At night when a small amount of light comes into the bedroom from outside, I see a large black round disk/hole? I am not aware of this during the daytime. Does anyone else have this and why am I only aware of it in dim lighting?
Black disk: At night when a small amount of... - Macular Society
Black disk
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Bobbie915
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Hi Bobbie, I get it as well. It happens if I close my eyes then open them again. I don't know why it happens and I've never really bothered to find out as I am not unduly concerned about it. It's probably something to do with the AMD. However I am due for an eye review in 2 weeks so will ask my consultant if he can explain it. I am sure we are not the only ones to experience it so stand by for an explanation forthcoming on this forum. Good luck.
Raemar, I have been experiencing this same exact symptom since I was 20, I am 23 now. Only apparent in very low light conditions such as my bedroom when I am going to sleep. How I describe it is a black opaque shadow-like disc “pulsing” through my vision; starting from central vision and moving quickly throughout the periphery and disappearing if eyes left open more than a second. But will reappear if I keep my eyes closed longer than a second and then open them again. The “disc” is not perfectly circular but more ovoid in shape. This symptom is present in both eyes independently, however more apparent in the left.
I came across this thread looking for people with similar symptoms and reading that it may be a side effect of macular degenerative scarring is unsettling to say the least, especially at my young age.
I have also been experiencing objects that stay “imprinted” in my vision longer than they seem like they should. As well as distinct “afterimages” when looking at a moving light in a dark room. For example moving my brightly lit iPhone screen across my field of vision, almost like the tail end of a “normal” light trail is slowed downtown lagged behind. Wondering if any of you have experienced this symptom as well.
I thought I was the only one!
I have the exact same issues as you, along with the imprinting and afterimages. Before this all started I did have a small retinal tear, that was treated surgically, and got the all clear there. After I told my opthalmologist about these issues later, she suggested a CT Scan, to check to see if bloodflow in the brain in fine, but got the all clear there too. So I dunno what it is, but I guess it's not super dangerous? I still have super good vision otherwise!
Hi I just came upon this post and am having the same exact symptoms. I was wondering if you ever found out what was causing it?
I'm 22 now and have been experiencing similar symptoms(afterimages and stuff) in eyes for a year or two atleast. And I've had floaters since I was 14-15 maybe, they are much bigger and prominent now tho. But that disc thing, I noticed it only a few days ago. It happens only when I wake up in the morning. The halo/disc forms in the central vision for a second and then disappears and it doesn't appear again unless I close my eyes again for a very long time. I went to two different eye doctors and had my checkup done, and only came back with a lattice degeneration in my left eye which i doubt has something to do with this as its related to the peripheral part of the retina.
Also, another strange thing i noticed was that, when I quickly move my left eye from right to left or from left to right, I notice a fixed but very unnoticable blob or rounded floater type thing in my central vision. Its very hard to notice it, only possible if I really try and even then its very very dim. And I haven't yet tried to see whether I see halos in both eyes or just the left one in the morning. Doctors didn't notice anything but I hope its not AMD or atleast it doesn't progress too fast, I'm just 22. I'll keep updating if possible and if you are reading this pls update on your situation as well 
I know this is a really old thread but if you see this - how did things progress? I’m 29 and have been experiencing very very similar things, and I’ve scoured the Internet looking for people having similar experiences but you guys are the only ones who seem to get it.
I’m dying to know what’s going to happen to my vision.
Hi everyone! Just wanted to give an update. The black halos during morning are common now and its in both eyes, and of same sizes. They stay for about half a second or until I blink. The blob tho seems to be the same size and takes the same effort to recreate with eye movement as it did a year ago. I haven't seen any major changes regarding the problem. Haven't visited the eye doctor since my last comment.
The last time I went to the eye doctor, the retina test came out fine, and when I told him about these symptoms, he looked at me and told me to get my blood pressure checked. Blood pressure was also fine. But I know he looked at me that way bcz of my obesity and knew that could be the problem. So, currently I've joined the gym, am working out, and trying to maintain a good healthy diet. I'll revisit the doctor maybe in december or next year, when Im in a better shape.
I have this also... I have now started with Charles bonnet images inside this black type hole.. This only happens when eyes have been closed. I have been to specialist who says my only issue is vitreous detachment.. Surely this is not normal as everything points to macular...
Hi Raemar. Did you find out the cause of the dark round shadow that you see when you blink?
Hi Raemar- I have the exact same symptoms and was wondering if you found out what it was?
