Why Do I See Shadows?

When you visit your optometrist for an eye exam, if you see shadows around the letters that you’re asked to read, you should always let your optometrist know. Correcting vision isn’t just about making sure you can read things close up and far away; it’s also about correcting refractive errors and, of course, diagnosing any potential health issues that may be affecting your vision. If you see shadows, whether it’s during an eye exam in North Syracuse, NY or as you’re going about your day-to-day affairs, be sure to report it to your optometrist.

Astigmatism or Another Refractive Error

Refraction happens when light enters the eye and is focused properly to facilitate clear vision. If anything untoward happens with this refraction, you can end up with shadows due to astigmatism, nearsightedness or farsightedness. In the vast majority of cases, prescription eyewear that accounts for astigmatism will correct the problem and get rid of those shadows.

Dry Eye Syndrome

A lack of adequate tear production or poor tear quality can lead to dry eye syndrome, which may cause fluctuating vision, including shadowing around objects. When the tear film is unstable, light does not refract properly, leading to blurred or doubled images. Artificial tears or treatments recommended by an optometrist can help improve tear stability.

Corneal Irregularities

Conditions affecting the cornea, such as keratoconus (a progressive thinning of the cornea) or scarring from past infections or injuries, can distort light entering the eye. This distortion can lead to ghost images, halos, or shadows around objects. Corneal topography tests can help diagnose these conditions, and treatments may include specialized contact lenses or surgical options.

Other Neurological or Optical Issues

In some cases, shadowed vision may be related to neurological conditions affecting how the brain processes visual information. Binocular vision problems, where the eyes do not work together properly, can also cause ghosting or overlapping images. An eye exam can help determine if further testing is needed.

You shouldn’t see shadows when looking at text or objects. This situation always warrants a visit to your optometrist in North Syracuse, NY, since identifying the cause early can help prevent further complications and ensure the best possible treatment for clear and comfortable vision.