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Original poster

Eye Floaters. How long do they last??

28 replies

MindlessMatter · 11/02/2017 14:29

So several days ago I was walking down the street and I got a spontaneous eruption of a massive black cobweb across my vision. I have a V high prescription & was always warned to get it checked out straightaway.

So I got it checked out pronto and luckily no tears or anything, my eyes looked perfectly healthy.

But the blasted thing is still obscuring my vision!

It's obviously not as crisp and dark as my eye is trying to ignore it but it's still very much visible so now I have a blurry web across everything.

The optician casually said they NEVER disappear!

Seriously, is this thing going to be visible forever? I'm only 40!

OP posts:

sufferingicecakes · 11/02/2017 14:52

Mmmm.....I have them in both eyes and although I have to a certain extent got used to them - they do not go away! They are a nightmare in the glare of shop lighting and also in the sun but it is just something I have got used to.

If it is caused by a post vitreous detachment I think there is laser surgery available privately, but it is expensive and not always successful. I was thinking about it, did a lot of research but really do not feel as anxious about it as I did. Although it is something I plan for the future.

I think when it is very bad some people have an op to remove it, but it is quite risky.

MollyHuaCha · 11/02/2017 16:12

Don't panic! I was devastated when I developed a floater some years ago, thought it was downhill all the way from there on... but human body is a pretty amazing machine and what happens is that over time, your eyes/brain learn not to see floaters. So relax, just forget about them and let your eyes do what they have to do. Your post has reminded me that I have one but I've just had to really focus hard to see mine. In fact, whilst trying to see it, I failed for the first half a minute until I gradually made it come into my vision. Don't worry. Give it some months and it will no longer be a nuisance to you.

user1484226561 · 11/02/2017 16:14

I've had mine for 40 years, but only notice them if I actively look forthem

Juveniledelinquent · 11/02/2017 16:19

I had them for as long as I can remember. The optician says they're common and not to worry.

Wandaback · 11/02/2017 16:20

They last forever sadly, but the brain learns to filter them out. I have lots but only notice them now against a white background.

CatsBatsEars · 11/02/2017 16:23

I've had them for about 6 years but have noticed them less in the past year.

Original poster

MindlessMatter · 11/02/2017 16:29

Thanks all, it's a shock as it's something I never even considered!

At least you all sound quite nonchalant about yours, so I guess I just have to wait for my brain to filter them out.

I feel very peeved though as it sucks enough having such bad eyesight without this.

OP posts:

AuditAngel · 11/02/2017 16:32

I've had them for pretty much all my life. I'm 48 next month and remember having them as a child. A couple of years ago the optician asked how long I'd had them, when I said since childhood they said that was fine.

user1486613612 · 11/02/2017 16:40

Better than being blind, I figure. Annoying, still.

user1484226561 · 11/02/2017 16:44

sometimes they float into view whilst I am peering down a microscope and I get all excited about my amazing new discovery.......

supposedly that is why the pioneers of astronomy thought they could see roads and canals on Mars with their new telescopes!

GlowWine · 11/02/2017 16:58

Yes they'll be there for good. Your brain gets better at filtering them out. I only just noticed mine now that you mentioned them. Sometimes I can 'float' them out of the way with determined eye movement... I developed tears as a teen which were stopped with laser treatment, but that did not affect the floaters which were already there before the tears developed, the floaters stayed. I also know to get things checked asap if I notice any change (and no bungee jumping! My perfect excuse "I might go blind")

Wigeon · 11/02/2017 17:00

Mine aren't permanent, they come and go. For no apparent reason. So you might not have them all day, every day.

ReggaeShark · 11/02/2017 17:04

Permanent. Sorry. Brain does get used to them. Only a problem when looking at computer screen and scanning left to right to see email inbox and preview!

Greenteandchives · 11/02/2017 17:04

I have this. Mine is due to a pvd and there is nothing that can be done. I was told six months ago that I wouldn't notice it after a while, but I do. All day, every day. Still, as a pp said, there are worse things....