Hi do you have any idea what it might be? Have you been diagnosed ? I just started getting it a few weeks ago. In bery dim light when i close my eyes and open them the disk starts in the cent of vision and works it way out. It only does it when i close and open my eyes again.its in both eyes and only in dim light. Never in the daytime or in lighted rooms.
Hi Bobby, I too see the dark disc in my left eye but only when I blink. My disc is oval in shape rather than round with an even darker edge all around. But if I keep blinking, the cenre becomes lighter but the dark rim remains. Eventually the oval disappears. Having said that, I see a dark iregular patch when I am reading text even when I use both eyes and in good light. I have not mentioned this to my consultant and it would be interesting to know what raemar finds out in two weeks time.
I get this too at night. Wake & big black disc in vision. The more light gets in the disc gradually goes. One Doctor said this is damage from the amd & is how vision will eventually be blocked leaving only peripheral vision.
How true this is i do not know as no one else has commented on this. Would be good to know exactly what this is.
I am meeting with some ophthalmologists today I will ask for you. 😀 I think it is more to do with rods/cones myself and electrical impulses which is why it only happens in dim light
So I asked yesterday this question to some ophthalmologists and an ophthalmologist who works at St Thomas hospital London. They said that it is to do with eye disease and rods/ cones as sometimes these react slower when a macular disease is present. I expect you know that on the retina there are rods which help with shape and cones with colour so in dim light or in the dark the rods do most of the work but react slower and even slower perhaps with macular disease so hence black circles does that help? This is what I understand anyhow .
I have this in both eyes. I believe it is the scarring from the AMD and this is only really noticeable when there is little or no light and fades when your eye adjusts. My right eye is badly affected by the AMD and during the day (in light) the centre of my vision is like trying to look through glass which is very badly smeared with grease (does that make sense to anybody) and I am able to see light and shade through it but not much else, my left eye is nowhere near as bad and during the day (in light) I don't notice the scarring and it doesn't affect my vision. The more light there is the better you are able to see "through" the scarring but, sadly, that doesn't mean it isn't there. There has been a huge improvement to the vision in both eyes since I had cataracts removed last year, I understand that this is because more light is able to get into my eye. I hope this helps.
Hi Bobbie915
I too have a black disk in my right eye in dim light. I also notice that a small part of the Ansler grid disappears just below the centre. I have a tiny blind spot.
I have wet AMD and after successful Lucentis injections the blind spot remains. I have been told that it is scarring, and is unlikely to go. This sounds awful, but in fact it doesn't affect my visions at all with both eyes open. I can read, drive, and do all the things I used to do before the bleed in my right eye. Just after the bleed I could not see well at all in my right eye, and did not feel safe to drive, so the improvement in my sight is a blessing. I can not praise the NHS enough to allow me to have these expensive injections. Yes - they are painful, but worth it.
Rosalyn-helplinePartner
Dear Bobbie915,
Professor Alan Bird alluded to this during his talk at our annual London Conference on 24 September. This will soon be available to listen to on our website. He mentioned it when describing the impact of the condition on the eye as described by some of his patients. It would be worth you listening to it when it becomes available.
In the meantime, it would be worth asking your own ophthalmologist for an explanation.
Certainly one of the known impacts of the condition is that it negatively affects the eyes ability to see in the dark and the eyes ability to adjust between lighting conditions; it generally takes longer to do this.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of any further help.
Our helpline is open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday on 0300 3030 111.
Kind regards,
Hi Bobbie, I am a man of certain number of years and as such I have to go to the bathroom two or three times a night. I have fairly good night vision even though I have dry amd in my left eye and, hopefully, stable wet in my right. Knowing our house well I do not need to put on the lights to do this. Several years ago before I had even heard of AMD whilst scanning the the night sky through a suitably roof window I first noticed the "black doughnut" effect. It seemed to be only obvious in my right eye. When I have mentioned this to various GP`s and Ophthalmologists during my early years of eye problems the only general response I got was "Oh how interesting". I now believe that the black ring effect was early warning of AMD.
It is nice to see that we are not alone Bobbie! My wife and I also experience what we call " Satin Eye" effect from time to time, probably, as mentioned by Gilpet but it is not often and goes as quickly as it arrives. I am sure there is still much to learn " How interesting"!
Boldv.
Hi Bobbie,
Thank you for this discussion. I experience this, too. When I askef about it, my doctor seemed puzzled by the question. It helps to know it's not unique. It seems to remain stable.
