Eye Floaters?

[iheartmakeup]

I'm wondering if it's time for a check up. Over the past 2-3 days I've noticed floaters in my right field of vision. They appear as just two squiggly lines and I seem to mostly notice them at night, and so far I think I've only seen them while looking down and I'm in front of the computer screen.

I feel like my eyes may have been a little tired lately, so I'm not sure if that could cause it? I have no other issues with my eyes, no pain or anything that would indicate something more serious.

I know floaters are typically pretty normal, it's just weird for me to see them now. Does eye strain/tiredness cause this, or should I try to make an appointment with an eye doctor for a checkup? I have myopia.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[iheartmakeup]

Lol yeah I haven't noticed them since that day. I plan on making an appointment when I can, just wasn't sure if I should mention the floaters.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

They went away when you made the post on our American Academy of Ophthalmology Eye Forum?  Like to take credit for that but its coincidental.  Serious problems due to floaters are unusual at your age but do consider seeing an Eye MD ophthalmologist

JCH MD

[iheartmakeup]

I'm 19. This isn't the first time I've noticed them, but it's the first time in years that I can recall at least and I haven't seen them since the day I made this post. the last time I saw an eye doctor was about two years ago.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Use the search feature and archives to read about floaters, flashes, posterior vitreous detachments, retinal detachments.

Because of the new onset you need to see an ophthalmologist Eye MD. If you live in USA find one near you at www.geteyesmart.org or ask your personal physician (MD/DO) to refer you to an Eye MD.

JCH MD

[PedroPrado]

No, eye strain does not cause floaters.

Floaters are normal for most people, but they can be a cause of concern when they appear suddenly, like a shower, along with light flashes of shadows.

Now, this couple of floaters are the first you see in your life. You dont mention your age, but you need to understand that the more you age, the more floaters are going to appear, but at the same time the brain will learn to ignore the ones you already have, and they will become less and less noticeable. You dont mention your age, but you do mention myopia, and there is certain correlation between being myopic and floaters, no matter your age.

Usually 2 floaters are not a cause of concern if they are not appearing with other symptoms (like light flashes or shadows). The fact that you notice them using the computer is normal, because the great majority of websites have light backgrounds, and that with high screen brightness will make the floaters appear more obvious to you. Try to lower the screen brightness so the floaters are not so noticeable.

I know its weird to notice the floaters now. For example, im 30 years old, and just 6 months ago, while surfing the web too, i noticed the first floaters in my field of vision in 30 years. So I understand you feel concerned, because i was too, but chances are there is nothing to worry about if the only thing you are noticing are 2 small floaters and nothing more.

Again, you dont mention your age or when was the last visit to your ophtalmologist, but a visit for a check up will never hurt, because that visit not only will discard any serious issues with floaters (like a retinal detachment), but will also discard any other issues related to the health of your eyes.

Take care.