Floaters

[A930Rocket]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

I get those Ocular Migranes almost every morning. More about them here:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/expert-answers/ocular-migraine/faq-20058113

This was in a recent thread. I didn’t know what I had until I saw that.

[Bill Douglas]

Thanks Glen and WD. I'm pleased it's not a sign of something more sinister.

[Deschodt]

Freaks you out the first time though, right ? (the ocular migraine). I never could find a rhyme or reason for mine, 4-5x a year... Generally at work looking at a PC screen but not related to stress or anything.

Still WD - every morning is a lot... It's still a migraine at the core, so maybe if you got the eyes checked you wanna talk to a migraine specialist about some drugs to reduce frequency ? They're not dangerous normally but daily, if it is related to blood flow or nerve pinch or whatever touching the optic nerve, you may wanna take something to reduce frequency just in case.. I would.. Then again I'm no doctor..

[porsche tech]

Overview from Mayo site:

Eye floaters are spots in your vision. They may look to you like black or gray specks, strings, or cobwebs. They may drift about when you move your eyes. Floaters appear to dart away when you try to look at them directly.

Most eye floaters are caused by age-related changes that occur as the jelly-like substance (vitreous) inside your eyes liquifies and contracts. Scattered clumps of collagen fibers form within the vitreous and can cast tiny shadows on your retina. The shadows you see are called floaters.

If you notice a sudden increase in eye floaters, contact an eye specialist immediately — especially if you also see light flashes or lose your vision. These can be symptoms of an emergency that requires prompt attention.

[cjh]

My first floater was like a flash of lightning followed by a string of pearls shaped like a figure 8 when trying to focus on something. being sleepy or looking at a computer often allowed me to play video games w/ my floater. My eye doctor said it was the ring of eye tissue from where the occular nerve went into the back of the eye and not to worry because the other eye would be doing it shortly and to watch out for a narrowing of the vision which indicates something worse. Sure enough, I was driving early in the morning and the other eye had a figure 8 floating in it.
I don't notice it much any more.

[WPOZZZ]

Never called my friend. I researched it and as said above, it comes with age. Plus, I've been sick with the flu and have been an insomniac for a few years, so it all adds up. If it gets worse I'll see him. lol

[pwd72s]

They definitely come with age...and "probably" nothing to worry about. My own current vision problems cause me to fret too much.

[E Sully]

I had issues with flashes and floaters about 10 years ago. My eye doctor said it was normal as we age. He did an exam to make sure it wasn't a retinal tear. I have quite a few floaters near the center of vision. It was extremely annoying in the beginning, but the doctor explained that the brain adjusts to them over time, and they become less noticeable. Anyway, years later I know they are there, but not too annoying anymore.
Regarding retinal tears, they can be very dangerous. They are usually treated with a laser to prevent further damage. I developed one of them about 5 years ago, but didn't realize it. I was at my regular eye doctor for an exam, and she told me she wanted me to go to another doctors office as soon as possible, but didn't go into details. I hopped in the car and went right over. I didn't know what I was there for, but when I arrived they had received a call from my regular doctor.
I became a little concerned as I thought I was just going to make an appointment, but instead they brought me immediately into the exam room. They explained the other doctor saw a retinal tear and, were ready to do immediate laser surgery. In my case it turned out the tear was a bit old, and was stable and surgery was not needed.
I was lucky, but do not put off having your eyes checked out by a professional.