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Visual Vibrations

I am worried about a visual problem I am experiencing.  I had an eye exam 2 months ago that was normal and I have a prescription for reading glasses.  At the time I told the doctor that when I look at highly patterned objects or things with defined lines, they seem to vibrate, the doctor told me that was normal with flat surfaces and things with lots of patterns.  I do however notice that the raised edges, or defined edges of objects that are not highly patterned or flat are also vibrating.  It is like there is heat or steam in front of the edges so they seem to vibrate.  I notice this on folded laundry, carved edges of drawers, door frames, cd's stacked, curtains, blankets, shelves, certain print on signs, or paper.  If I look at it with only one eye it doesn't happen, but this phenomena occurs with both eyes looking at the object. Since my eye exam was fine, I assume this is a problem in the brain area where both eyes are working together to focus and the problem is not in each individual eye.  I am near sighted in one eye and far sighted in the other but not quite enough to have a prescription for glasses for general vision.  I am quite concerned this vision problem could mean something serious.  Can I get your imput?
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Avatar universal
Hi Swoosh, I know this is somewhat belated but have you found a solution for your problem?

The description you give is identical to what I am experiencing and have done for a number of years now.

Thanks
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233488 tn?1310693103
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
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Avatar universal
I experience exactly the same problem with high contrast text, particularly in poor lightning. I also see the vibrating with lines that are close together such as railings of clothes in shops, CDs, Books etc. All very frustrating and closing one eye (either one will do) prevents this from happening. It all started shortly after I began my PhD and the optometrist diagnosed me a with a convergence insufficiency and prescribed me prism glasses. Although these helped by sharpening my vision it hasn't solved the problem completely despite easing it.

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233488 tn?1310693103
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I would say your observations fall outside the range of nomral.

JCH MD
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Avatar universal
In response to your comment about being hyperaware of the vibrations, can I just be seeing vibrations on things with absolutely no pattern at all? Just one curve on a blanket that isn't laying just perfectly flat will cause this vibration. Also, why would this be happening with both eyes, but not each individual eye?  Thank you for your response.
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233488 tn?1310693103
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
There are a whole series of patterns that move or vibrate that are optical illustions that are flying around the internet. Its possible that you are hyperaware of this.

Read more about how these work  
http://www.colorcube.com/illusions/illusion.htm
Nevertheless if it seems to be getting worse or something new develops see an neuro ophthalmologist. Find one at www.aao.org

JCH III MD
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