Sudden Deterioration of Vision Following Eyelid Infections: Should I Seek Emergency Care?
Gender: Transgender male Age: 35 years Height/Weight: 5'7" / 132 lbs Location: South America Medications: Unsure if they pertain, but currently prescribed testosterone at 1000 mg every 12 weeks and finasteride daily at 1 g. Additional Background: Previously diagnosed with approximately -7 vision in both eyes until I underwent LASIK surgery in 2011, after which my eyesight improved significantly, with no notable issues. Issue at Hand: About two weeks ago, I experienced significant redness and swelling in the upper eyelid of my right eye, which appeared to develop into a considerable stye located centrally. A few days later, I noticed a smaller stye emerging at the corner of my left eye. Both eyes have been extremely itchy and watery, and I've experienced intermittent blurriness in my vision, which I initially attributed to excessive tearing. Although the styes have largely cleared—taking over a week for the larger one to vanish entirely—the discomfort persists. Coinciding with this, I started a new job that requires extensive screen time, forcing me to concentrate intensely on the display. In the past week, I've begun to see peculiar distortions in my vision; for instance, the numeral 1 appears similar to a 7, lines seem slightly doubled, and my right eye has a rather blurry, watery appearance. By this time, the stye infections appeared to have resolved, but the itchiness continued. The distortion I experience sometimes fluctuates, particularly when viewing screens or LED lights. I’ve also noted that I struggle to read bus stop signs from a moderate distance. I've scheduled a consultation, but it’s not for another four weeks. Is this a common occurrence? Should I hold off or consider visiting the emergency room? I’m somewhat anxious about the possibility of this being irreversible. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Answers (1)
7/20/2025, 11:50:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing significant changes in your vision following eyelid infections, and these symptoms, especially the distortions and blurriness, can be concerning. Given the ongoing visual disturbances and your recent eyelid issues, it would be prudent to seek more immediate medical attention.
Understanding Your Situation
- Recent Symptoms: You’ve noticed distortions in your vision, such as numbers appearing differently and increased difficulty seeing clearly at a distance, even after your styes have cleared. This, combined with intense screen time, could indicate strain or another underlying issue.
- Potential Causes: Conditions like dry eyes related to screen time, changes from the previous eyelid infections, or other eye disorders could be contributing factors. Changes in vision should always be evaluated to rule out serious issues.
Next Steps
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Seek Immediate Care: Given the changes in your vision and ongoing discomfort, it is best to seek emergency care rather than wait four weeks. This is especially important since vision disturbances can potentially indicate a more serious condition that needs to be addressed promptly.
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Hydrate and Rest Your Eyes: While waiting for care, prioritize hydration and rest your eyes regularly. Try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This can help alleviate some eye strain.
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Avoid Irritants: Try to avoid touching your eyes and exposure to harsh lighting or screens if they exacerbate your symptoms.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any new symptoms or changes in your vision. Documenting these can help during your medical evaluation.
Reassurance
It’s understandable to feel anxious about changes in vision, but seeking care promptly is a responsible approach to ensure your eye health. Many issues are treatable, especially when addressed early. You’re taking the right steps by seeking help.
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