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Eye Care Archive (Expert Forum)
Starburst, glare issues?
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Starburst, glare issues?
by bluemchen, Oct 15, 2005 12:00AM
Hi,
I'm hoping someone can help. I'm concerned about changes I've been noticing in my eyes lately. For the past 5 months or so, I have been having difficulty looking at lights. For example sunlight, headlights, the reflection of the sun off of cars, etc...all appear to me as sort of a glittery starburst. It is similar to how a migraine aura is described, except that it happens every day to one extent or another, and there is no associated headache. It is worst in bright sunlight (reflection off of metal objects causes glare effects) and at night (starbursts more noticeable due to contrast between light and dark). I have had three vision exams (one at my PCP, one at a neurologist, and one from an opthalmologist) since this began, and no abmormalities have been noticed besides a slight astigmatism and dry eyes due to contact overuse. However, I have since tried to cut down on my contact use (don't wear them at all on Sundays, wear 10 hrs or less other days) and have also changed to a more oxygen permeable lens, but the problem has persisted. I don't really know what the deal is, but it's very disturbing. I was initially worried about a brain tumor, but have only had mild and infrequent headaches since the vision changes started, no swelling of the optic nerve, no seizures, no behavior changes, no other sensory abnormalities, etc. The clarity of my vision has remained unchanged, although colors seem to be faded on brighter days due to glare issues. Does anyone know that this could be? I am very concerned as there are lights everywhere and it is quite irritating.
I'm hoping someone can help. I'm concerned about changes I've been noticing in my eyes lately. For the past 5 months or so, I have been having difficulty looking at lights. For example sunlight, headlights, the reflection of the sun off of cars, etc...all appear to me as sort of a glittery starburst. It is similar to how a migraine aura is described, except that it happens every day to one extent or another, and there is no associated headache. It is worst in bright sunlight (reflection off of metal objects causes glare effects) and at night (starbursts more noticeable due to contrast between light and dark). I have had three vision exams (one at my PCP, one at a neurologist, and one from an opthalmologist) since this began, and no abmormalities have been noticed besides a slight astigmatism and dry eyes due to contact overuse. However, I have since tried to cut down on my contact use (don't wear them at all on Sundays, wear 10 hrs or less other days) and have also changed to a more oxygen permeable lens, but the problem has persisted. I don't really know what the deal is, but it's very disturbing. I was initially worried about a brain tumor, but have only had mild and infrequent headaches since the vision changes started, no swelling of the optic nerve, no seizures, no behavior changes, no other sensory abnormalities, etc. The clarity of my vision has remained unchanged, although colors seem to be faded on brighter days due to glare issues. Does anyone know that this could be? I am very concerned as there are lights everywhere and it is quite irritating.
Then a few days ago I was driving home in the evening and the oncoming bright lights of a suv had high beams and the same thing happened.I mean this vehichle really had bright lights and I looked directly into the lights only to experience this again. It went away after 1-2 minutes ..
Don't know what to do. The rest of time I'm ok just these last 2 incicidents.
Eye exam? Neurolgist? Can anyone help? Sound familiar?