What is fluctuating vision? (Posted: jan 2005)

What it sounds like. Instability of one's vision. This may mean instability of the refractive error or of vision quality or both. The most common form of this is diurnal fluctuations, where (typically) the vision starts out good in the morning and gets progressively worse during the day.

What causes fluctuating vision? (posted: jan 2005)

Other than dry eye, and other known complications, I really don't understand the exact mechanism of vision fluctuations, but from my observation they seem to be common amongst (just examples) patients with severe ablation defects and/or who have experienced unusual regression patterns. If you know any better answers to this question, take a moment and email your thoughts to me if you would be so kind.

How can it be treated? (posted: jan 2005)

First, any complications, including dry eye, which may be causing or contributing to vision fluctuations need to be brought under control. Beyond that, I tend to think of this as a vision quality problem associated with irregularities in the corneal surface and resulting irregularities of hydration on the epithelium. In my own experience I have found that gas permeable lenses prevent fluctuation of visual acuity or quality - so long as they are being worn. For patients for whom gas permeable lenses are not an acceptable option, they may be able to benefit from an extra pair or two of glasses with stronger than their regular prescription. It's a good idea to get tested at different times of the day so that your eye doctor has a better understanding of what you are experiencing.

Where can I learn more about fluctuating vision?

Click here for Encyclopedia entry, which may have additional articles and links.