Visual Disturbances: What Causes Floating Circles? - Ophthalmology

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Visual disturbances, such as the phenomenon of seeing floating circles or halos, can be concerning and may arise from various underlying conditions. Based on your description, it appears that you experience these visual disturbances primarily when you move your head while keeping your gaze fixed. This symptom, combined with your history of floaters (known as "myodesopsia"), suggests that the issue may be related to the vitreous humor in your eye.

The vitreous humor is a gel-like substance that fills the space between the lens and the retina in the eye. As we age or due to certain conditions, the vitreous can undergo changes, such as liquefaction or detachment from the retina. These changes can lead to the perception of floaters, which are often described as small spots, threads, or cobweb-like structures that drift across your field of vision. When you move your head, the movement of the vitreous can cause these floaters to shift, leading to the sensation of seeing circles or halos.

In your case, the appearance of "water droplet-like" circles that disappear when you stop moving your head may be related to the movement of these floaters. When you turn your head, the floaters may temporarily block or distort your vision, creating the illusion of circles or halos. This is a common experience for individuals with floaters, especially if they have a history of vitreous changes.

Additionally, your mention of having undergone a thorough eye examination, including OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) and a fundus examination, which showed normal results, is reassuring. These tests are crucial in ruling out more serious conditions such as retinal tears or detachments, which can also cause visual disturbances. The fact that your eye doctor noted only slight pulling at the corners of your eyes suggests that there may be some minor changes in the vitreous but nothing alarming.

It's also worth noting that visual disturbances can sometimes be exacerbated by other factors, such as eye strain, dry eyes, or even stress. If you have a history of dry eyes or fatigue, these conditions can contribute to visual discomfort and may make you more aware of floaters or other visual anomalies.

In conclusion, the floating circles you are experiencing are likely related to the presence of floaters in your vitreous humor, which can create visual distortions when you move your head. Since your recent eye examinations have not indicated any serious issues, it is advisable to monitor your symptoms and maintain regular check-ups with your eye care provider. If the visual disturbances worsen or if you experience new symptoms, such as flashes of light or a sudden increase in floaters, you should seek immediate medical attention to rule out any potential complications.