White Spots in Vision: Causes and Treatment Options - Ophthalmology

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Hello! Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding the white spots in your vision. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing symptoms that could be related to several ocular conditions, particularly macular degeneration or other retinal issues.
The presence of small white spots or moving dots in your vision, especially if they obscure your line of sight, can be indicative of various conditions. As you mentioned, your eye doctor has identified small white spots on your retina, which may suggest some form of macular degeneration. This condition affects the central part of the retina (the macula), leading to a gradual loss of central vision. It is essential to understand that there are two main types of macular degeneration: dry and wet. The dry form is more common and progresses slowly, while the wet form can lead to more rapid vision loss due to abnormal blood vessel growth.

The fact that your initial examination did not reveal any retinal tears is reassuring. Retinal tears or detachments can lead to significant vision loss and require immediate medical attention. The upcoming OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) scan will provide more detailed images of your retina and help your doctor assess the extent of any damage or degeneration.

Regarding your concerns about vision differences when wearing contact lenses, it’s not uncommon for individuals with refractive errors, such as myopia (nearsightedness), to experience varying degrees of visual clarity, especially when looking at screens or close objects. This could be exacerbated by factors such as dry eye syndrome, which you mentioned you have, or even the lens prescription itself.
In terms of treatment options, they will largely depend on the specific diagnosis made after your OCT scan. If it is determined that you have macular degeneration, treatment options may include lifestyle changes, dietary modifications (increasing antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids), and possibly medical treatments such as anti-VEGF injections for the wet form.
Improving your overall eye health can also be beneficial. Here are some recommendations:
1. Regular Eye Exams: Continue to have regular check-ups with your eye care professional to monitor your condition.


2. Healthy Diet: Incorporate foods rich in vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which are known to support eye health. Leafy greens, fish, nuts, and fruits are excellent choices.

3. Protect Your Eyes: Wear sunglasses that block UV rays when outdoors, and consider blue light filters for screens to reduce eye strain.

4. Manage Dry Eyes: Use artificial tears to alleviate dryness and consider discussing with your doctor about other treatments for dry eye syndrome.

5. Limit Screen Time: Take regular breaks from screens to reduce eye strain. The 20-20-20 rule is a good practice: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

6. Stay Active: Regular physical activity can improve circulation, which is beneficial for eye health.

As for the need for surgery, it would depend on the findings from your upcoming tests. If the condition is stable and not significantly affecting your quality of life, your doctor may recommend monitoring rather than immediate intervention. However, if there is a risk of progression or if your vision deteriorates, surgical options may be considered.

In conclusion, while your symptoms are concerning, there are various avenues for management and treatment. It's crucial to follow up with your eye care provider and adhere to their recommendations. If you have further questions or experience any changes in your symptoms, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare professional. Thank you for your inquiry, and I wish you the best in your eye health journey!