is not addressing your concerns adequately, seeking a second opinion from another eye specialist may provide you with additional insights and treatment options.

3. Implement the 20-20-20 Rule: To reduce digital eye strain, remember to take breaks every 20 minutes by looking at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This helps relax the eye muscles and reduce fatigue.

4. Optimize Your Workspace: Ensure that your computer screen is at eye level and about an arm's length away. Adjust the brightness and contrast settings to reduce glare, and consider using blue light filters or glasses designed to reduce eye strain.

5. Stay Hydrated and Blink Regularly: Dry eyes can exacerbate discomfort. Make a conscious effort to blink more often, especially when staring at screens, and consider using artificial tears to keep your eyes lubricated.

6. Address Other Symptoms: The tinnitus (ringing in the ears), headaches, and neck pain you mentioned could be related to tension or posture while working at the computer. Ensure that your workstation is ergonomically set up, and consider taking breaks to stretch and relieve muscle tension.

Conclusion
Your symptoms are not uncommon among computer users, and while they can be distressing, many can be managed effectively with proper care and adjustments to your work habits. It is crucial to maintain open communication with your eye care provider and to advocate for your health, especially if you feel that your concerns are not being fully addressed. Regular follow-ups and adjustments to your treatment plan will help ensure that you find relief and maintain good eye health.

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