Floaters: Causes, Symptoms, and Concerns for Myopic Eyes

Floaters are a significant annoyance?

Both eyes have approximately 500 degrees of myopia, and I have been experiencing floaters for two years.
Initially, I saw floaters resembling worms, but one day I suddenly noticed small black shadows that are visible even in the dark.
There was no bright light exposure prior to seeing these shadows, so it does not seem to be a case of visual persistence.
The frequency of these shadows is much lower than that of the floaters.
What could be the cause of this situation?
After developing floaters, I have noticed an increased sensitivity to light and a tendency for visual persistence.
Is this due to personal sensitivity, or could it be something else? About two weeks ago, I noticed a small black dot appearing when I blinked, but it disappears immediately.
This dot is only visible after blinking and can be seen against white objects and screens.
What could this be?
Once, while watching a basketball game, I saw many small, bright, cotton-like particles floating around when looking at the court and the sky.
This appearance was different from the usual floaters.
Could this be due to contrast? Typically, I see about two or three floaters.
Is it rare for someone my age to experience floaters like this? Is my condition related to myopia, degeneration, or something else?
If myopia is severe, will the floaters become more pronounced? I have national exams coming up and visit the clinic for check-ups every six months, but during breaks, I often feel depressed about the floaters.
Thank you very much for your response; I truly appreciate your willingness to answer such lengthy questions.
Thank you!

Xiao Xiao You Yu, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/08/11

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology

Basically, the shape and appearance of floaters can vary widely.
If you have regular dilated eye examinations every six months and have not noticed any abnormalities, there is no need to worry too much.
After all, floaters do not disappear without reason, and you are likely to coexist with them.
However, if you experience any of the following conditions, you should seek an eye examination immediately: (1) a sudden increase in floaters, (2) persistent flashes of light without explanation, (3) sudden loss of vision in your field of view, or (4) straight lines appearing distorted.

Reply Date: 2015/08/11

More Info

Understanding floaters, especially in the context of myopic eyes, is crucial for maintaining eye health and addressing any concerns that may arise. Floaters, or "muscae volitantes," are small specks or strands that drift through your field of vision. They are often more noticeable when looking at a plain background, such as a clear sky or a white wall.
In your case, with myopia (nearsightedness) of about 500 degrees in both eyes, the presence of floaters is not uncommon. Myopia can lead to changes in the vitreous gel that fills the eye, making it more prone to the formation of floaters. The sudden appearance of a small black shadow, especially if it is more prominent in low-light conditions, could indicate a change in the vitreous or even the beginning of a vitreous detachment. This is when the vitreous gel starts to pull away from the retina, which can sometimes lead to more floaters or flashes of light.
The fact that you mentioned seeing these shadows without exposure to bright light suggests that they are indeed floaters and not a result of visual persistence from bright light exposure. The frequency of seeing these floaters can vary, and while they can be concerning, they are often benign, especially if you have had regular eye exams that show no signs of retinal detachment or other serious conditions.

Regarding your sensitivity to light and visual persistence, it is possible that these symptoms are related to your overall eye health and sensitivity. Individuals with myopia may experience increased sensitivity to light due to the structural changes in the eye. This can lead to discomfort in bright environments or when transitioning from dark to light settings.
The small black dot you see when blinking could be another floater or possibly a temporary visual phenomenon related to the eye's response to movement. It is not uncommon for people to notice transient visual disturbances, especially when they are more aware of their vision due to existing concerns about floaters.

As for the "cotton-like" strands you observed while watching basketball, this could be a combination of floaters and the effect of contrast. When looking at a bright surface, such as a polished gym floor or the sky, floaters can become more pronounced due to the contrast against the background.
It's important to note that while floaters are common, especially in individuals with myopia, any sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or changes in vision should prompt a visit to an eye care professional. Regular check-ups are essential, particularly for those with higher degrees of myopia, as they can be at a higher risk for retinal issues.

In summary, your experiences with floaters and visual disturbances are likely related to your myopia and the natural aging process of the vitreous gel in your eyes. While they can be distressing, they are often benign. However, maintaining regular eye examinations and discussing any new or worsening symptoms with your eye doctor is crucial for ensuring your eye health and addressing any potential concerns. If you find that your anxiety about these symptoms is affecting your quality of life, consider discussing this with a healthcare professional who can provide support and strategies for managing your concerns.

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