Should I see a doctor?

[1Mick1]

I am 17.I see clearly. I feel like I see some kind of floaters that I noticed 2 days ago. I think it is just my imagination. My last eye exam was in last December (included eye dilation exam) and everything was OK. Should I see a doctor? Is there anything I can do to know if this was just my imagination? I have exams this week and can't take this dilation exam easily. Sorry if this seemed silly but I am really worried. Thanks

[JohnHaganMD]

As legally you are a minor discuss it with your parents.  11 months since your exam. Might be worth the peace of mind to repeat the exam and discuss your anxiety and concerns with your Eye MD.

[JohnHaganMD]

At your age about one in 15 people have floaters. So seeing a floater is common.  Also you may have become aware of enoptic phenomena.  Read the section on wikipedia on that.  Unless something changes don't worry about it and move on with your life.

[1Mick1]

Sorry doctor, I have made a mistake, what I meant was like flashes or spots that appear and disappear at once. The last eye exam was OK and I still see clearly  so I think they are just illusions my brain generates because I am worried, but I am worried they may be a sign of something serious. Should I see a doctor? Thanks.

[xltjim]

Hello, I am not a doctor and believe Dr. Hagan gave you good advice.  I am much older (a worrier myself) than you but my rule of thumb is that if you notice any new changes since your last visit, get in to see your ophthalmologist.  It sounds like you are almost a year since your last visit but you recently are noticing something different.  Yes, you may be obsessing but what would it hurt to get an exam?  If the doctor finds nothing, you should feel better, but if you are still obsessing -- perhaps finding someone to talk to can help alleviate your fears.