Managing the Condition
Tips and tricks
Myodesopsia can be a difficult condition to live with, but there are many adjustments to daily life that can make it a lot easier to live with. Below are some of the tips and tricks members of the community have found helpful.
Being outside
Without sunglasses
With sunglasses
Many patients find that dark sunglasses (grade 3; 8-18% visible light transmission) can make a significant difference to the ability to enjoy time outdoors. Anecdotally, brown lenses are often good at helping reduce the visibility of floaters.
Using computers
Light wall
Dark wall
If you are using a computer with a wall behind, try placing the computer against a dark wall rather than a light wall, as this can help you focus on the content on the screen. If you are able, painting the wall behind your desk a dark colour can be helpful. If you can't paint the wall, placing a dark panel behind your monitor can be just as effective.
Light mode
Dark mode
Dark mode
Most devices these days have a 'dark mode' that can be turned on in settings. Many web browsers also have plug-ins that can do the same thing. This darkens the background and reduces the total amount of light. Some patients report significant improvements using dark modes, while others find the light coloured text can be bothersome. Try it out and see if it works for you.
Both Mac and Windows machines have the option to invert the colours of the display, which some people may also find helpful. On Mac the menu to do this can be accessed with Option + Command + F5. On Windows machines the screen colours can be inverted using Ctrl + Alt + I.
Mindset
We get it. Being patients ourselves, we have been told at some point or another by a medical professional to 'get used to it' or some variation of that phrase. And, while the condition is a genuine medical problem and not just 'in your head', there are still some mindset items that can make the condition easier to cope with on a daily basis. We've listed some of our favourites below.
Share your story
Sharing your story and gaining support from other sufferers of the condition can often validate any feelings you’re experiencing.
Try to ensure that if you join social media groups for myodesopsia, they are positive and supportive.
Stay active
While you have a condition which is challenging and worthy of recognition, try to not dwell on your condition every minute of the day.
Distractions can help to take your mind off myodesopsia. The more often you can have positive experiences outdoors and enjoy nature the
better.
Family and friends
Positive connections with friends and family can often brighten your outlook on life. This support network can be vital in helping you cope with myodesopsia.
Many patients report that their ability to enjoy time with family or friends in social settings is not severely impacted by their condition.
Hobbies
Wherever possible, it's important to try to continue the hobbies and normal daily activities you practiced before acquiring myodesopsia.
For example, if you were an avid reader beforehand, and now it’s too aggravating to read due to the floating spots in your vision, try switching to audiobooks or listening to podcasts.
Practice self care
While there is no solid evidence of dietary intervations improving myodesopsia, a balanced diet will support your overall health - which in turn can boost your mood and mindset.
Daily exercise can also boost endorphins and create a happier outlook. Changing your mindset can seem overwhelming at times, so perhaps adding one small “self care” practice daily or weekly will be less intimidating. Often small changes can lead to big rewards.