When I look through a pinhole the central area is cloudy The diameter of the cloudy area is about one-half the diameter of the pinhole. I cannot see through this cloudy area. However, I can see around the cloudy area to the rim of the pinhole . I have asked my optometrist and ophthalmologist and both have not encountered this symptom report from a patient. Nothing is returned on an extensive Google search. I am in the early stages of dry MD . My ophthalmologist has guessed that the cloudy area when viewing through a pinhole may be related to my MD. I was looking for a definite explanation instead of a guess. I find it hard to believe that I am the only one that has experienced this. I have attached a crude drawing of the problem.
I should also point out that when I am using my eyes normally and going through my regular day that I do not see a gray area in my central vision. I only see this cloudy area when looking through an optometric grade pinhole occluder.
Hi there that is such a detailed drawing, May I ask do you see worse with the pinhole. The pinhole will direct light onto your macular instead of all over your field of vision so this is why perhaps you have this affect, because that is where the issue is. May I show your great picture to an ophthalmologist friend of mine and see what they say?
I see worse through the pinhole because the cloudy area obscures any central details. In the donut area around the cloudy area I can see details just fine. Yes, please show this to your friend. It's probably an artifact of my beginning AMD but I am just surprised that I cannot find any information about this effect. I am 72.
I also have a circular grey thing in my left eye. If I look at a person's face or the clock,I cannot see through it unless I am in really bright light. I have wet amd in that eye. Am getting monthly shot of eyelea to hopefully make the bleed behind my eye go away. Very annoying.
I have a similar "dark spot" in the center of left eye if I look straight ahead. If I try to look left, right, up or down, the spot follows my intended line of vision and as a result, the dark spot essentiall renders my left eye useless. I have shots in both eyes s well.
I think it’s probable that you have drusen ( macular holes) in that area. I’m 68 and have had dry AMD for about 9 years and have several grey areas that are more obvious when looking with just one eye. Less obvious when using both eyes.
Thanks for the info Bradders53. If you have time could you please perform a visual test (as described in my post) with a pinhole occluder. I would like to know if (in your case) the entire pinhole field is clear or if the center area is cloudy. Thanks!
When they hand me the occluder during an eye test, it makes the letters impossible to see, with in either eye. I figure that, on the whole, less light is reaching my eye, and therefore it is as if the lights have been dimmed. In the beginning and mid stages of AMD the dark central spot is more visible in dim light. Despite what my chart says, they hand me the occluder every time I go in to be checked. Makes me want to laugh! Are they looking for a miracle, or don't they look at the chart notes?
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Myopic CNV, Flickering Foster Fuch's Spots Dilemma
Dry MD, Leaking Membrane & cataracts. How do you communicate with an eye doctor that fobs you off 
Back from holiday
Update on Eylea treatment