Adaptor
A
Hi Bobbie at least you are not alone, yeh it happens at night doesn't it! It's like a big black clould of thunder sometimes it's above the head or a black spot ☹️️ But it is as u say all very disconcerting when trying to concentrate on getting a good nites sleep which seems to be rare for me these days squinty xx
I had this a few months ago, I had been carrying out a plant survey for several hours on a bright day and had forgotten my broad brimmed hat. I put it down to this. Later I was told by the hospital I had AMD. However these black spots have now gone, but I wear my (Tilley) hat even in dull weather.
Hello Bobbie, I first became aware of this a few weeks ago in the early morning when I first woke up and opened my eyes. It was just getting light and I could see this round black blob in my right eye and an elongated black blob in my left eye. As it gets lighter I can no longer see them.
I first had wet macular in my right eye 21 years ago when there was no treatment, and it was diagnosed in my left eye last year. I cannot understand why I have only just become aware of these black patches although I have not worried about them unduly.
I am now having Eyelea injections in my left eye and within 10 days of the first injection all the distortion disappeared. What a relief that was. I have now had 8 injections and there is still a little fluid there so I believe the injections will continue. In the meantime I am booked in for a cataract operation in November so I am hoping that this will give me a little extra sight.
The care and attention I have received from consultants, doctors and nurses in the NHS has been amazing and the Macular Society's helpline was so helpful when I was going through a bad patch. So my thanks go to all of them.
Act fast! This is the first symptom of AMD. Get in touch with the Macular Society! I reported my (identical to yours) black spot to my optician and she ignored it. Also the performance or ability to see letters on the Shneller chart (the alphabet one) had deteriorated dramatically. Again she just cheerfully ignored it saying "Oh, one eye is always worse than the other". But this was my better seeing eye having had a cataract op. a few years ago. I subsequently found out she couldn't see my retina clearly due to glare from the artificial lens
ALARM BELLS should have rung for her. I am 74. But knowing nothing of AMD I accepted there was nothing wrong: she prescribed me new glasses and I could see much better than before so I assumed all was well.
However I googled "Black spot before the eye" and up came Scotoma. Initially I was delighted to have "diagnosed" my problem until I read all the bad stuff about AMD.
Obviously I got back in touch with the optician. Despite telling her I thought I had AMD I had to wait a week for an appointment. If she really couldn't see me straight away she should have told me to go to A&E surely? When I did see her she took photographs of my retina and discovered "changes in the macular". She referred me to my local eye clinic by LETTER, NOT fax which she should have done! I had to phone my optician and give them a fax line telephone no, otherwise the clinic couldn't see me.
My apologies for this long and involved saga, but this all delayed my treatment for over a month. The consultant said I'd had AMD for at least a month! I am seething at the incompetence of my optician and am going to write to her! The GOOD NEWS is I have now started a course of injections to stem the tide of the wet AMD in this bad eye. My other eye is fine. It has minimal changes of dry AMD. Now I am under the aeges of an eye clinic all this will be treated and monitored.
For all details and much reassurance contact the Macular Society See your optician as a matter of urgency and get her to FAX your details to your local eye clinic. Phone them if you haven't heard within a few days.
fed12
My boyfriend sees black teardrops at night in bed.He thought it was a ghost lol
I know this is an old post, but for anyone that's just reading this feeling concerned. This phenomena seems to be fairly common and is most likely just down to the biology of the eye. I won't go into too much detail, but the short of it is that your central vision is less sensitive to light than your peripheral vision. This is why in very dim conditions, you can clearly see lights and shapes in your peripheral vision and not while looking directly at it. It's almost like a black haze in front of the center of your eye, which seems scary, but it's most likely natural. You might have always had it and have only just noticed it out of concern.
I have the same thing and have had multiple eye tests, and nothing that would indicate AMD was discovered. Of course though, always go to an opticians to be certain. But for most people, especially the young, you most likely don't have anything to worry about.
Here's a link to a Wikipedia page explaining peripheral vision:
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Per...
But I want to draw attention to this specific paragraph from the page:
"Central vision is relatively weak in the dark (scotopic vision) since cone cells lack sensitivity at low light levels. Rod cells, which are concentrated further away from the fovea, operate better than cone cells in low light. This makes peripheral vision useful for detecting faint light sources at night (like faint stars). Because of this, pilots are taught to use peripheral vision to scan for aircraft at night."
I hope this settles your worries and answers your questions.
I saw a surgeon at the eye institute . Field of vision. optic nerve. Retina and Macular examination. Micro photography .
My eye is healthy , no degeneration of any sort observed . I am due for implants due to cataracts , not ready yet.
I have had the dark spot for years , dim light when opening the eye . No explanation rendered and no disease observed. No damage seen of any sort.
The black spot disappears in a second or less or with a blink.
