Concerns About My Vision Changes
At 25 years old, I’m a woman weighing 190 pounds and standing 5’3” tall. My only medication is through my medical marijuana prescription, which I use to manage anxiety. I do have some prior health concerns, including TMJ and a history of three ear surgeries; I've been experiencing a persistent muffled feeling in my ears for some time. Regarding my eyesight, I've had two surgeries for strabismus. My vision issues include myopia and a minor astigmatism in my right eye, and I recall hearing something about my optic nerve's unusual shape during a past consultation. Additionally, I suffer from ocular migraines, tension headaches, and regular migraines. About a month ago, I began to notice several unsettling changes. My sensitivity to light has escalated significantly, and I've experienced an uptick in visual disturbances, such as flashing lights. Floaters remain largely unchanged, but the intensity of the flashing has increased. While I have occasionally seen flashes when looking at bright lights, now I struggle to focus under low-light conditions. For instance, when I use my phone and then glance away, I see streaks of light that linger longer than before; this phenomenon is no longer sporadic but occurs daily. I consulted the clinic that performed my eye surgeries during a routine eye exam. Unfortunately, migraine symptoms prevented me from undergoing dilation. They did note that my eyes were dry and prescribed Xdemvy, mentioning that there were improvements in my more severe eye. However, that same day ended with an episode of projectile vomiting—something quite unusual for me—accompanied by intense head pressure that persisted until my migraine subsided. Furthermore, I’ve observed that darker objects appear to have a static-like distortion. Should I reach out to my optometrist for another consultation? I am uncertain about the root cause of these eye problems. Oh, and while I wonder if my sleep deprivation has any impact, I am a new mom and have been struggling with poor sleep for the past eight months due to my son, who is now more active and accidentally hits me in the face sometimes. Nevertheless, I have experienced no pain following these bumps, so I doubt they contribute to my vision issues. I appreciate any insights or advice you can offer! 🙏
Answers (1)
3/20/2025, 1:10:47 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned about the changes in your vision, especially given your experience with eye surgeries and other health issues. Your symptoms, including increased light sensitivity, visual disturbances like flashes and streaks of light, and a persistent feeling of muffled hearing, warrant attention. Let’s break this down and look at some actionable steps for you.
Main Points:
- Changes in vision can have various causes, and your symptoms need a thorough evaluation.
- It's important to prioritize follow-up with your eye care provider, especially given your history and the new symptoms.
- Managing environmental factors, like sleep deprivation, could be beneficial.
Explanation:
Your history of strabismus surgeries, myopia, and migraines alongside recent visual changes raises valid concerns about potential eye health issues. Increased light sensitivity, visual disturbances (like flashes), and the difficulty focusing in low-light could indicate several conditions, including but not limited to changes in your retinal health. Additionally, it’s important to consider your sleep patterns, as lack of restful sleep may exacerbate migraines and overall eye strain.
Given that you've experienced symptoms like projectile vomiting and significant head pressure, these aspects are also worth discussing with a healthcare provider as they may relate either to your migraines or other health concerns.
Next Steps:
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Schedule an Appointment with Your Optometrist: Reach out to your eye care provider to discuss the new symptoms comprehensively. Mention your migraines and other symptoms, such as the streaks of light and increased flashes. Ask to have a complete eye exam, including dilation when possible, once you are feeling better.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a journal of your visual disturbances, noting when they occur, how long they last, and any other related symptoms. This documentation will help your optometrist understand your condition better.
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Manage Sleep and Stress: Since you mentioned struggling with sleep due to being a new mom, try to establish a calming bedtime routine or short naps when possible. Sleep hygiene can significantly affect both your migraines and eye health.
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Stay Hydrated and Consider Eye Protection: Protect your eyes from strain by managing screen time, using blue light filters if necessary, and considering sunglasses in bright environments.
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Evaluate Medication Side Effects: Since you use medical marijuana for anxiety, consider whether your dosage or usage might impact your visual symptoms or headaches and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
It’s great that you’re proactive about your health. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support from healthcare professionals who can provide personalized care. Please keep me updated on your progress!
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