'patch' behind eye detected in sight test - anyone had this?

[Callmemadam]

I'm a bit worried because my optician has spotted a patch behind my left eye that she say was a few degrees away from the macula so she wants me to have it checked out. She said it might be cholesterol or a leaky vessel. Either way it sounds scary so I would love to know if other MNers have had this and what it might be? I am a terribly anxious type so fretting doesn't help! Anyone else had this?

bump?

One last ditch attempt to bump this - doesn't ANYONE know anything about this?

Callmemadam, I'm an optometrist. It sounds like your optom may have seen some drusen but obviously without seeing you myself it's hard to know for sure. However, sometimes you can get patches at the back of the eye which are completely harmless so I wouldn't worry until you have seen the ophthalmologist. How old are you? Are you shortsighted?

Chipmonkey, thank you SO much for replying. I know I should have asked more questions at the time but there never seems to be time. Yes, the letter to my Gp mentioned Drusen's patch and other indications of deterioration in the macula. I am 45, shortsighted and have worn lenses for about 22 years!He has referred me to an opthamologist.

Drusen in themselves don't usually cause problems but can be a sign of "wear and tear" in the macula which needs monitoring. What can help is including the following in your diet:
Red-skinned vegetables like tomatoes and red peppers, tomato puree, sweet potatoes, carrots ( yes they really ARE good for your eyes!)) berries and dark green leafy veggies. If your diet is poor you can get a supplement called Ocuvite with Lutein which contains all the right micronutrients.
However I wouldn't jump to any conclusions till you see the ophthalmologist. It may be something other than drusen. But the vitamins wouldn't do any harm in any case!

Thanks chipmonkey. Thing is, I am an almost- veggie with a diet that is overflowing with organic fruit and veg of every hue on a daily basis and I defy anyone to better it on a regular basis! No history in the family of macula degeneration either. However, there is no doubt the sight in my left eye (and general ocular health in that eye) is declining. I have asked to have my cholesterol checked as well, although I am slim with low blood pressure, as my mother has familial cholesterol problems. Hey ho, we will see. Thanks for the advice though.