Male , USA , aged 68 .
• in reply toDamondo
Thanks for this, interesting and makes sense. I would just say though to always get sight checked out as you don't want to delay treatment if there is a problem.
Thanks btw , Damando , I have excellent docs and they seem not worried about this low light stationary disappearing dot. The the only thing they didn't do to me was take my eyes out and look at them . Apparently the biology of the eye is as complicated as one might expect.
Due for new lens.
I only registered to say thank you for this explanation. I'm suffering from severe anxiety and I start noticing so many things that make me scared. Despite having my eyes checked and only having a slight damage to the optical nerve in one of my eyes, I couldn't stop looking for what's causing it and Im feeling relieved and less anxious. I'll ask my doctor about it next time I see him, but knowing that this might as well be natural helps.
Thank you once again, kind soul
I have the similar black disk/blob symptoms and used to get very anxious. Infact I used to have a lot of depression and anxiety in general. I developed hypochondria during that time. And anxiety is one of the things that makes these type of problems worse. If its really AMD it will get worse with anxiety. And if its not, anxiety might cause it to happen.
So, please, get councelling or in any way, work on your anxiety first and foremost. Its unhealthy in a lot of ways. That is the first step.
Hi, I have this exact thing and I’ve only managed to find this forum that has anything similar I’ve had this two years and it’s so prominent at night. I literally can’t see in front of me it floats around wherever I look and appears to be moving round and round like a clockwise. It’s the weirdest thing but again people have dilated my pupils taken photos of the back of my eye and all sorts and they don’t seem to see anything.
Always get any symptoms you have checked out by a professional. It's also worth pointing out that my doctor told me that with issues that surround the eye and the optical nerve, it could take months or even years for signs of certain conditions to appear in tests.
That being said though. I was very anxious about this and other things related to my eye back 9 months ago. Now, I never even notice it since I stopped worrying about it. It's still there, but even in dark conditions it doesn't bother me, and it hasn't got worse.
With your case, it sounds similar to what I have, but the fact it spins on its own sounds weird. I wouldn't worry too much about it still, especially if you've had tests done recently. However, if your conditions get noticeably worse, definitely go get checked up again. Otherwise, this could still be what I talked about in my original post - drawbacks of the imperfect biology of the eye that have been noticed recently because of possibly anxiety or raised concern for health.
For comfort, just know I went through the exact same stage of panicking and looking online for answers that just end up frustrating you and making you worry even more, and believe me when I say you feel so much better when you talk to other people about it, especially people that can relate and have the same issue.
I created an account here bcoz I recently noticed that black/grey spot like a blob in the centre of both eyes. I am 35 years old and everytime I close and open my eyes, one at a time, it is there and as I blink it fades away. I woke up in the middle of the night today and noticed that the blob was even darker and in one eye it was elongated. I stayed awake and checked again and as my eyes got used to the dim light it was still there but a bit lighter than before. As I am typing this I check and I can no longer see it, I assume it is bcoz I am staring at my phones screen. As soon as my eyes adjust again to the dim light I will be able to see it. This only happens in dim light at night time. I have also started seeing some floaters, I read online that they become more noticable if you have low iron levels, dont know if this is true but mine are very low at the moment.
I have been to an opthalmologist that dilated my eyes and examined them, he said me eyes are healthy and I should see him in a year. But I cannot rest assured, I am seeing a specialist opthalmologist who has a particular interest in visual electrophysiology and Medical Retinal Disorders. My anxiety has kicked up!
Hi sir , I have this too I'm 19yo and I'm really terrified. I can't sleep becoz of noticing it all night. Did you see the opthal ? What's the update. Pls replyyy :/
Hi Arin412Om, I saw 3 different opthalmologists and they all said everything looks fine, they all dilated my eyes and can only see my floaters but apart from that everythimg else is perfectly fine with my vision they said. Nobody can explain what that shadow I am seeing in dim light is. I will see another ofthalmologist in the coming days for a 4th opinion. Maybe it's all due to stress and when thinking about it I stress even more, and then I notice it more...
Have you had that opinion yet?
Yep! Same with the other specialists, my eyes are perfectly fine. But I will have a brain mri just for peace of mind. The ofthalmologist said I shouldn't because there are no other symptoms and he is positive it will be normal, but if it would make me stress less and get this thing out of my mind that I could have one done. So, now I am waiting to get that done.
Vp did the results of your MRI come back clear? I have the same symptoms, with the ophthalmologist telling me my eyes are perfectly healthy. They recommended I see a neurologist if that would put me at ease, but of course now I'm assuming the worst from a brain health perspective.
