Strange eyesight problem: black dots moving around my vision when I look at sky or bright areas

[JennyJJ]

Thought I would post about this. I am sure it is nothing, but I notice that when I look at the sky (for example a light or bright area) a black dot shoots into my line of vision. When I move my eyes about, the dot kinds of 'drags' around after where I am looking. What could this be?? Any ideas? It is starting to bug me!!!

JJJ, CAT me. DH is a consultant eye surgeon and may be able to help

This is a floater. Most are harmless I think and live there permanently.

Floaters - I get them periodically. It wouldn't be a bad idea to have an eye test if you don't have one regularly.

a friend of mine had this just the other week and in all probability it is just a floater. You should get this checked by an optician who will dilate your pupil and confirm that that is what it is. There is a minute possibility that it could be something worse and this is why they recommend you have it checked. I must stress that it is highly unlikely it is anything worse but you really should have it confirmed.

Sounds like macular degeneragtion (dead cells floating) - my Mum gets them. at first she used to swot the flies (!) but has got used to it now and doesn't notice them

Wow thank you all!! What a quick (and consistent) response. Would love to CAT you franch but never done it before. What do I do?

Very much doubt it is macular degeneration, that is usually in old people and far more serious.

I have several floaters and they are completely harmless. The one in my left eye looks like a money spider and my right eye looks like railway tracks.

I have to go to the eye clinic at the hospital every 6 months for other reasons and was told not to worry about them at all.

Jenny - is this in one eye, or both? Have you just recently noticed it, has it got worse?

It is more than likely nothing to worry about, but years ago I noticed it in one eye, significantly more than the other one. I went to the optician, who referred me to the eye hospital who diagnosed a retinal haemmorghage - if I had not gone I could have lost my sight in that eye. I had to have laser treatment a couple of times, but all is absolutely fine now.

I know it is easy to ignore these things but I have found out to my cost once before that other people's well meant placations can be ill-placed.

yes do go to optician, it is unlikely but it can also be a sign of detached retina - but i am pretty sure you would have more indications than just this, flashing lights that sort of thing.

i have had floaters for years - have been told by various opticians
a) they eventually go away
b) they never go away
c) your brain learns to ignore then

they don't seem so prominent these days so i suspect c. they are far worse when hungover.

you can get floaters for all different sorts of reasons.

I have an eye condition and for me - floaters can be a sign of retinal detachment but I think most floaters are harmless.

If you're worried visit an optician.

I have just tested it (as I never thought it was only in one eye or the other, but both) and it is clearly only in my LEFT eye. I don't get the effect at all if I close my left eye. Does it make a difference to diagnosis if it is in one eye only?

Ooh I've got a railway tracks one too.

Well it remimnds me of a either railway tracks or a little tapewormto look at.

Jenny - I only had the problem in one eye, not both. I definitely think you should get it checked out. You could always ask for an emergency appointment at the opticians like I did if it is easier than the doctors, (not that I think it is an emergency necessarily but so you don't have to wake weeks I mean!). They are able to dilate your pupil, (by putting drops in), so they can see into your eye. If they do this you are not able to drive for a couple of hours afterwards so allow for this if you need to drive home!! And sunglasses are good too as the dilated pupil lets more light in so it is very bright.

Don't take risks with your eyes, they are far too precious!!

JJJ, click on 'contact a mumsnetter' on the blue bar above. i think you have to subscribe in order to be able to do this