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Temporary blurry spot - with both eyes open or closed
billfromvermont posted:
After spending about 3 hours working at the computer (fairly common for me), I noticed a strange small oval-shaped blurry area in my eyes. It was near the center of both of my eyes. I could see everything else clearly, except for in the center. It appeared as if the blur was only around the edges (perimeter) of a small oval, with the center of the oval area being reasonably clear. I also seemed more sensitive to light than normal. I experienced this problem for about 10-20 minutes, after which it gradually disappeared.
These additional facts might help.
In other words, for a person who is 67 years old, there is very little physically wrong with me.
Based on the fact that it existed whether my eyes were open or closed, I am inclined to believe that the source of the problem might have been in my brain.
I am now traveling and am in Bangkok, Thailand. I will be soon heading by bus and riverboats, thru Cambodia to Vietnam, etc. Finding a qualified optometrist who can communicate in English will be extremely difficult. I am hoping someone might be able to shed some light on what might possibly have caused this to happen to my eyes.
These additional facts might help.
- I felt no pain and had no other noticeable symptoms whatsoever.
- When I closed either eye, the other eye still had the blur - in the exact same spot.
- When both eyes were totally closed, it appeared as a small area of "lights" in the center of the area where my eyes were directed (behind closed eyelids).
- I did not experience any real change in my peripheral vision or spots elsewhere.
- I did not have any difficulty in distinguishing colors.
- There is no history of diabetes in my family.
- I had no itching or discharge from my eyes.
- I have not changed any medications - only medication is simvstatin for slightly elevated cholesterol and baby aspirin.
- I have had a recent thorough physical exam with only positive findings.
- Have no problem with reading at night.
- Have not been aware of any gradual loss of sharpness of my vision.
- Do not have blindspots or unusual halos around lights nor and double vision.
- No headaches or stomach problems.
- Normally have low blood pressure and no heart issues.
- I am in extremely good physical shape.
In other words, for a person who is 67 years old, there is very little physically wrong with me.
Based on the fact that it existed whether my eyes were open or closed, I am inclined to believe that the source of the problem might have been in my brain.
I am now traveling and am in Bangkok, Thailand. I will be soon heading by bus and riverboats, thru Cambodia to Vietnam, etc. Finding a qualified optometrist who can communicate in English will be extremely difficult. I am hoping someone might be able to shed some light on what might possibly have caused this to happen to my eyes.
2 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Temporary blurry spot - with both eyes open or closedAfter spending about 3 hours working at the computer (fairly common for me), I noticed a strange small oval-shaped blurry area in my eyes. It was near the center of both of my eyes. I could see everything else clearly, except for in the center. It appeared as if the blur was only around the edges (perimeter) of a small oval, with the center of the oval area being reasonably clear. I also seemed more sensitive to light than normal. I experienced this problem for about 10-20 minutes, after which it gradually disappeared. <br /><br />These additional facts might help.<br /><br /><br /> <ul><li>I felt no pain and had no other noticeable symptoms whatsoever. </li><li>When I closed either eye, the other eye still had the blur - in the exact same spot. </li><li>When both eyes were totally closed, it appeared as a small area of "lights" in the center of the area where my eyes were directed (behind closed eyelids). </li><li>I did not experience any real change in my peripheral vision or spots elsewhere. </li><li>I did not have any difficulty in distinguishing colors.</li><li>There is no history of diabetes in my family.</li><li>I had no itching or discharge from my eyes.</li><li>I have not changed any medications - only medication is simvstatin for slightly elevated cholesterol and baby aspirin.</li><li>I have had a recent thorough physical exam with only positive findings.</li><li>Have no problem with reading at night.</li><li>Have not been aware of any gradual loss of sharpness of my vision.</li><li>Do not have blindspots or unusual halos around lights nor and double vision.</li><li>No headaches or stomach problems.</li><li>Normally have low blood pressure and no heart issues. </li><li>I am in extremely good physical shape.</li> </ul><br /><br />In other words, for a person who is 67 years old, there is very little physically wrong with me.<br /><br /><br />Based on the fact that it existed whether my eyes were open or closed, I am inclined to believe that the source of the problem might have been in my brain.<br /><br /><br />I am now traveling and am in Bangkok, Thailand. I will be soon heading by bus and riverboats, thru Cambodia to Vietnam, etc. Finding a qualified optometrist who can communicate in English will be extremely difficult. I am hoping someone might be able to shed some light on what might possibly have caused this to happen to my eyes.<br /><br /><br />
Alan M Kozarsky, MD responded:
Because this visual issue involved both eyes, was noticeable after the eyes were closed, and lasted for 20 minutes and disappeared completely, it is very suggestive of a migraine type problem. i.e. a temporary circulation disturbance. Migraines don't necessarily have to be associated with headache.
A full eye exam and as well as complete review of your medical status would be a good idea at your soonest convenience.
A full eye exam and as well as complete review of your medical status would be a good idea at your soonest convenience.
Report This| Share this:Temporary blurry spot - with both eyes open or closedBecause this visual issue involved both eyes, was noticeable after the eyes were closed, and lasted for 20 minutes and disappeared completely, it is very suggestive of a migraine type problem. i.e. a temporary circulation disturbance. Migraines don't necessarily have to be associated with headache. <br /><br />A full eye exam and as well as complete review of your medical status would be a good idea at your soonest convenience.
billfromvermont replied to Alan M Kozarsky, MD's response:
Thank you, Alan. I never knew a migraine could present in this manner.
I will definitely get my eyes thoroughly checked - and report the occurrence to my physician, once I return home..
I will definitely get my eyes thoroughly checked - and report the occurrence to my physician, once I return home..
Report This| Share this:Temporary blurry spot - with both eyes open or closedThank you, Alan. I never knew a migraine could present in this manner. <br /><br />I will definitely get my eyes thoroughly checked - and report the occurrence to my physician, once I return home..
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