Northernmum100 · 11/02/2017 17:06

Had them since my mid teens (now in my 40s) and as others have found, your brain seems to get used to them and I don't notice mine anymore unless I 'look' for them or stare at a white wall.....

Thinkingblonde · 11/02/2017 17:07

I've got glaucoma, had floaters for about four years now. I had the cobweb experience, got it checked out and it's nothing to worry about.
The floaters are still there but I blink them away, they float back after a while.

Original poster

MindlessMatter · 11/02/2017 17:08

Yes it does sound like it will take a long time before the brain filters them out, rather than a short time.

It feels like the left lens in my glasses is the wrong prescription, that's how bad they are today. I mean, my vision is fine, it's just this gauze floating across it.

OP posts:

Greenteandchives · 11/02/2017 17:11

Mine is like having a jellyfish in my eye.

SocksRock · 11/02/2017 17:21

I've got a couple in both eyes, have done as long as I can remember. I can't see them unless I look for them, your brain learns to compensate

WheresEeyoresTail · 11/02/2017 17:34

I've had mine since childhood. Used to never notice them but they've got more floaty now and I see them pretty much all day everyday unless I'm in a dimly lit room! X

Fairylea · 11/02/2017 17:42

I sympathise. I'm -9.50 in both eyes with severe astigmatism and a few months ago I suffered a retinal tear which was terrifying. My eye went dark with what seemed like lightening flashing across it. I thought it was a migraine. I went straight to the eye clinic to be checked out and initially they said I would have to have surgery to repair it but as suddenly as it started it just stopped and went back to normal and the consultant said it seemed to stop (!) and actually seemed to be repairing itself. I've had appointments since for check ups and it has actually stopped and seems to be fine now - except for a shed load of horrid floaters I've been left with! I too have the cobweb effect and it drives me insane :( I've actually been seriously depressed and anxious about it - especially with the worry of retinal detachment hanging over me despite my consultants reassurances. I'm only 36!

I try very hard to look beyond the floaters and try not to focus on them. I find if I'm tired they seem even worse. I hope they don't bother me so much in the future.

user1486613612 · 11/02/2017 18:03

Fairylea, that happened to someone I know while holidaying in Australia, had to have the operation there. What a holiday. Took it in stride, though. But had had to pay for a new pair of glasses, the old pair was just a few months old, had to be thrown in the bin (quite expensive thing to do).

Am glad that green wrote about the jellyfish experience, suddenly mine seem much better - in comparison.

cuphat · 11/02/2017 19:59

I think we may have spoken on a similar thread fairlylea but I'm the same age and have had retinal detachment in one eye (and needed emergency surgery) and tears on the other (have had laser to hopefully prevent detachment). It is a constant worry and I'm surprised that they offer no counselling or anything and you're left to live every day with fear of losing your sight (I also have young children). I'm scared to go anywhere in case it happens again. I have constant flashes in both eyes and have been told I'll probably always have them (I can live with them but it means I won't know I have another detachment until I lose vision).

Prior to my detachment I had a one off incidence of floaters that disappeared within 30 minutes plus another symptom but opticians didn't take it seriously despite my eyes being over -10.

patscakes2 · 25/07/2017 10:13

hi i have just got my floater . it is the image of a jewelry ring with black pieces on it . it does not float down , it remains in front of vision just follows my eyeball . . only had for 9 days and cant concentrate for it ,hosp said as others a large floater here for keeps . i feel so depressed and teary most of the tim e, just want to sleep then i dont have to deal with it !

augustusglupe · 06/10/2017 09:31

I know this thread is old but just wanted to add that I got the floaters and the jelly fish floating across my vision suddenly last weekend.
I’ve been for a full eye test, they dilated my pupils...and said I’ve got post vitreous detachment. The ophthalmologist said it’s very common. There’s no retinal tear or anything, so she reassured me and said in time my brain will filter out the floaters.
It’s this jelly fish thing that is bloody annoying, but like others have said, I’m just relieved it’s nothing more serious. I’m 53 and moderately short sighted -5.25

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