Who else has floaters?

Question

I mean in the eyes, who else has these floatie thingies? Mine look like big boogers, basically like big blobs of gel. Sometimes they're annoying 'cause when I try to read they get in the way. Overall, they're pretty trippy.

Who else?

Myopia makes this problem worse? No wonder I have so many, I was born blind with glaucoma and have had myopia and asthigmatism ever since I can remember. I've had sight for most of my life, yes, but it was a bumpy ride in the beginning.

Vivib, thanx for such detailed information!

Answer 1

I am an ophthalmic assistant. These floater are called vitreous floaters. The eyeball itself is filled with vitreous. Unlike skin when cells die they sluff off, in the eye they have nowhere to go, they float around a bit and then settle. They are more common in people that are myopic i.e. can not see well at a distance. The reason for this is that the eye is longer from cornea to retina, and the pulling on the retnia can cause more floaters. So enjoy your pollywogs, sperm, bugs floating around, i have had them for years. However, if they are associated with lightening flashes, it is best to consult an ophthalmologist because the pulling on the retina could cause a retinal tear which could lead to major problems, although this is rare, it needs to be caught and treated early.

Answer 2

Some major floaters started appearing for me last year after a car accident. Apparently the vitreous material from a detachment is causing them. I have one large floater that looks like a scraggly "S" or a seahorse, which tumbles around annoyingly whenever I move my eyes. I can pretty much see it everywhere: while driving, reading, staring at a computer, etc.

Often I think about it but then there are days when I don't... I'm told that, over time, they have the potential to either fade somewhat or gravity will move them out of my field of vision. Alas, it's been more than a year and nothing has changed so far.

One interesting piece of floater trivia: if you can make out the distinct shape of your floaters, then they are more likely to reside near your retina. The ones that are farther away are less distinct. The closer the floater is to the retina, the smaller it appears to the opthalmologist, which is why some eye doctors can't find the floaters you're complaining about during an exam.

Answer 3

Everyone has floaters. I think I have seven or eight and usually I do not notice them. Occasionally (human nature) I see them and then cannot ignore them - a bit like a tune you hear in the morning and then it plays in your mind all day.

A long time ago before I realised they were in the eyeball fluid rather than on the outside, I asked my optician if he could clean them off by flushing with fluid!

Answer 4

some off the floaters are dirt and dust from the air
some are in the eye itself as these grow over the years they form cataracts ,which can be surgically removed during Lazar surgery
http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions...
short sighted is not the cause of your problem
it affects long sighted people as well

Answer 5

me too. it's floating bits of pigment on the back of the eye, more common in those with worse eyesight. too much of it and your optician should have a look for the chance of issues.

Also be aware for flashing specs lights in your vision - potential for detached retinas.

Answer 6

Lots of people have floaters. I have had them for many years. You tend to get more of them as you get older. I agree.... they are kind of trippy ... especially when you are staring at something white and you can make them move around! :)

Answer 7

I've had floaters for years. Mostly, as you pointed out, they're just annoying.

Answer 8

Have you seen an eye doctor?

Answer 9

I get them too.... I just stick my finger in my eye and get 'em out. They are some annoying little buggers :)

Answer 10

i have them. i've read that the more nearsighted you are the more likely you are to have them. there's an operation where they can suck them out, but I'll wait until i can't really see anymore, thanks.