When you read a newspaper, do the letters look wrinkled? Or do straight objects like window sills and doors look stretched? Sometimes, when things seem larger or smaller than they really are, it can be a bit of a scary experience. Today we are talking about a visual distortion like this. In medicine, we call this metamorphopsia.
Simply put, what is Metamorphopsia?
Simply put, it's a distortion of your vision. It's not really a disease, but a symptom of a disease. It feels like you're looking at the world through two pairs of glasses with the wrong number.
The shape, size, or position of things you see may appear to change. For example:
- Straight lines can appear stretched and wrinkled.
- Objects can appear larger than they are.
- Objects can appear smaller than they are.
- Things can feel closer or farther away than they actually are.
This experience varies from person to person. Some people experience this distortion in only a small part of their vision, while others may experience distortion in their entire field of vision. The causes of this can be related to the eye or the brain.
What are the main causes of this distorted vision?
The main reasons for this can be divided into three categories. Let's see what they are.
| Category of causes | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| 1. Refraction errors | This is the most common cause. This condition can occur when light rays entering the eye are not focused properly. For example, severe astigmatism, a large difference in the power of vision between the two eyes (Anisometropia), or a temporary distortion may occur as the eye adjusts to new glasses. |
| 2. Retina problems | This is something to be very careful about.. The retina is the light-sensitive membrane inside our eyes that detects light. It's like the film in a camera. If this membrane becomes wrinkled, swollen, torn, or detached from its underlying layer, the image we see is completely distorted. This can be very dangerous, because sometimes it can lead to permanent vision loss. |
| 3. Brain-related causes | This is one reason why we see a little less. Although our eyes capture light, the image we see is created by the brain. If the signals sent by the eyes are not processed correctly in the brain, we can see things distorted. |
A little more about retina problems...
Metamorphopsia, which is caused by problems with the retina, is a very serious condition. This symptom is especially pronounced if the macula , the part of the retina in the center that helps you see fine details and colors clearly, is damaged.
Some of the conditions that can cause this are:
- Age-related macular degeneration (Wet form)
- Diabetic retinopathy and macular edema
- Macular pucker
- Retinal tear or detachment
- Ocular migraine
- Retinal bleeding
- Infection of the membranes inside the eye (Uveitis)
Let's also learn about brain-related causes
This distorted vision can also be caused by certain changes in brain function.
- Some migraine with aura conditions
- Seizures
- Stroke or mini-stroke (TIA) conditions
- Rare conditions such as Alice in Wonderland syndrome
- Some medications and drug use
How is this condition treated?
Keep in mind that there is no direct treatment for Metamorphopsia , as it is not a disease. Treatment is directed at the underlying condition that is causing the symptom.
For example,
- If the cause is diabetes, the diabetes is well controlled and, if necessary, laser eye treatment or injections are given.
- If the cause is a detached retina, surgery may be required.
- If the cause is a problem with the mirror, this can be avoided by providing the correct mirror.
Your doctor will determine the exact cause of your condition and explain to you the most appropriate treatment.
What should you do if you feel something like this?
This is the most important part. As soon as you notice a visual distortion like this, please do not self-diagnose or try to treat it at home.
If you experience this type of visual distortion (Metamorphopsia) for the first time in your life, consider it a medical emergency and see a doctor as soon as possible. If necessary, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Why do you say that? Because if the cause is a serious retinal problem, every second that passes before treatment starts can damage your vision. Sometimes, the damage may not be reversible. That's why time is of the essence here.
If you already have a medical condition like migraine and have talked to your doctor about this symptom, he or she may have given you advice on how to distinguish between an emergency and a normal one. However, if you have any doubts or concerns, it is always safest to seek medical advice.
Take-Home Message
- Metamorphopsia is a symptom in which things appear distorted and distorted. It is not a disease.
- This can be caused by problems with the eye (retina) or the brain. Retinal problems can be very serious and can even lead to permanent vision loss.
- If you experience any of these symptoms for the first time , consider it an emergency and see a doctor immediately . Don't delay.
- Treatment is not for the symptom, but for the underlying condition that caused it.
- If you have any concerns about your vision, don't ignore it. Talk to your doctor about it. Early diagnosis and treatment can help protect your precious vision.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What is weakness? Is this normal fatigue?
This is not normal fatigue at all! 'Weakness' in medicine means that no matter how strong your mind is, your arm / leg / large muscle cannot hear what you say and its strength / power is reduced by 100% (Loss of muscle strength), and it is a very dangerous neurological / muscular defect (Neurological / Muscular defect) in which you cannot even hold a cup or climb a staircase.
💬 What are the main reasons for a person's limbs to suddenly become weak like this?
There are two main reasons for this: 1) 'Severe damage to the brain and nerves' - This can happen due to a blood vessel bursting/blocking in the brain (Stroke), nerve degeneration (Multiple Sclerosis), or a herniated disc in the spine (Herniated Disc). 2) 'Major disease in the brain' - This can also happen due to severe electrolyte imbalance in the blood (Severe Electrolyte Imbalance), nerve degeneration due to severe diabetes (Diabetic neuropathy), anemia (Anemia), and severe muscle wasting diseases (Myasthenia gravis).
💬 When you feel unwell, what are the 'emergencies' that require you to immediately run to the emergency department of a hospital without drinking vitamins/honey?
The biggest and most serious danger! If a person who was well suddenly, within minutes or even immediately, 1) experiences 'unilateral weakness' of the body/face, complete paralysis and slurred speech, it is definitely a 'stroke' of the brain (paralysis/death within three hours)! 2) If the paralysis starts in both legs and extends to the chest within hours (Guillain-Barre syndrome) and the person cannot breathe, an ambulance must be called without waiting a second!
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