Metamorphopsia is a type of distorted vision symptom or disorder that causes you to view a grid of straight lines to appear wavy and parts of the grid to appear blank. This phenomenon is commonly experienced in different macular disorders, which are disorders of the retina which is responsible for central vision.
What is metamorphopsia?
The inability to perceive visual images clearly accompanied by distortion of the size and shape of the object being viewed can be referred to as metamorphopsia. Much of this is the result of refractive errors that occur when light enters the eye and is not represented clearly due to pathological alteration of the retina. This leads to the part of the brain responsible for processing viewed images to do its best to interpret what you are seeing, often making you see wavy or distorted hallucinations.
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Image distortion can either be macropsia or micropsia. Macropsia refers to the shape of an object looking distorted, while micropsia referred to the size of an object not appearing correct, either being larger or smaller.
Pathological conditions involving the various structures of the eye may also lead to the development of metamorphopsia, as seen when optic nerve endings becoming scarred due to a condition that causes eye inflammation.
What causes metamorphopsia?
Macular degeneration
There are two recognized forms of macular degeneration; wet and dry. Both carry the risk of vision loss but develop in different ways. Dry AMD occurs due to the development of tiny protein clumps called drusen, while wet AMD results from the development of abnormal blood vessels that lead to scarring of the macula. Though rarer than its dry counterpart, wet AMD leads to faster deterioration of central vision. Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of vision loss in people 50 years and older.
Macular hole
Refers to a small hole in the center of the retina that is caused by the fluid found in the eye (vitreous) contracting and pulling away from the retina surface. While this separation is thought to be normal, accompanying old age, some people have spots or holes in the macula that were not exposed until this contraction of the vitreous fluid occurs. As a result, vitreous fluid can now seep through the resulting defect and cause a dark spot.
Retinal detachment
Characterized by the separation of the retinal cells from the layer of blood vessels that provide it with oxygen and nourishment. This is considered an emergency situation requiring immediate medical attention, as if it goes untreated, it can lead to a greater risk of permanent vision loss in the affected eye. Retinal detachment may also present with the sudden appearance of floaters, flashes, and reduced vision.
Also read: Getting rid of eye floaters: Home remedies and exercise
Migraine
Considered a neurological disorder causing symptoms that radiates in pulses or throbbing pain – usually on one side of the head. Migraines can be so debilitating that it affects your ability to live your life. It can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can last hours to days with a severe disabling pain. They can also be associated with an “aura,” which are visual disturbances, such as flashes of light or wavy, zigzag vision.
Risk factors and symptoms of metamorphopsia
Risk factors for developing metamorphopsia generally include:
- Age
- Choroiditis
- Myopia
- Ocular histoplasmosis syndrome
- Antiangiogenic drugs
- Ruptured choroid
Metamorphopsia symptoms generally include:
- Curly or wavy appearance of the straight lines
- Curved appearance of the flat surfaces when focused on
- When observing a grid of straight lines, they may appear either blank or wavy
Treating metamorphopsia
Macular degeneration
A common treatment for wet macular degeneration is the use of intravitreous (in the vitreous, the fluid behind the lens in the eye) anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections which help reduce the formation of abnormal blood vessel development in the eye, helping improve visual outcomes for many patients. Unfortunately, there is no treatment available for dry macular degeneration, however, some patients may find some benefit from taking a certain combination of nutritional supplements which include particular vitamin and minerals such as vitamin C and E, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, and copper.
Macular hole
Most cases of macular holes do not require treatment as they tend to seal themselves, but surgery may still be necessary in many cases to help improve vision. This might involve a surgical procedure called a vitrectomy, which removes the vitreous fluid and replaces it with a bubble containing a mixture of air and gas that helps prevents pulling on the retina. This bubble helps to keep the macula in place as it heals.
Retinal detachment
Surgery is the only way to treat retinal detachment and is preferably done within a few days of the onset of symptoms. There are several types of surgical methods that can be taken for treatment, with the severity of retinal detachment being the decider. Surgical procedures include:
- Air or gas injection into the eye: Helps to push the area of the retina against the wall of the eye, stopping the outflow of fluid into the space behind the retina.
- Eye surface indenting: Involves a surgeon suturing a piece of silicone material to the sclera (whites of the eye) of the affected area, creating an indent in the wall of the eye to relieve some of the force created by the vitreous tugging on the retina.
- Draining and replacing eye fluid: Called a vitrectomy and involves removal of the vitreous along with any tissue. Then, air, gas, or silicone oil is injected into the vitreous space, helping to flatten the retina. These substances are eventually reabsorbed by the body, with vitreous fluid eventually reaccumulating in the eye again.
Migraine
Treatment generally consists of either pain-relieving medications (ex. NSAIDs), preventative measures (avoiding smoking, relaxation techniques, avoiding foods high in tyramine etc.) or a combination of the two. Regimens are usually tailored to the individual depending on the severity and frequency of migraines, as well as the degree of disability your headaches cause.
It is important to speak to a doctor or medical professional if you suspect your headaches are more serious and possibly due to a migraine. Seeking the advice of a neurologist who specializes in migraines may help give you a better understanding of the condition and how to better find effective treatment options.
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Related:
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Sudden blurred vision: Causes and treatments
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
