black spots & other

[Marma]

34 yo female - having transient dark obscurations (like small ink blots of varying shapes, usually just one at a time) appearing in visual field of either eye, daily by the last 2 years.
• may occur several times per day
• may appear quickly as black imageor as grey-green image which may gradually darken & disappear within a few secs (the whole thing may only be for 1-2secs)
• not really in central vision
• Seem to occur more frequently when looking at dark background or just got up to  walk, maybe into area with different level of lighting

Very occasionally get small shape, like after effect of camera flash in either eye. Silver glitter floating occasionally across vision – less of this recently. In normal vision- lot of floaters -cobweb like, in both eyes. Am -3.5 in both eyes x years, got glasses at 14yo. 1st floater at 12yo.

All this started Oct 2 years ago,  when developed arc-shaped, bright area, in right visual field that persisted x 2 days, at times with other bright transient (some lasting several mins) obscurations and around that time was also got some scintillating type visual effects at times on looking at bright reflective surfaces. At that time, was seen by ophthalmologist who diagnosed ophthalmic/retinal migraine (had slit lamp exam & retinal photos). I went back 4 months later.

had chronic eye pain about  4-5 years ago.

NOTE - When first tested for glasses, noticed on covering either eye that peripheral vision would become like a TV screen that loses its picture or seem like vision in covered eye.What is this?

otherwise healthy, thin with set back lower jaw & been told I have large eyes.

[Marma]

Thanks for advice. Have had automated visual fields twice and these were normal. Will book appointment to see ophthalmologist again.

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Well the good news is that you don't appear to be losing your vision.  You appear to be having some transient visual obscurations and/or floaters and/or visual migraines.  Keep seeing a good ophthalmologist and getting complete dilated eye exams.  Report any new changes.  I suggest an automated visual field test for the  peripheral vision abnormalities.  Suggest looking into your blood pressure, circulation, diet and nutrition.   Make sure you take a strong vitamin/antioxidant supplement, don't smoke and get plenty of exercise and eat well.  I don't know what your diagnosis is.  I would concentrate on keeping eyes as healty as possible and getting regular eye exams.  Consider getting a second opinion with a neuro-ophthalmologist regarding your symptoms.

MJK  MD