What is Normal? Visual Experiences Explained FAQ | Healthy Vision Month

Most people notice a slight change in how their eyes feel throughout the day. You may also notice certain changes after spending a long time looking at a computer screen. That's because your eyes respond to your environment, light, screen time, and fatigue throughout your day. 
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But what is normal, and what is something that you should be concerned about? Continue reading for some answers to common questions about your eyes and vision. 

Is it normal to see spots after looking at bright light?

Yes, it is usually completely normal to see spots after looking at bright lights. What you are seeing are afterimages, which are an optical illusion that lasts for a few seconds after the bright light has been removed. When you look at a bright light, such as the sun, that light stimulates the retina. It takes a few seconds for your eyes to recover, and during that time, you may see shapes or spots. 

Why do my eyes feel worse at the end of the day?

Your eyes continually focus throughout the day, so it's very common to develop a bit of eye fatigue. Your tear film can break down throughout the day. You may also blink less, especially if you're spending a lot of time on digital devices, and your eye muscles can become overworked. Eyes may feel heavier, drier, and even a little blurry at the end of the day. Just as your other muscles fatigue, your eyes may feel a little tired.

Is eye twitching a sign of something serious?

Most of the time, eye twitching is harmless. Those little twitches you may feel in your eyelid can be triggered by excess caffeine, stress, and eye strain. It's usually nothing to worry about. Get it checked out if it affects your vision or keeps getting worse.
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Why does my vision take a second to adjust when I look up from my phone? 

If you are staring at your cell phone, your eyes have to work harder to read the small text. Plus, you tend to blink less when looking at screens. This can all lead to eye strain. When you look up, your eyes have to quickly switch and refocus at a distance. This slight adjustment time, during which you may experience blurry vision, is called focus lag. 

Is it possible for my vision to feel clearer some days than others?

It might be surprising, but your vision may seem clearer on different days. It should not be a dramatic difference, but your vision can fluctuate slightly based on the quality of your tear film, your screen time, hydration, and sleep.

What is that gritty feeling in my eyes in the morning?

Have you ever woken up and felt like you had sand in your eyes? That gritty feeling is due to dry eyes. Your tear production can decrease, leaving your eyes feeling irritated and dry, especially when you wake up. If dry eyes don't improve with movement and blinking, it can be helpful to see an eye doctor for possible treatment. 
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What symptoms should I not ignore?

Certain symptoms should prompt you to seek immediate medical attention, such as:

• An increase in light sensitivity
• Persistent eye pain
• A sudden increase in floaters
• Flashes of light
• Sudden vision loss

May is Healthy Vision Month. It is meant to highlight actions we can take to promote healthy eyes and good vision for a lifetime. 

The best way you can figure out if something is normal or not is through an eye exam. A comprehensive eye exam can provide reassurance that everything is okay, or it can help diagnose a condition before vision loss occurs.

If you would like to schedule an eye appointment with one of our eye doctors, please call our office at 508-746-8600.