Problems focusing on one person's eyes/hyper-peripheral vision

[TLo7]

For the last 3 years, I have had difficulties focusing on just one person (a person I am talking to or who is speaking) when there are other people's eyes in my vision. My eyes will either dart over to the other person's/people's eyes, or I will be very aware of them in my field of vision, to the point where the person I am not talking to becomes aware that I am "watching" them.

This creates very awkward and uncomfortable social situations. And in university, I would spend many lectures staring at my desk in order to avoid this problem.

Watching movies also often ends up very uncomfortable because I can usually see the person I'm sitting beside in my peripheral vision and thus have trouble not "watching" them.

However the worst is in social situations, because I am a very social person but will avoid certain group activities because of the discomfort of this problem.

The problem eases when I drink alcohol, and with enough alcohol can disappear.

Several things happened during/preceding the period in which I first noticed this problem which I think could have caused it. They are:
- a period of extreme trauma/stress I had
- smoking a lot of marijuana during the same period (about 5-6 months)
- a head injury from falling down stairs while inebriated
- a skin treatment I got which tightened my skin and still feels a bit as though it is pulling out from my eyes

I went to an ophthalmologist, but he didn't think there were any problems and thought it might be something psychological. But I think it is something neuro-ophthalmological. Any ideas how to improve my problem or what might be causing it? I haven't managed to find any similar disorder anywhere on the internet. Also, I am young, in my early 20s, and am otherwise very healthy. I am slightly far-sighted (-1.75 and -1.5) and wear contacts. Thanks for any help!

[kajj]

A related discussion, Problem focusing on one person's eyes/hyper-peripheral vision was started.

[char111]

hi~ glad to have found some others. I fin d alcohol dampens the hyperactivity as does marijuana (unlike you)

I have read about some forms of Autism where this occurs at an extreme level where the child/adult is unable to function.

I started a home biz so that I did not have to work a 9-5 job. I have short periods with friends/people.

People are not very forgiving~ they tend to assume the worst~ I get to give what I don't get~ acceptance and an open mind

[kajj]

Thanks guys for posting. Now I know what's going on with me (it started about 6 months ago). I don't know if it's better to know, but at least I can tell people about it. Hope they believe me and won't freak out anymore when they see me. (they will probably not believe me and think even worse things about me)

And about possible causes.
I can't think of any. My vision was always very good. I had some stressful time but it's nothing comparing to what I'm going through right now. No injuries. I use computer a lot, but who doesn't?

I will let you know if I remember of something more.
Thanks. (sorry, english is not my 1st)

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear TLo7,

I would recommend seeking the care of an eyeMD specializing in neuro-ophthalmology.  He or she would be able to evaluate your signs/symptoms in view of your history.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California

[TLo7]

Hi Sirus, it does seem like our cases are similar. I'm sorry to know you suffer this same problem.. hopefully we will find some information about it. I would be interested to know if you have always had the vision problem, or if it developed at a later age. Also, do you have in common with me any of the things on my "possible causes" list?

[sirux]

I have the same problem.. I hope to god someone finds a answer for us.