waiting to see [literally]

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Aula - 16 Jul 2006 19:00 GMT

Hi there. I'm wondering if anyone has experience or understanding of two
assumably different problems I'm having with my vision. One I suspect is
due to aging, but it seems a bit over the top for my age [49].

Back ground - i had laser surgery for ARMD [wet] in 1996, with no further
developments. I also have worn glasses since sixth grade [nearsightedness]
and added progressives about six years ago, iirc.

First problem - When I try to focus on computer, tv, books, directions for
handwork, etc., I have to wait for something to move down out of my central
vision so I can actually see what I want to focus on clearly. It takes but
a moment [maybe 10 seconds?] but has been going on for some time [several
years?] and I'd like to know what it is. I do not have floaters and last
saw my retinologist in Dec., when he moved me to an annual exam schedule due
to my stability.

Second problem, the one I suspect has an age factor in it. When I've been
reading, doing handwork [ie: embroidery] or working on the computer for a
while UI find it very hard to return to a normal distance focus, with my
vision often taking up to an hour or more to regain decent clarity for
distance vision. The length of time the close work preceding can vary, with
some days shorter times seeming to bring this on while other days that time
may not lead to the focus problem at all. I have wondered about
prescription strength, but it has remained constant over a change in
prescription strength and so I've wondered if it is simply not looking away
from the work often enough to refocus the eyes, but I am a tad too good at
focusing on tasks and don't remember to look away regularly, so that
variable is varying afaict.

Ideas? Suggestions? Live with it or seek remediation?

-Aula

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William Stacy - 16 Jul 2006 19:06 GMT

> First problem - When I try to focus on computer, tv, books, directions for
> handwork, etc., I have to wait for something to move down out of my central
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> saw my retinologist in Dec., when he moved me to an annual exam schedule due
> to my stability.

I'd say you DO have floater(s). You are describing a big one in perfect
detail. You might try quickly moving your eyes once either up, down,
left or right to move the floater off the visual axis instead of waiting
for it to "slide" away on it's own.

> Second problem, the one I suspect has an age factor in it. When I've been
> reading, doing handwork [ie: embroidery] or working on the computer for a
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
>
> Ideas? Suggestions? Live with it or seek remediation?

Now you are perfectly describing accommodative spasm which is a result
of not using the proper glasses for your near activities. You can live
with it, as it will probably not harm you, but I'd recommend glasses.

w.stacy, o.d.

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Aula - 16 Jul 2006 22:40 GMT

> I'd say you DO have floater(s). You are describing a big one in perfect
> detail. You might try quickly moving your eyes once either up, down,
> left or right to move the floater off the visual axis instead of waiting
> for it to "slide" away on it's own.

thank you, i will try that to see what happens. i will also ask the
retinologist if i have floaters when i'm back in dec.

> Now you are perfectly describing accommodative spasm which is a result
> of not using the proper glasses for your near activities. You can live
> with it, as it will probably not harm you, but I'd recommend glasses.

well, since i do wear glasses [did you over look my mention of progressives
in the op?] i am wondering about other remediation short of not engaging in
my favorite activities.

-aula

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William Stacy - 17 Jul 2006 16:22 GMT

>well, since i do wear glasses [did you over look my mention of progressives
>in the op?] i am wondering about other remediation short of not engaging in
>my favorite activities.
>
>

I was thinking that the progressives might not be the best for extensive
near work, and they may be weak in the near area. I'd suggest either a
regular lined bifocal or single vision lenses with the strongest power
that will give you clarity at your desired working distance(s). That
should pretty much eliminate the problem, unless it's something else
(like corneal drying from inadequate blinking, a habit lots of people
get into when concentrating on something). Also, frequent breaks might
help, even if only 5 or 10 minutes.

w.stacy, o.d.

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Aula - 17 Jul 2006 22:36 GMT

> I was thinking that the progressives might not be the best for extensive
> near work, and they may be weak in the near area. I'd suggest either a
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> get into when concentrating on something). Also, frequent breaks might
> help, even if only 5 or 10 minutes.

ah, now i understand your meaning. I will try the least expensive method
first and only move to the more expensive ones as those prove inadequate.
Its funny how complicated this vision thing is. Thank you for the pointers.

-aula

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