Floaters: Symptoms, Concerns, and Eye Health Insights

Q: Floaters: Symptoms, Concerns, and Eye Health Insights

Hello Ms. Chen： 12. This is likely a case of floaters. 3. It should be a photopic afterimage caused by light. 4. It is difficult to determine the exact factors involved. 5. This is a phenomenon of vitreous degeneration. Taiwan E-Hospital Puzi H

Floaters issue?

Hello, Dr.
Gao.
I have been experiencing floaters for about a month now, and due to my high myopia, I am concerned about the possibility of retinal detachment or tears.
Every morning upon waking and before sleeping, I cover one eye to check the status of the floaters against a white ceiling.
Recently, I have noticed the following issues, and I would appreciate your help in determining whether these are related to the floaters or if there may be other underlying conditions:
1.
There are two light fixtures on the ceiling, one large and one small (typical for studio apartment decor, with bulbs inside and a circular cover outside).
When I look with either one eye or both, I see solid white circles roughly the size of the fixtures, sometimes two or three, moving around in that area (this occurs regardless of whether the lights are on).
After a while, they fade somewhat.
However, this phenomenon does not occur on a completely white ceiling without any fixtures or other equipment.
2.
Occasionally, when I close my eyes, I see several white or black dots, usually appearing when there is light present.
3.
Once, after looking at streetlights for an extended period at night, I noticed a small black spot appear for a moment when I blinked, which then disappeared after a while.
Another time, under bright sunlight, I experienced a similar situation, though I wasn't sure if I had been staring at something for too long.
4.
On one or two occasions while trying to sleep at night (with no night light on, just light coming through the curtains), I was startled awake by an external noise and experienced a brief flash of light.
5.
In daylight, when I blink rapidly with both eyes, I see a white spiderweb-like phenomenon, which disappears after a while.
Thank you, Doctor.

Miss Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/06/20

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello Ms.
Chen: 12.
This is likely a case of floaters.
3.
It should be a photopic afterimage caused by light.
4.
It is difficult to determine the exact factors involved.
5.
This is a phenomenon of vitreous degeneration.
Taiwan E-Hospital Puzi Hospital Ophthalmology: Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and Wednesday afternoon from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Online responses are for reference only; it is necessary to seek medical attention at a healthcare facility.
I hope to have the opportunity to serve you.
Gao Pi-Lin

Reply Date: 2016/06/20

More Info

Understanding floaters and other visual disturbances can be quite concerning, especially for individuals with high myopia (nearsightedness). Your symptoms and experiences raise several important points about eye health that merit discussion.

Firstly, floaters are typically small specks or strands that drift through your field of vision. They are caused by tiny pieces of gel or cells inside the vitreous, the clear gel-like substance that fills the eye. As we age, the vitreous can shrink and become more liquid, leading to the formation of these floaters. In individuals with high myopia, the risk of developing floaters can be higher due to changes in the structure of the eye.

1. Visual Phenomena with Light Sources: The observation of white solid circles near light sources, such as your ceiling lights, may be related to the way your eyes and brain process light and shadows. When you look at bright lights, your retina can sometimes create afterimages or visual artifacts, especially if you have been focusing on them for a prolonged period. This is generally not a cause for concern, but it’s essential to monitor any changes in these patterns.

2. Seeing Spots with Closed Eyes: The phenomenon of seeing white or black spots when your eyes are closed, especially in the presence of light, can be attributed to the way your retina responds to light exposure. This is often harmless and can occur due to the stimulation of photoreceptors in the retina, even when the eyes are closed.

3. Transient Black Spots: The transient black spots you experience after looking at bright lights or during moments of sudden movement (like blinking) could be related to temporary changes in blood flow to the retina or the vitreous gel moving within the eye. These occurrences are usually benign, but if they happen frequently or are accompanied by other symptoms, it’s advisable to consult an eye care professional.

4. Flashes of Light: Experiencing flashes of light, especially when startled awake, can be a sign of vitreous detachment or even retinal issues. Flashes occur when the vitreous pulls on the retina, which can sometimes lead to more serious conditions like retinal tears or detachments. Given your high myopia, it’s crucial to report these symptoms to your ophthalmologist for a thorough examination.

5. Spiderweb-like Visuals: The spiderweb-like phenomenon you see when blinking rapidly in bright light could be related to the way your eyes are adjusting to light changes or possibly a visual artifact from the vitreous. This is often temporary and resolves quickly.

Given your concerns about retinal detachment or tears, especially with a history of high myopia, it’s essential to maintain regular eye examinations. Your eye care provider can perform tests such as a dilated fundus examination or optical coherence tomography (OCT) to assess the health of your retina and vitreous.
In summary, while many of the symptoms you describe can be common and benign, they warrant careful monitoring due to your high myopia. If you notice any significant changes, such as an increase in the number of floaters, sudden flashes of light, or a shadow in your peripheral vision, seek immediate medical attention. Regular check-ups with your eye care professional will help ensure that any potential issues are caught early, allowing for appropriate management and peace of mind regarding your eye health.

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