Post Cardiac Ablation Floaters / Spots

[BA1500]

Hi All,

I received a successful cardiac ablation back in August, 2019 which involved trans-septal puncture. For the subsequent month, I experienced a number of visual aura disturbances without migraine (these have since subsided). However, 6 months later, I still feel like my vision isn’t fully back to what it was before surgery. I have seemingly consistent floaters; cobwebs and rings. Additionally, and more prevalently, I have noticed dark spots in the corner of my vision (similar to a drop of water on a phone or tv screen). All of these come and go but generally affect my every day life. Can anyone tell me if I’m overreacting here? My ophthalmologist, neurologist, and electrophysiologist all believe I’m fine. Is this normal?

Thanks

[jeanjeannie50]

Recently I suddenly started getting a very small black spot in my vision floating towards me. It was like a tiny fruit fly coming at me. My optician told me to go straight to A&E and get it checked.

I had some tests there and was told to report to the main department that dealt with eyes a few days later. I had lots of tests and the consultant showed me on a computer screen that the jelly like substance towards the back of my eye had detached slightly from the back, she also pointed to a little black spot and said that was what I was seeing. I was told that if I started seeing strings of black or anything larger I was to ring an emergency number they gave me and would probably need an operation.

What you're experiencing sounds worse than mine, so I would get it checked out by experts.

Jean

[BA1500 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks Jean,

I had been seen by two ophthalmologist in the past couple months. I believe they performed the same test you described and noticed a small amount of separation but nothing major. Good to have your feedback - curious if anyone else had the same issue.

Thanks

Brandon

[BobD Volunteer in reply to BA1500]

I first expierenced this gel separation about ten years ago but was re-assured by my optician that this is very common and usually goes away after a while. It's one of the joys of getting older as the gel becomes more viscous. Flashing lights in the corner of your vision are also common with this and I found most difficult driving at night as I kept looking for the car coming at me from the side. Havn't had it for some time now.

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to BA1500]

Hi Brandon

I guess if you've been checked out by two ophthalmologists then the chances are that all is ok. Did you have the procedure where they numb the eye and put a lens right against it so that they can see inside better?

Jean

[misspolly2]

Up until I joined this website I had no explanation for what happened to me after my Ablation . I saw many Consultant cardiologists , all with a different theory . I experienced hallucinations, my hearing and eye sight was affected . It does get better , I have been discharged from Opthamologist , my hearing is almost back to normal . I am referred to a neurologist as get a stiff neck and ache in back of my head . I think it all just takes time to settle back to normal and hope it will for you. This group has been amazing for me as meet people who have experienced the same or similar symptoms . So reassuring.

[IzzyBeehive in reply to misspolly2]

thank you for this post. I had cardiac ablation yesterday and went home 7 hours after the procedure. I experienced severe clear runny nose and constant sneezing. It was literally water dripping out of my nose. It has abated some but still feel like I have a cold but without the malaise I normally feel with a cold. Around midnight I suddenly started see colorful flashing lightning bolts floating on the left side. They seemed to follow the patterns of my normal floaters and then make its way outside of the eyes if that makes sense. It freaked me out thankfully abated after 20 minutes.

I’ll make sure to mention to my cardiologist.

Thank you!

[Walkingwallet in reply to IzzyBeehive]

I had ablation today. 13 hrs ago.. And I just experienced nearly the exact same symptoms... Although I also have a low status headache that started at the base of the back of my head and has migrated to the top front - while becoming less painful.

On call Doctor asked if I had taken the Eloquis dose and told me since I had that it's not to be worried about that it will subside. He was right. It did go away within 20 minutes.

You mention patterns in your light flashes. I too had patterns.. They looked like stacked prisms arranged in a semi-circle. And they were flashing brightly... Almost as if I had looked into a very bright LED light bulb that had that pattern. it was causing interruption in the center of my vision too. I couldn't even see my phone screen well enough to read the numbers to call the Doc. I had to use call-back to do it.

It's nice to know that I am not alone