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Original poster

eye floaters

34 replies

DisasterAreaIsOffToCostaRica · 14/09/2008 16:52

have googled - never a good idea. NHS direct talks about 'small floaters' mine isn't small it is a huge chunk. am now convinced am going blind.will have to go to optitians but am working all week.

OP posts:
Blandmum · 14/09/2008 16:53

these are not a problem if they have been there for a while, but if you suddenly get lots you should get it checked out.

Ever so common if you are short sighted and not usually a problem

NotQuiteCockney · 14/09/2008 16:54

Have you had a sudden increase in the number/type of floaters?

Are you really quite short sighted?

If so - A+E now.

Otherwise, they're just stuff floating around in the liquid in your eye, not a big deal.

NotQuiteCockney · 14/09/2008 16:54

Showers of sparkly things are also quite bad.

Original poster
DisasterAreaIsOffToCostaRica · 14/09/2008 16:56

tis sudden - last few days. right eye and different from the usual air bubbly thingsyou get when you look at the sky. tis a big black chunk that floats around when i blink - not always but sometimes.

OP posts:
stickyj · 14/09/2008 16:56

Go to A&E if it's differet, straight away. Cuold be detatched Retima (sorry missig letter keyboard!!

Blandmum · 14/09/2008 16:57

If you are concerned you should see your GP or Optitian asap

Original poster
DisasterAreaIsOffToCostaRica · 14/09/2008 16:57

surely i would have noticed my retina detatching? haven't bashed it or anything.

OP posts:
Blandmum · 14/09/2008 16:58

Not always caused by an accident, sometimes it just happens.

It could well be nothing but if it is a detatched retina you need to get it sorted PDQ

Original poster
DisasterAreaIsOffToCostaRica · 14/09/2008 16:59

so can i wait until tomorrow ad get friendly Dr at work to have a look or will i be blind by then - has been there a couple of days.

OP posts:
Original poster
DisasterAreaIsOffToCostaRica · 14/09/2008 17:08

oh and should i see optitin or Dr?

OP posts:
stickyj · 14/09/2008 17:14

Doc will just send u to A&E who wil send u to Eye Hospital. I fell into bath backwards and had to have it lasered. Am ok now but get it checked out!

emma1977 · 14/09/2008 17:26

Go to your nearest eye casualty- ask NHS direct if you are unsure where that is.

If you have a retinal detachment it needs sorting pronto.

NotQuiteCockney · 14/09/2008 17:32

Go to A+E.

Your retina may be partly detatched, iyswim. If it's this, it gets worse, you will be blind in that eye.

chipmonkey · 14/09/2008 18:14

Agree with Emma and NQC. Any sudden new changes should be checked out. If it is a retinal detachment it needs to be seen to straight away. The doctor in work will send you to A and E anyway as he probably doesn't have the equipment or expertise to make a diagnosis himself. Don't want to alarm you as there is every chance it is just a benign vitreous change but you have to plan for the worst case scenario, your eyes are too important to neglect.

Original poster
DisasterAreaIsOffToCostaRica · 14/09/2008 18:19

but has been there for a coule of days already - really don't want to drive to bloody swindon to hosp. to be told am mad nd paranoid - and will have to be there at 7 tomorrow anyway. am making excuses i know.

OP posts:
chipmonkey · 14/09/2008 18:25

Disaster, better to drive there and be told yo're mad and paranoid (and I don't think any ophthalmologist worth his salt would say that!) than to wake up one morning with no vision in the eye. Go on, get it checked!

Original poster
DisasterAreaIsOffToCostaRica · 14/09/2008 18:27

but i want wine.[wail]

really don't think it is disasterous. will wait until tomorrow and make appt with optitian.

OP posts:
chipmonkey · 14/09/2008 18:31

Disaster, I am an optician!

Original poster
DisasterAreaIsOffToCostaRica · 14/09/2008 18:35

i know i know. same as being a nursey if anyone else asks me advice i tell them to see someone now.
but really. think will be fine as has been there a few days and not blind yet. will see someone tomorrow. promise. thanks though.

OP posts:
Blandmum · 14/09/2008 18:39

I would go today, the longer you leave it the less chance they can put it right if something has gone wrong.

Really, you can't mess about with your vision. the wine can wait, your eyes might noyt be able to do so

Original poster
DisasterAreaIsOffToCostaRica · 14/09/2008 18:42

but could wear on of these

i know am being daft. but really am o.k

OP posts:
Blandmum · 14/09/2008 18:47

I have very poor sight, as I'm exceptionally short sighted.

Your vision isn't something to risk

If it is nothing, then fine, but sudden amounts of floaters can mean detached retina. If you leave it too late you can end up losing the sight of the detached area

belgo · 14/09/2008 18:49

I had a horrible eye infection earlier this year, and found it very difficult and extremely painful to see for a few days. It was an awful experience, and made me realise how important your eye sight is.

Please get your eyes checked out now!

Twiglett · 14/09/2008 18:51

sudden appearance of a black spot .. bet you've had a hemmorhage in your eye .. go to A&E

Twiglett · 14/09/2008 18:52

is it smaller than it was when it first appeared?

medical people, you're the worst you know