Smeared Vision - No Lasik

Hi, for a couple of months, I've been having trouble with my right eye
in lower light situations. I see a 'smeared' or almost double vision
of light objects against dark backgrounds in only one eye. For
example, at night if my headlights light up a car's license plate on a
otherwise dark streat, I'll see a smear of light and part of the
license plate above it.

I went to my optometrist and he wasn't able to find anything wrong. I
do have corrective lenses. I have not had lasik or any eye surgery or
eye damage that I know of. I think the 'smearing' is getting worse.
Can anyone offer any suggestions? Should I see another eye doctor?

jeffnels...@mchsi.com wrote:
> Hi, for a couple of months, I've been having trouble with my right eye
> in lower light situations. I see a 'smeared' or almost double vision
> of light objects against dark backgrounds in only one eye. For
> example, at night if my headlights light up a car's license plate on a
> otherwise dark streat, I'll see a smear of light and part of the
> license plate above it.
>
> I went to my optometrist and he wasn't able to find anything wrong. I
> do have corrective lenses. I have not had lasik or any eye surgery or
> eye damage that I know of. I think the 'smearing' is getting worse.
> Can anyone offer any suggestions? Should I see another eye doctor?


Of course you should see another doctor. Don't know what your age is,
but you are describing how cataracts progress.

serebel wrote:
> Of course you should see another doctor. Don't know what your age is,
> but you are describing how cataracts progress.

I'm only 27. I've always had a little bit of a smear. But lately it
is a lot worse. Should I see a opthamologist or an optomitrist? Thank
you for replying, this makes be nervous.

In article <(E-Mail Removed) .com>,
<(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:

> I'm only 27. I've always had a little bit of a smear. But lately it
> is a lot worse. Should I see a opthamologist or an optomitrist? Thank
> you for replying, this makes be nervous.

I suggest going to an opthamologist. They will dialate your and eyes
give them a good examination for any kind of eye disease. Even though
you are young it could be a cataract.

--
Charles

I agree that a visit to an ophthalmologist (medical eye doctor) is in
order. Your choice may be limited by your medical insurance, however I
recommend you consider the ophthalmic department at a university
related teaching hospital. They tend to have the advantage of several
sub-specialists all in one location.

Glenn Hagele
Executive Director
USAEyes.org
Patient Advocacy Surgeon Certification

"Consider and Choose With Confidence"

Email to glenn dot hagele at usaeyes dot org

http://www.USAEyes.org
http://www.ComplicatedEyes.org

I am not a doctor.

Copyright 2006
All Rights Reserved

(E-Mail Removed) wrote:
> serebel wrote:
> > Of course you should see another doctor. Don't know what your age is,
> > but you are describing how cataracts progress.
>
> I'm only 27. I've always had a little bit of a smear. But lately it
> is a lot worse. Should I see a opthamologist or an optomitrist? Thank
> you for replying, this makes be nervous.


Try not to fret so much. So very much of what can go wrong with one's
eyes are very treatable. Wonderful strides in eyecare are being made
every day.

On 9/16/06 7:29 PM, in article 160920062229004384%(E-Mail Removed), "Charles"
<(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:

> In article <(E-Mail Removed) .com>,
> <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
>
>> I'm only 27. I've always had a little bit of a smear. But lately it
>> is a lot worse. Should I see a opthamologist or an optomitrist? Thank
>> you for replying, this makes be nervous.
>
> I suggest going to an opthamologist. They will dialate your and eyes
> give them a good examination for any kind of eye disease. Even though
> you are young it could be a cataract.

I was going to say the same thing. I am not a vision or medical pro.

One thing you can try is to make a pin hole from aluminum foil or other
opaque material. At night place it in front of your eye as close as is safe
and convenient. While watching a small light at a distance, move the pinhole
transversely to the line of sight. If the image clears up or moves as you
move the pinhole, that would suggest that you are indeed developing a
cataract.

Bill
-- Fermez le Bush

(E-Mail Removed) wrote:

>
> Hi, for a couple of months, I've been having trouble with my right eye
> in lower light situations. I see a 'smeared' or almost double vision
> of light objects against dark backgrounds in only one eye. For
> example, at night if my headlights light up a car's license plate on a
> otherwise dark streat, I'll see a smear of light and part of the
> license plate above it.
>
> I went to my optometrist and he wasn't able to find anything wrong. I
> do have corrective lenses. I have not had lasik or any eye surgery or
> eye damage that I know of. I think the 'smearing' is getting worse.
> Can anyone offer any suggestions? Should I see another eye doctor?

Is it not just astigmatism? That sounds like what I see uncorrected.
I take it the optometrist was unable to fix the situation with lenses?

--

In article <_r3Pg.53963$aJ.16871@attbi_s21>, Charles
<(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:

> Is it not just astigmatism? That sounds like what I see uncorrected.
> I take it the optometrist was unable to fix the situation with lenses?

That sounds possible too but I don't think diagnosis by Usenet is
indicated in this case He should get examined by an opthamologist
for his peace of mind. He indicated he is nervous.

--
Charles

(E-Mail Removed) wrote:
> Hi, for a couple of months, I've been having trouble with my right eye
> in lower light situations. I see a 'smeared' or almost double vision
> of light objects against dark backgrounds in only one eye. For
> example, at night if my headlights light up a car's license plate on a
> otherwise dark streat, I'll see a smear of light and part of the
> license plate above it.
>
> I went to my optometrist and he wasn't able to find anything wrong. I
> do have corrective lenses. I have not had lasik or any eye surgery or
> eye damage that I know of. I think the 'smearing' is getting worse.
> Can anyone offer any suggestions? Should I see another eye doctor?

Since this "smear" only happens in low light, it is most likely optical
in nature, i.e a problem in the cornea or the lens. A problem with the
macula would be present in all lighting conditions. I have never had
to turn the lights down to diagnose a problem with the macula.

I would recommend seeing an optometrist who has an instrument called a
topographer. Not only can an optometrist dialate the eye and check for
eye disease, but optometrists are typically better at diagnosing
optical problems.

DrG