OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Defect in Visual Field

3/19/2025, 5:40:26 PMMale25-34

I've been experiencing a minor defect in the visual field of my right eye. While it rarely hinders my sight, I do notice it more when looking at certain colors, particularly red. It feels as though there's a tiny section obscured by a sheer gray curtain. This area becomes more pronounced when I close my left eye. I have been living with this issue for approximately two years. During this time, I sought medical advice from various professionals, including visits to the emergency room, an optometrist, an ophthalmologist, and my primary care physician. Throughout the ordeal, I underwent a CT scan, tests for eye pressure, a comprehensive eye examination, a visual field assessment, and imaging of my eyes, all of which returned normal results. Recently, I've observed the emergence of another similar spot in a comparable area of the same eye, particularly over the last few weeks. Has anyone else faced a similar condition? I currently have no additional symptoms to report. I am a 38-year-old female.

AgingFamily MedicineInternal Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

3/19/2025, 5:40:43 PM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to be concerned about changes in your vision, especially when you've been experiencing a defect in your visual field for some time. Given your detailed medical history and the fact that you've had comprehensive evaluations without any findings, it seems like the healthcare professionals you've consulted are not alarmed by your symptoms.

Key Points:

  • You have experienced a minor visual field defect for about two years, now with a recent emergence of a similar spot.
  • Extensive testing has yielded normal results, which indicates no serious underlying conditions detected so far.

Explanation: The defect you're describing, especially since it becomes more noticeable when closing your left eye, may suggest a type of visual processing issue rather than anything structurally wrong with the eye itself. Visual phenomena that change with different backgrounds or colors (like the heightened awareness of the defect with red) can sometimes be related to how our brain processes visual information. However, it's crucial to keep an eye on any developments.

Next Steps:

  1. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of any new changes in your vision. Note when the gray area appears distinctively, any triggers, or if other symptoms arise.

  2. Consult a Specialist: Consider revisiting an ophthalmologist or a neuro-ophthalmologist, focusing on your new symptoms. They may be able to provide more targeted insights into your condition or suggest further testing relevant to your symptoms.

  3. Review Existing Medications: If you're on any medications, check if they could be affecting your vision. Discuss any potential side effects with your healthcare provider.

  4. Prioritize Eye Rest: Engage in activities that reduce eye strain. Regularly rest your eyes, especially if you're using screens frequently.

  5. Seek Support: If your condition affects your emotional well-being, such as anxiety about vision or daily activities, consider talking to a therapist or counselor.

Stay vigilant, but also reassure yourself that you've taken the right steps by seeking medical advice previously. Keep communicating with healthcare professionals as changes occur, and don't hesitate to advocate for further investigation if necessary. Let me know if you have any more specific questions or need further guidance!

Related Questions

Interpretation Request for Recent Spinal NM Bone Scan

Hello, doctors. I'm reaching out for your insights regarding a recent NM bone scan of my spine. I've previously undergone a similar scan in 2022, and I'd like to compare the two. To provide context, I am a 29-year-old female weighing 100 kg, and I've been diagnosed with conditions including endplate sclerosis, spinal stenosis, cervical bone spurs, degenerative disc disease (DDD), and mild scoliosis. My medication regimen consists of several prescriptions. Unfortunately, my next appointment with my general practitioner is still a few weeks away, so I would appreciate your assessments on how the latest scan compares to the previous one. Thank you in advance for your help!

AgingWellnessFamily Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Unexpected Eye Issues: Headache and Double Vision Concerns

A 33-year-old female, measuring 1.67 meters in height and weighing 55 kilograms, residing in the Netherlands, experienced a sudden onset of symptoms. Last evening, shortly after dinner, my partner complained of a slight headache localized at the rear of her head. Along with this discomfort, she encountered double vision and noticed her right eye deviating outward. Interestingly, when she shut either eye, the double vision resolved, enabling her to see without distortion. We rushed her to the emergency room later that night. The medical team conducted a variety of assessments, including physical examinations, neurological evaluations, visual tests, and laboratory analyses. Fortunately, all results were normal. However, the doctors found it peculiar that her right eye exhibited normal movement and accurately tracked a pen in all directions when her left eye was closed. The medical opinion suggested that it may be a migraine-related episode, a condition she has experienced previously. Nonetheless, she insists that this feels unlike any migraine she has had in the past. A teleconsultation with a neurologist is scheduled for Monday to arrange an MRI should the symptoms continue. The doctors advised that if her symptoms worsen, we should return to the hospital immediately. Fortunately, after a night's rest, her vision had returned to normal by morning, the headache had subsided, and her right eye was aligned properly. I am understandably concerned, particularly due to her assertion that this does not resemble a typical migraine. Is it possible that this is indeed a migraine, or could it be indicative of another underlying issue? Thank you for your attention to this matter.

AgingWellnessPreventive Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Unusual Wave Patterns in ECG: Potential Artifacts in Lead V6

Upon examining the ECG readings, I've noticed peculiar double wave formations appearing between the QRS complex and the T wave in lead V6. This is new to me, as I have never encountered such patterns before. Could these be classified as artifacts?

Family MedicineInternal MedicinePreventive Medicine
Male25-34
2 hours ago

Unexplained Bruises on My Right Hand – Seeking Advice

I've noticed some unusual bruising on my right hand over the past month. Strangely enough, they don't hurt at all. Should I be concerned about this? It's quite puzzling to see these random marks without any apparent cause.

WellnessFamily MedicinePreventive Medicine
Male25-34
3 hours ago

Intense Pain in Left Thumb

Greetings, I’ve been experiencing a piercing pain at the tip of my left thumb intermittently. This discomfort is situated within the thumb rather than on the outer skin. It primarily affects the underside of the thumb and surrounds the base of the nail. The pain seems to extend only to the first skin fold, specifically around the distal phalanx. When applying pressure, I’ve noticed some red streaks appearing beneath the surface, alongside the white area. I trust this explanation is clear. This issue has persisted for over a year, occurring sporadically but intensifying as time has passed. Could this be a cause for concern? A bit about myself: I am a 25-year-old female with no significant medical issues in my background. I previously smoked cigarettes for three years, transitioned to vaping, and have been vaping for six years now. I maintain an active lifestyle, frequently going to the gym and participating in various sports such as indoor football and pickleball. I don’t have any known allergies.

AgingLifestyle ChangesPreventive Medicine
Male25-34
4 hours ago