Eye floaters and severe anxiety

[Jaydeelee]

Back in August last year I developed several eye floaters. They made me quite panicky, but I was seen by a couple of opticians who said they're not dangerous, just irritating (and permanent). Since then I've become very anxious about them, and have developed many more - there are dozens in each eye, and unless I'm wearing dark glasses they are really disturbing my vision. I've had them checked out again by a consultant ophthalmologist and was told the same thing. I'm so frightened that long term I won't be able to actually see my children (4 and 2) grow up and it's affecting my work life terribly too - I have been having panic attacks that mean I spend hours cowering in the loos or driving home, as they're even more noticeable (if that's possible) when I use a computer.

The floaters are awful and I am not enjoying life now. I'm fearful for my children's future and I worry about everything, all because of these dreadful permanent fixtures to my vision - what if they get worse?! I'm having high intensity CBT and have been put on a low mood and stress course, but these are not working. Anything I find on the internet is negative and I'm at my wits' end. My poor husband, children and parents are also affected by my floaters, as they're all I can focus on.

Does anyone else have really bad eye floaters, and if so, have you managed to learn to cope with them? I'm desperate to feel normal again and enjoy my beautiful family, but at the moment I can't see how this is possible. I'd love to hear some positive stories, so if you have any, please, please share - I'm desperate to feel a little hope that life can be enjoyable again.

Thank you so much. x

[Karatedan]

Hi there i found this thread a while ago now. I've had floaters for decades but of late more have come. Im now 53. I went for an eye checkup two years this December coming (2020). Soon after picking up my new glasses 👓 and retinas all checked i had flashes and they disappeared couple of weeks after. A month after that I noticed a new floater. I've been in touch with doctor and he said because you've had a recent eye check he was not concerned. Instead offered me more meds for my severe anxiety. I've suffered from anxiety for all my life, panic attacks etc. I'm still fighting my anxiety every day and itll be two years next Feb since my flashes. They were like little shooting stars but only saw them if I swooped my eyes from right to left looking up. I've terrible health anxiety. Be interesting how some if you have got on since these posts.

[Hooveslikejagger]

@Karatedan I honestly think you need to make another appointment with your optician and make sure you let them know of the changes that have happened.