Can the nose block vision in people with high myopia?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have high myopia, with a prescription of -8.75 D in my right eye and -7.75 D in my left eye. Lately, I have noticed something unusual with my vision.

Sometimes, it feels like my nose suddenly comes into view in my right eye, almost blocking part of my vision. This usually happens when my eyes are tired or when light falls from certain angles, and then it corrects itself after a few moments.

I am not sure why this is happening. I want to know the following:

Could it be related to my high myopia, eye strain, or maybe a focusing or perception problem?
Is it something to do with the anatomy of the eye?

Please let me know if this is a harmless issue or if it needs any treatment.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

With your level of high myopia (severe nearsightedness), it is very reasonable to be cautious about even small changes in your vision. From your description, there are a few likely explanations for why you sometimes feel your nose interfering with your right eye’s vision:

1. Optical and perceptual factors: In people with high myopia, the type of glasses used (especially if the lenses are thick) can change how light enters the eye. This sometimes alters how the brain notices things at the edges of vision. When you are tired or light hits your eye from certain angles, your brain may suddenly become more aware of the shadow or outline of your nose. This is more about how your eyes and brain “perceive” things, rather than an actual disease.

2. Eye fatigue or dryness: If your eyes are strained (for example, from long hours on screens) or dry, normal light scatter or glare can make you more aware of objects in your side vision, including your nose.

3. Lens or frame contribution: Thicker glasses lenses, especially in high prescriptions, sometimes shift how the edges of your vision are seen. The design of the lens or even the shape of the frame around your nose bridge can occasionally cause this awareness.

What you can do:

Make sure your glasses are properly fitted and ask your optometrist about lens types that reduce distortion, like high-index or aspheric lenses (these are designed to be thinner and give clearer side vision).
Rest your eyes often, use lubricating eye drops if they feel dry, and take breaks from screens.
Be alert for warning signs like constant shadows, flashing lights, many new floaters, or a curtain-like effect in your vision. With high myopia, there is a higher risk of retinal problems, so these symptoms would need urgent medical care.

Based on your description, what you are noticing sounds more like an optical or perception-related issue than a disease. Still, since your prescription is high, it is a good idea to get a complete eye examination, including a retinal check, just to make sure there is no underlying problem and that your glasses are optimized for your needs.

If these symptoms continue or get worse, I recommend seeing an eye specialist in person.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.