Fixed Black Spots in Vision: Causes and Concerns

There is a fixed black spot in the corner of the eye?

Hello, Director! I am Min-Hsuan, 25 years old, with high myopia of -7.20 diopters in my right eye and -9.20 diopters in my left eye.
I would like to consult with you regarding my right eye.
When I am sitting upright, my vision appears normal in all directions, and I do not see any strange black spots.
However, I have noticed that when I turn my neck significantly to look at the edges of my vision, I see a very small, stationary black dot (characterized as a blurry black dot) at the right edge of my vision.
This dot only moves when I move my neck; when I stop moving my neck, it remains fixed in its original position (still at the edge of my vision).
However, the blurry black dot gradually fades away.
I have been aware of this symptom for two days.
Could this indicate that there is a pathological issue with my eyes? Thank you, doctor, for providing me with a platform to seek clarification.
I really appreciate it!

Minxuan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/05/20

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology

Your spots are likely just floaters, retinal scarring, or retinal tears.
Based on your description, it is not possible to determine the exact cause.
It is recommended that you undergo a dilated fundus examination.
If no significant findings are noted, you can rest assured.
This is for your reference.
Dr.
Ho Chien-Hsien, Ophthalmology Department, Nantou Hospital.

Reply Date: 2021/05/20

More Info

Hello Min-Hsuan,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding the fixed black spot in your vision. Given your history of high myopia and the symptoms you've described, it's understandable that you're feeling anxious about the possibility of underlying eye conditions.

From your description, it sounds like you are experiencing a phenomenon that may be related to either a type of visual disturbance or a manifestation of a condition known as "floaters" or "visual snow." The fact that the small black dot appears only when you move your neck and is located at the edge of your vision suggests that it could be related to the vitreous gel in your eye. In individuals with high myopia, the vitreous can undergo changes, leading to the perception of floaters or shadows.

1. Understanding Floaters: Floaters are tiny clumps of gel or cells that drift in the vitreous humor, the clear gel-like substance that fills the eye. They can appear as small dots, lines, or cobweb-like structures and are often more noticeable against a bright background. While they are usually harmless, a sudden increase in floaters or the appearance of new visual disturbances warrants a thorough examination by an eye care professional.

2. Potential Causes: The fixed black spot you are experiencing could also be related to a phenomenon known as "visual residuals," where the brain continues to perceive a visual image even after the stimulus has changed. This can occur due to the way the retina processes visual information. However, in the context of your high myopia, it is essential to rule out any serious conditions such as retinal tears or detachments, which can sometimes present with similar symptoms.

3. Importance of Eye Exams: Given your history of high myopia and the recent onset of these symptoms, I strongly recommend that you schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye examination. This should include a dilated fundus examination and possibly optical coherence tomography (OCT) to assess the health of your retina and vitreous. These tests can help identify any potential issues, such as vitreous detachment or retinal changes, that may require monitoring or treatment.

4. Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a close watch on your symptoms. If you notice any changes, such as an increase in the number of floaters, flashes of light, or a curtain-like shadow in your vision, seek immediate medical attention. These could be signs of more serious conditions that require prompt intervention.

5. Managing Anxiety: It's natural to feel anxious about changes in your vision, especially with a history of high myopia. Consider discussing your concerns with your eye care provider, who can provide reassurance and guidance on managing your eye health. They may also suggest strategies for coping with anxiety related to your vision.

In conclusion, while the symptoms you describe may be related to benign conditions like floaters, it is crucial to have a thorough examination to rule out any serious issues. Early detection and intervention can significantly impact your eye health, especially with your history of high myopia. Please take care of your eyes, and don't hesitate to seek professional help for your concerns.

Best wishes for your eye health, and thank you for trusting me with your questions!

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