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What could this tiny spec in my vision be?
Hi all. I'm a 16 year old with hypochondria so these things cause huge anxiety! As someone with hypochondria, I have seen the opticians more times than the average person over eye concerns, and have not long ago had dilated eye exams and such. This symptom seems to be causing me stress however, and I'm increasingly concerned it's a permanent issue.
So, 4 days ago now, I was putting some rubbish in the garage. The garage is painted white, so the sunlight reflecting off was rather annoying - I squinted a lot to avoid discomfort (I am sensitive to light by the way). Soon after, whilst checking my vision over the anxiety of the situation, I noticed a tiny spec in the central vision of my right eye. I've definitely had this before, or something very similar, and it goes within about 3 days. This thing hasn't gone and, being a very anxious person, I of course blame the sunlight on the garage situation.
The tiny spec appears for less than half a second after moving my eye, or after blinking. And, only sometimes as well. If I try to look for it, sometimes I'll see it and sometimes I won't. Generally this is up against a bright surface, and the spot will disappear after a split second until I trigger it again. Again I've definitely had something similar. I've been assuming it's a floater that isn't moving, (there's another thing, this spec is fixated), and it always passes. I'm a little worried because this isn't passing and I'm worried about some damage done that won't repair. I'm very very worried.
So, 4 days ago now, I was putting some rubbish in the garage. The garage is painted white, so the sunlight reflecting off was rather annoying - I squinted a lot to avoid discomfort (I am sensitive to light by the way). Soon after, whilst checking my vision over the anxiety of the situation, I noticed a tiny spec in the central vision of my right eye. I've definitely had this before, or something very similar, and it goes within about 3 days. This thing hasn't gone and, being a very anxious person, I of course blame the sunlight on the garage situation.
The tiny spec appears for less than half a second after moving my eye, or after blinking. And, only sometimes as well. If I try to look for it, sometimes I'll see it and sometimes I won't. Generally this is up against a bright surface, and the spot will disappear after a split second until I trigger it again. Again I've definitely had something similar. I've been assuming it's a floater that isn't moving, (there's another thing, this spec is fixated), and it always passes. I'm a little worried because this isn't passing and I'm worried about some damage done that won't repair. I'm very very worried.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
=
5 Comments
Please Doctor. I ask for one last comment based on the possibility that the garage door has caused this.
I'm starting to get concerned. I'm seeing an ophthalmologist likely this week/early next week.
Seeing an opthalmogist next Tuesday
2 weeks in now doctor
Jake - how did you make out ?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
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4 Comments
Day 8 now.
Well doctor. U have been increasingly stressed this week but now, there are TWO dots. That's right another one, following all the same symptoms in terms of when and how it appears. Does this help in identifying a diagnosis.
*I have been increasingly stressed
I'm going crazy now. Please talk to me about how dangerous the sunlight could be on white paint on a Garage door.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
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4 Comments
I should also say that the dot has changed. It's slightly less visible (agsin yes I know that's a floater characteristic). But, the fact that it's become less visible might suggest that it only partially recovered, and now a permanent mark is left. Scary.
You must have a response to that. You specialise. I need to know from a specialist perspective what you honestly believe. :(
No more comment to JakeKDavies.
Last noticed symptom: un focusing my eyes and moving my head reveals the black dot clearer
It sounds like a floater to me even if it's not moving. I'm pretty sure the garage door has nothing to do with it. Like others have said, you should have your eyes checked in person by a doctor if you're that concerned about it.
3 Comments
Looks like I'm going to have to. The speck remains. Retina damage in my opinion. Obviously this garage door reflected too much UV and burned a spot on my retina.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
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6 Comments
Can you clarify what = means.
It would really help if you could please give answers to the above. As in, it would help me mentally.
It would really help if you could please give answers to the above. As in, it would help me mentally.
A reply with "=" confirms he's read the previous post(s) and has nothing to add.
Well please could someone add whether what I described with the garage door is dangerous. It's not a big ask and I assume the specialist would know.
I have the exact same thing as you. They come and go. Sometimes last a few days and other times several weeks or even a month. I’ll go through periods (years) of having none. I have had many eye/retina exams and everything is fine. But get it checked out.
Anxiety seems to be a trigger for me as well as lack of sleep and poor diet
Anxiety seems to be a trigger for me as well as lack of sleep and poor diet
It's been 12 days now. I'd like to compare some symptoms. I noticed I can see it looking at contesting light. (Looking at a lamp in the dark), and when I blur my own vision with my muscles, I can also see it in these conditions.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
=
3 Comments
Okay, surely you must be able to comment on the potential danger of white surfaces. As I stated above, I was putting stuff in a garage. I struggled for a while getting the key to turn and getting the right key so ultimately I was exposed to uncomfortable light off the white paint for about 30 seconds. I squinted a lot but it was certainly very bright.
I've been very surprised when reading about how much UV is reflected off white paint.
I can confirm it's a STEEL garage door, painted white. This can't be good considering the amount of time I was exposed to it.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Many people when they blink can perceive a whitish spot in the center of their vision. At your age with many normal eye exams its not at all likely you have eye problems. I would suggest you head over the anxiety discussion groups or area for hypochondriacs
15 Comments
It's not a white spot it's a tiny speck in my right eye. This is the 5th day now.
Again I've experienced something similar before. It's like a tiny floater, or like a pixel.
It still hasn't passed.
It looks like a tiny floater, except it's not floating. I've had this before but it's just not going away this time.
It just pops up during normal eye movement, then often when I try to look for it I can't see it - though sometimes I can.
Sorry we cannot make a specific diagnosis. Nothing further to add
I understand, however, based on what I've described, and I would again call it a tiny particle appearing in the same place when moving the eye, squinting and blinking (only sometimes), I'd like to know whether this could be serious indeed. It disappears instantly after triggering it.
Elsewhere I've described my problem and some people have suggested it's serious etc.
It's a strange one because it's resolved after a few days in the past.
Elsewhere I've described my problem and some people have suggested it's serious etc.
It's a strange one because it's resolved after a few days in the past.
I suppose my only big question is whether this tiny speck is as a result of retina damage? Of course, as I mentioned, this was noticed soon after my incident with that white painted garage door and the sunlight. Is is likely or unlikely?
I know you said you had nothing to add, but could this tiny spec be where my retina has been damaged by the sunlight on the white painted garage door? Or would that damage cover a larger area?
The best solution to your situation is by making an appointment with a reputable ophthalmologist/retinal specialist. Internet searches are fine but are not a substitute for an actual comprehensive examination.
Well really I'd like an opinion on the likelihood of retina damage.
That's why you should make an appointment with a reputable ophthalmologist/retinal specialist if you are concerned about the likelihood of retinal damage. This website, worthy though it may be, can not conduct an examination to confirm or refute that likelihood.
Well it's day 6 and now the panic is really setting in. Could a garage door really have done this...
Staring at a wall, or anything else, and there is no speck. It's squinting and blinking, or moving the eye which triggers the spot for a split second. You people would know whether that's a sign of retinal damage and surely you'd be able to bring forward an opinion as to whether it is.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Many people when they blink can perceive a whitish spot in the center of their vision. At your age with many normal eye exams its not at all likely you have eye problems. I would suggest you head over the anxiety discussion groups or area for hypochondriacs
Very concerned now after reading about people with similar symptoms and retinal scarring :(
Oh dear....
Oh dear....
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