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An Unusual Experience During My Run

6/21/2025, 2:40:23 PMMale25-34

Approximately two weeks ago, I decided to go for a run after a period of training. This would be my longest distance yet. I began with a brief warm-up, and just a few steps into my walk, I removed my glasses (left lens: -0.50, right lens: -0.75) for a quick cleaning. When I looked up to check for traffic, I experienced a peculiar sensation; the world appeared to contract around me. It felt as if I had grown significantly larger in comparison to my surroundings, which seemed minuscule. I paused for a moment to gather myself, and gradually, the environment returned to normal size, leaving me feeling small again. Even after putting my glasses back on, the odd feeling persisted for several more minutes until it finally dissipated. Fortunately, I managed to complete my run for around twenty minutes, setting a personal best in the heat of the day, which had reached about 26 degrees Celsius—quite warm for my region. I'm curious if this is a common occurrence for those who wear glasses, as I had never experienced anything like it before. Additionally, I should mention that I had recently stopped taking doxycycline; I wonder if that has any relevance to the situation.

ExerciseAgingLifestyle Changes

Answers (1)

Cony

6/21/2025, 2:40:36 PM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to be concerned about unusual sensations during physical activity, especially when they seem out of the ordinary. The experience you described—feeling as if your surroundings were contracting while you removed your glasses—may relate to a temporary visual distortion or a mild episode of altered perception.

Explanation:

  1. Visual Distortion: When you removed your glasses, your eyes were likely momentarily adjusting to the peripheral blurriness. This can create strange visual sensations, especially if you are used to clear vision with correction.
  2. Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Physical exertion, especially in warm conditions, can lead to dehydration or fluctuations in blood pressure, which might also contribute to transient sensations of size distortion or lightheadedness.
  3. Medications: Doxycycline can sometimes cause side effects such as dizziness, although it is typically not linked to visual distortions. If you stopped taking it recently, it's worth considering any residual effects or changes in hydration and nutrition.

Next Steps:

  1. Stay Hydrated: Ensure you drink plenty of water before, during, and after your runs, particularly in warm weather. Dehydration can exacerbate feelings of dizziness and confusion.
  2. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of any similar feelings if they occur again, including the context—like when you're exercising or after removing your glasses. This will help understand if it's a pattern.
  3. Gradual Adjustments: When transitioning between glasses on and off, give your eyes a moment to adjust before looking up or engaging with your surroundings.
  4. Cool Down After Exercise: Consider cooling down with some stretches or walking after intense runs, which can help stabilize your body and prevent unusual sensations.

If you experience this sensation again, or if it becomes more frequent or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms (like persistent dizziness, visual changes, or disorientation), it would be advisable to seek further evaluation.

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