Vision problem - don't know what's wrong with me?

Question

I keep feeling and seeing movement that doesn't exist while I read. It is adversely affecting my reading ability, rendering it slower. It is also making me feel a little dizzy. I also get fatigued after reading for a short period of time.

I have no clue as to what this problem is. This has been occuring for over 2 years, and nothing has gotten any better. I feel like I'm going to be in this debilitated state forever.

I've been to 3 eye doctors. None of them have found anything wrong with my vision; I do well on the tests. (Ironic.)

What is causing my problem? And how do I get better?

Answer 1

This could be floaters.  Little pieces of the retina (I think) floating around in your vision.  You get used to them eventually.

See an ophthalmologist.  This is an eye doctor that can do a little more than an optometrist.  An ophthalmologist is better for serious vision/eye issues.

Answer 2

Without an eye exam, it is difficult to determine the cause of your problem.  One possibility is dry eye syndrome or blepharitis.  Patients with dry eyes often complain about difficulty with reading and near vision tasks, especially after reading for a few minutes, and in the afternoon or evening.  Treatment includes using a hot washcloth over your closed eyes for 5 minutes in the morning and evening, and eye drops for dryness, such as Systane.  Other possibilities include a muscle imbalance causing your eyes not to focus well at near.  I recommend that you see an Ophthalmologist for a definitive diagnosis.

Answer 3

They've done phoria testing? To be sure your eye muscles are in normal working order?

This, of course, may not be your problem, but when patients report your symptoms to us, the dr always checks extraocular eye movements and phorias.

Sometimes it's the eye muscles, and needs to be corrected with specially made prescription lenses that include PRISM.

If you go to another eye dr, call ahead and find out how much experience they have in treating strabismus . . .newer doctors (often found in the big chain stores) may not have as much experience and can overlook it.

Around the area I live in, the experienced optometrists are better at these vision/refractive related tests, rather than the experienced ophthalmologists, who are better at internal health related tests.