Eye floaters anxiety!

[Opal93]

I’d never even knew what these were before today until a friend described them to me and told me to stare at something bright and white and see if I see them. Sure enough I did see some little dark floaty spots and cobwebby strings! Ever since I’ve been panicking! I read it can mean something serious and usually happens in older people! Im only 28! I was convinced I had retinal detachment and am going to lose my sight! I can only see them in bright white light, like a bright ceiling for example and I have to really concentrate and try to see them iyswim but sure enough I do see them. I don’t think they have started suddenly I think I’ve not noticed as I haven’t looked for them before. Has anyone else experienced these so young? Do they only get worse?

I've had them since I was your age, and that's 27 years ago. They're no worse now than then, and not caused me any problems. Have a chat with an optician, but honestly they're incredibly common.

I've had them for years, probably since my late teens/early 20s. They're normal, and the optometrist only asks if they've changed at all. (I obviously have all the normal eye health checks)

If you're concerned then an eye test wouldn't do any harm.

I thought everyone had floaters... it’s certainly very common

It’s really common especially if you have short sight. I’ve had them nearly all my life. I’m 40 now and -9.50 in both eyes. Get your eyes checked regularly- everyone should have an eye test every couple of years anyway, and if you have flashes or they seem suddenly worse get them checked but otherwise it’s fairly normal! Most people just don’t notice they have them.

See www.nhs.uk/conditions/floaters-and-flashes-in-the-eyes/

They're usually fine. You've probably had them for ages without realising it. But really, you could have googled instead of asking Mumsnet...

I’ve had them for years and years so probably started much younger than you, and I rarely notice them unless I’m in a very bright white room. I have more than I used to I think, but not so much that they bother me. I’m also short sighted so it’s interesting to hear they’re more common in short sighted people.