People describe these symptoms in many ways. Some notice straight lines on their phone or book looking wavy or bent. Others see thin black streaks, specks, cobwebs, or shapes “parang langaw” drifting across their vision, especially against bright backgrounds.
In simple terms:
- Wavy or distorted lines often suggest a problem in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision.
- Moving black lines or specks are usually eye floaters, caused by tiny clumps in the gel inside the eye.
In the Philippines, many people initially blame these symptoms on “pagod na mata” or too much screen time (“babad sa cellphone”). While eye strain can cause discomfort, persistent wavy lines or new black lines should not be ignored.
Wavy Lines: When Straight Lines Look Bent
When straight lines look crooked, slanted, or distorted, doctors call this metamorphopsia.
You might notice:
- Grid lines or text on your phone look bent or uneven.
- Faces or objects seem warped or “tilted.”
- Parts of your central vision look blurred or missing.
Common causes include:
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a disease that damages the macula and can lead to central vision loss.
- Diabetic macular edema, where fluid leaks into the macula due to diabetic retinopathy.
- Epiretinal membrane or macular pucker, a thin layer of scar tissue that forms on the macula.
- Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), where fluid builds up under the retina, often in people under stress.
For Filipinos with type 2 diabetes, this is especially important. One community study found that about 25% of diabetic patients already had diabetic retinopathy, which can affect the macula and cause distorted vision if not treated early.
When Black Lines Mean Emergency: Retinal Tear or Detachment
Sometimes, the vitreous gel pulls too hard on the retina and causes a retinal tear or detachment.
Warning signs include:
- Sudden increase in floaters or black lines.
- Flashes of light, “nasilaw na parang kidlat.”
- A dark shadow or “curtain” falling over part of your vision.
This “curtain effect” is a medical emergency. A retinal detachment can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated quickly. If you notice these signs, you should go to an eye emergency service or see a retina specialist right away, not wait for your next free day.
Treatment Options and Next Steps
Treatment depends on the cause:
- For AMD and diabetic macular edema, your ophthalmologist may recommend eye injections, laser treatment, and strict control of blood sugar and blood pressure.
- For epiretinal membrane or CSC, some cases only need close monitoring, while others may need laser or surgery.
- For benign floaters and age-related PVD, observation and regular check-ups are often enough. Surgery is usually reserved for severe cases that greatly affect daily life.
- For retinal tears and detachment, urgent laser or surgery is needed to save vision.
In the Philippine setting, many patients use HMOs, Maxicare-accredited eye centers, and PhilHealth benefits to help cover costs. PhilHealth has recently expanded cataract surgery coverage, and similar support may apply to some retinal procedures, depending on the case and facility.
Living With and Preventing Vision Problems
You cannot control every eye condition, but you can reduce your risk:
- Keep your blood sugar and blood pressure under control if you have diabetes or hypertension.
- Do not ignore new vision changes like wavy lines, black lines, or sudden blurring.
- Schedule regular eye exams, especially if you are over 40, highly myopic, or diabetic. Telemedicine screening programs in the Philippines have shown that early detection of diabetic retinopathy can prevent many cases of blindness.
- Take breaks from screens to ease eye strain, even though “babad sa cellphone” alone is not usually the direct cause of retinal detachment.
People Also Ask: FAQs
This can be a sign of metamorphopsia, often related to macular problems such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, or epiretinal membrane. You should have a dilated eye exam and, if needed, an OCT scan.
Not always. Long-standing floaters are common as we age. However, if you suddenly notice many new black lines, especially with flashes of light or a curtain over your vision, you should seek urgent care.
Eye strain can cause discomfort, dryness, and temporary blurring, but it usually does not cause persistent wavy lines or sudden new black floaters. Those symptoms deserve a proper eye check-up.
Start with an ophthalmologist, and if needed, you may be referred to a retina specialist, especially if there is suspicion of macular disease or retinal tear. Optometrists can help with initial assessment and referral.
Yes. Major hospitals and eye centers in Metro Manila and other cities offer comprehensive diagnostics and treatments for macular disease, diabetic retinopathy, floaters, and retinal detachment.
Why Choose Shinagawa Lasik & Aesthetics
When you notice horizontal or black lines in your vision, getting the right diagnosis early can make all the difference. In the Philippines, Shinagawa Lasik & Aesthetics combines Japanese-standard technology with years of experience in eye care, from routine check-ups and diagnostic imaging to advanced vision correction and cataract procedures.
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Citations and Resources
Shinagawa LASIK & Aesthetics strives to provide accurate and reliable information regarding LASIK procedures and eye health. We utilize primary sources to support our content, including peer-reviewed scientific studies, data from reputable medical organizations, and expert opinions. We also reference established publications and research where appropriate.
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Resources Used in This Article
- Mayo Clinic. “Eye floaters, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eye-floaters/symptoms-causes/syc-20372346″
- Bright Sight. “Black Lines in Eye Vision: Causes, Treatment & Urgent Signs, https://brightsight.com.au/2025/11/08/black-lines-in-eye-vision/”
- MedPark Hospital. “Black spots in vision, Black squiggly lines, Cobwebs, https://www.medparkhospital.com/en-US/disease-and-treatment/black-spots-in-vision”
- Health Direct. “Eye floaters, https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/eye-floaters”
- Bright Sight. “Seeing Black Lines In Vision: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments, https://brightsight.com.au/2025/04/06/seeing-black-lines-in-vision/”
- Bright Sight. “Seeing Black Floaters: Harmless or a Warning Sign?, https://brightsight.com.au/2025/07/12/seeing-black-floaters/”