Vision Changes Following Illness: Seeking Clarity
Details: age: 18, turning 19 in August height: 5'6 weight: I'm not quite sure to be honest female I neither smoke nor drink, but I do take sertraline and contraceptives. Earlier this year in January, I contracted a cold, and shortly after recuperating, I believe I got hit with norovirus. The experience involved a lot of vomiting and gastrointestinal distress—definitely not pleasant. Since that time, I have noticed some concerning changes to my vision. While I have always experienced eye floaters, they have become significantly more pronounced lately. Additionally, I am dealing with afterimages, which are particularly bothersome as they appear even when I’m not gazing at any bright surfaces. Occasionally, I also see brief flashes of light, resembling tiny, colorful stars. However, these flashes are less frequent compared to the other visual disturbances. What could be causing these symptoms? I’m aware that I need to update my glasses soon, so perhaps that could be a contributing factor. Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.
Answers (1)
6/18/2025, 2:30:45 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing some concerning changes in your vision following significant illness, which can understandably be worrisome. The symptoms you've described—pronounced eye floaters, afterimages, and occasional flashes of light—can be related to several factors, including changes in your ocular health, potential effects of medications, or even conditions related to your recent illnesses.
Explanation:
- Eye Floaters: These are usually harmless but can be more noticeable when your vision changes or if the eye's gel-like substance (vitreous) begins to decline with age or irritation.
- Afterimages: Seeing afterimages often relates to the way your eyes adjust to light conditions and can sometimes be linked to visual fatigue or strain.
- Flashes of Light: These can sometimes signify a change in the eye, particularly in the retina, which might require more investigation.
Given that you've experienced gastrointestinal distress and vomiting, it's also important to remember that dehydration can affect your body and your eyes, potentially making visual disturbances more pronounced.
Next Steps:
- Hydration: Ensure you're drinking enough water daily, especially if you've had recent digestive issues. Dehydration can affect eye health.
- Update Your Glasses: Since you mentioned needing new glasses, do schedule an eye exam as soon as you can. Changes in your prescription or proper eye care may help with clarity and reduce some symptoms.
- Rest Your Eyes: If you're spending a lot of time on screens or focusing intently, give your eyes breaks regularly. Try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes or worsening in your symptoms over the next few weeks. If you notice new symptoms or if the current ones worsen, it would be essential to seek an eye care professional.
Remember, while many of these can be benign, it's always better to get a professional opinion, especially with vision-related issues. Take care, and please feel free to reach out if you have further questions!
Related Questions
My Relationship with Milk Consumption
For nearly two decades, I have predominantly relied on milk as my primary source of hydration, consuming around five liters daily. Although I recognize that this reliance might not be the healthiest choice, my low appetite has perpetually left me underweight. In the past, I attempted to transition to drinking water; however, I noticed a concerning drop in weight along with persistent fatigue. My inquiry is whether there exists a more nutritious method to obtain calories without resorting to solid foods, and ideally, without incurring high costs?
When Can I Expect to Drive Again?
I’m a 35-year-old who suffered a spiral fracture in my right leg affecting both the fibula and tibia. Five weeks post-surgery, I've begun my rehabilitation journey, having undergone physical therapy for three weeks now. I’ve noticed that my leg is beginning to regain sensation, with improved control over my ankle and feeling returning to the sole of my foot. Given this progress, what is a realistic timeframe for when I might be able to drive safely once more?
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!
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.
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?