07/12/2020
“Doctor, I first noticed that there was something wrong when I saw the floor tiles being a bit crooked. I realized this when I was rubbing my other eye”
This was the complaint of one of my patients recently.
This symptom is known as metamorphopsia, or distorted vision (See photo 1)
Where straight lines appear wavy, bent or broken, and the central vision may be blurred.
It is only noticed when the unaffected eye is closed.
Persistent metamorphopsia is usually an indication of macular disease.
Macula is the central retina, i.e the area responsible for fine, sharp vision, which allows us to read prints and recognize faces.
In these cases, the macula could be affected by
1) Bleeding or fluid leakage from abnormal vessels that occur in age-related macular degeneration (Photo 2)
2) An epiretinal membrane (Photo 3 – note the wrinkling of the macula)
3) Macular hole, where there is a break in the nerve layers at the centre (Photo 4)
Therefore, it is one of the visual symptoms that prompts an urgent eye examination by an ophthalmologist (eye specialist doctor).
The earlier the problem is detected and treated, the higher the chance of vision returning back to normal.
The longer the problem goes on, scarring and irreversible damage to the macula can occur.
How to detect metamorphopsia?
These eye conditions usually affect those over 55 years old.
One can check their eyesight by closing each eye in turn and look at a page with words or squares at reading distance. An example is the Amsler grid (Photo 5).
It is also advisable to monitor the distant vision by looking at a printed sign about 6 metres away.
Those with glasses should wear them when checking vision.
This eye test can be done every 1-2 months as a periodic self-assessment.
If there is any abnormality or drop in vision, please seek help at an eye clinic and don’t wait whilst hoping for the problem to go away.
Early detection and treatment can save vision!
Note: Photos taken from the internet for illustrative purposes
