eye floaters

[Dean83]

Hi all i have a question for you guys and it might sound silly but do any of you have eye floaters(the squiggly lines or dots in your sight). A year ago when i was first diagnosed i had my eye screening and they told me i had very early changes in my eyes and it scared the hell out of me and still frightens me now. I spoke to the opticians who couldnt find anything and even told me i have healthy eyes and not to worry even my nurse tells me not to worry and its a pretty standard letter that most diabetics get. Now my problem is when i walk into a bright room i can see a few floaters that shoot around my eyesight, its possible that iv had these for years but have been reading too much about retinopathy on the internet and just worrying myself. What do u guys think and is it common?

 

[Alanp35]

I have them as well, and it can be a concern. However I have been assured that all is OK with my eyes even after annual eye screening. It is disconcerting to have small blobs floating around. Never quite sure if I have seen something out of the corner of my eye or not.
If,it is worrying you go back to GP and/or optometrist.

 

[noblehead]

As long as you've had your eyes checked there shouldn't be anything to worry about, however if your vision gets worse then it's always worth going back and having your eyes examined again. Anyone can get eye floaters and not just those who have diabetes.

 

[Lazybones]

I've had a number of ongoing eye problems for many years as well as being a Type 2 diabetic. I regularly attend the Eye Clinic at my local hospital, and yes, I too have experienced what you describe. I my case It appears as two tiny squiggly black thin snakes that are fixed in position in both eyes, and this effect is particularly noticeable when I first awake and happen to look up at a white ceiling of my bedroom.
I've mentioned this to my specialist and he hasn't shown any concern or seems unduly bother by this strange visual phenomomin.
The eyes are most important, so if you are concerned, and you obviously are otherwise you wouldn't have posted your query, then I would suggest that you call by at your local hospital Eye Clinic and speak to the experts first hand, rather that visiting a high street optician or you local GP for even if they should find nothing un-to-ward their expert finding will put your mind at ease.
All the best - Lazybones

 

[Dean83]

Thanks everyone i do have another yearly eye exam coming up in october but i might see if i can bring it forward i just hope my eyes dont fall out before then haha

 

[lizdeluz]

I've also had black blob floaters recently, which has given me the screaming heebie jeebies. I know how you feel. Although my eye consultant didn't raise any concerns when I saw her a couple of weeks ago, I think, like you, I might bring forward my next optician visit. I feel that the consultant 'focuses' (no intended pun) on different issues. Plus, my son sent me a phone photo recently of his wild camping site, and was rather shocked that I could see him in the photo when he wasn't there! Change your glasses mum!

 

[AMANSINGH]

I've had a number of ongoing eye problems for many years as well as being a Type 2 diabetic. I regularly attend the Eye Clinic at my local hospital, and yes, I too have experienced what you describe. I my case It appears as two tiny squiggly black thin snakes that are fixed in position in both eyes, and this effect is particularly noticeable when I first awake and happen to look up at a white ceiling of my bedroom.
I've mentioned this to my specialist and he hasn't shown any concern or seems unduly bother by this strange visual phenomomin.
The eyes are most important, so if you are concerned, and you obviously are otherwise you wouldn't have posted your query, then I would suggest that you call by at your local hospital Eye Clinic and speak to the experts first hand, rather that visiting a high street optician or you local GP for even if they should find nothing un-to-ward their expert finding will put your mind at ease.
All the best - Lazybones

I am being treated for diabetic retinopathy and the description you made in the post above does not sound like 'floaters' rather it sounds like leaking (bleeding) blood vessels in the retina which need treatment as if left they can cause serious complications. I am not a doctor but after more than one year of eye injections, laser photo coagulation and now awaiting vitrectomy I strongly suggest you get them checked out with a good opthalmologist who specialises in Diabetic retinopathy. Early treatment will save your sight.

 

[noblehead]

Eye floaters can appear as dots, circles. lines, cobwebs and other shapes:

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Floaters/Pages/new_symptoms.aspx

It goes without saying that anyone who has diabetic retinopathy and experiences changes in their vision should seek advice from their Ophthalmologist.

A great website to learn more about diabetic retinopathy and it's treatment:

http://www.diabeticretinopathy.org.uk/index.html

 

[Dean83]

I am being treated for diabetic retinopathy and the description you made in the post above does not sound like 'floaters' rather it sounds like leaking (bleeding) blood vessels in the retina which need treatment as if left they can cause serious complications. I am not a doctor but after more than one year of eye injections, laser photo coagulation and now awaiting vitrectomy I strongly suggest you get them checked out with a good opthalmologist who specialises in Diabetic retinopathy. Early treatment will save your sight.

Hi is your reply in regards to me or lazybones. As you have retinopathy can you tell me do you have lots of floaters and how would you describe yours

 

[noblehead]

Hi is your reply in regards to me or lazybones. As you have retinopathy can you tell me do you have lots of floaters and how would you describe yours

They quoted in Lazybones in their reply so that will be who they are replying to.

 

[Lazybones]

Thanks to all who raised issues following on from my initial posting. I do indeed go once a year to get my eyes photographed (Retinal Photographs) and also because of my limited vision (I'm now registered as blind) I am also required to attend my local hospital's eye clinic several times a year for a full and extensive eye examination. I have had several operation on my eyes and am currently awaiting a decision as to whether two further operations will be forthcoming to retain what's left of my vision
I would suggest that although the Retinal Photographic screening program is beneficial to us diabetics, it only covers one aspect of our vision and the resultant photographs don't show many of the other potential problems that can occur to the eyes. Retinal Photography won't for instant tell them what the individual's eye pressures are, though over time it might indicate the damage that high eye pressures can produce to their eye/s.
In ALL instances that relate to eye problems, time is critical, and the individual should make an immediate appointment at either the hospital eye clinic or a QUALIFIED Optometrist (Not one of the High Street Discount Opticians that regularly spring up and disappear) and should after a full eye examination there prove to be no problems discovered, then this is the best overall end result anyone can hope for which will hopefully put the individual's mind at ease.

 

[col888]

Had visible eye floaters for quite a few years. Been short sighted since a teen, after a long stay in hospital. Long Sight just went.
Suffer a bit from flashes whilst suffering non headache migraines. Had a retina scan a few weeks ago all ok including pressures. Earlier this year, eye test revealed early stages of cataracts.
Led to believe that floaters, are detritus floating around in the eye fluid. Unless they interfere with your vision are not dangerous.
White flashes especially around the edges, or anything else that disturbs vision should be immediately investigated. White flashes can be down to retinal tears I understand.
Always consult a professional with eye probs.

 

[IncyWincy]

I have loads of bits and bobs floating around in my vision. My optician said it's more common in people with short sight (which I have) and that it's wrinkles in the internal jelly of the eye.

Similar to @col888 I get blue flashes in my eyes related to migraine with aura and have had them investigated to rule out retinal detachment - all was fine.

 

[Kittycat_7_]

I have floaters in my left eye, I have noticed it happens when my blood glucose is high.
I have an appointment at the optician next week for photos and an eye check.