Hey, I created an account here just to say thank you! I've been feeling so hopeless and completely restless these past few days because of this disk thing that I see in the dark. I'm only 19, I have so many dreams to fulfill and I'm scared I might not be able to do them. Everytime I try to sleep, I get reminded of the dark disk in the middle of my vision and I lose all hope to continue living thinking that I'm going to go blind anyway, so why do I even try? But I saw this wonderful thread and realized that I'm not alone! And your comment has given me so much hope. Again, thank you!
I kinda have it too but the same thing happens when i suddenly look at a very bright sky, i see like the same disk shape but its a bit brighter than the sky, i dosen't disturb my vision but it really worries me.
I have the same issue. I woke early one morning with this and was diagnosed with a very small bleed in my right eye. My previously diagnosed dry amd had turned wet. With Eylea injections the issue has mot changed., presumably the black disc might be the result of scarring.
I would suggest that professional advice should be sought without delay.
I have also thought that the big black disk I see in both eyes, is caused by scaring of the macular. I only see it when I am in bed with minimum light from outside - both at night and early morning. My eye with loss of central vision - the disc has changed from perfect round to added uneven patches. My other eye with some central vision, still shows large perfect shaped disk. I have had several bleeds but a massive one when I lost central vision.
This type of thing has been discussed a few times in the last couple of years and there seem to be quite a few of us with this or similar. I find it occurs more after a bright sunny day, on dull days it's either not there or much smaller, I'm also wondering if a long time in front of a PC might cause it as well. In the morning if I look at bright flowers say rose bushes they seem dull in the middle of my vision but normal bright colour at the edge. This goes off after an hour or so.
Wish you luck with the eye clinic, my last appointment didn't give me an explanation.
I've had this now for a few years, some days it's there and others not depending on the brightness of the sun, I've long ceased to worry about it.
Thanks for sharing! Could you pls tell me how many years has it been? And what do you mean by "PC might cause it as well"? Like can it cause it the next day if Im in front of the PC for long or can it cause long term damage? I do spend a lot of time daily in front of the PC. Will reducing the time fix/change anything?
I don't think it's anything sinister with a PC screen, just that I spend several hours a day looking at a desk top screen, either sorting and editing photos, filling in wildlife survey forms, looking at reports and of course e-mails. I'm not keen on social media though. I just wondered, it's a dull day and raining and I'll probably be here on and off for another 6 hours or so, whether looking at a bright screen had the same effect as being out in bright sunlight.
I've had this for over three years, no black patches for the last few days but they were there before in the bright weather. I live in NW Wales near the coast, we have a maritime (lots of wind and rain) climate so despite the black blobs I like the sun.
Ah I see. I also spend a lot of time in front of screens daily, my line of work requires it. Not sure about bright sunlight tho, I never noticed any correlation with that to my blob thing. But for me its everyday that I see a black blob in both eyes after keeping them closed for long or during the night, and its been happening for maybe 3-4 years now, but has been noticable only in the last year or so. Eye doctors dont seem to find anything about it tho. Lets see what happens during the next visit.
I'm now sure it's bright sunlight or bright artificial light that causes it in me. No black discs for the last few days, no bright sunlight. Probably not computer screen either.
Hi I am seeing this black spots that last a fraction of a second and vanish.
Only happens in dim light when going to bet, but mostly when waking up. If I close my eyes and blink I can see the dark spot again. If I leave eyes open for more than a second they’re gone.
I checked my eyes a lot due to floaters and some flashes but the retina was always ok.
Anyone had this happen and got a regular eye exam?
Hello all,
I was checking this thread again and I'm seeing a common pattern, but not everyone has the same diagnosis. I've decided to document my case here.
I'm going to make a quick recap of my case which is similar to what others have said and answer your question.
Day 0 - I develop health anxiety due to life events and high stress. I'm 31.
Day 180 - I see a very small blurry in my vision, and see my first floaters at age 32. I go to the ophthalmologist, says things are normal, shouldn't worry.
Day 540 ( about year and a half) - during this past years things didn't change at all in my eye, floaters still there but I'm used to them.
One day, I suddenly notice more floaters and this 'pulsating' kind of round black blob in my center vision at night. It only happens when I blink my eyes, I see it for less than a second and I have to blink my eyes to see it again. If I blink quickly I see it 'opening and closing'. Anxiety was under control, it fires up again because of this.
I go to a local hospital that deals with eye emergencies twice, 3 days apart. They tell me everything is fine. I go to 2 different optometrists after this about 2 weeks apart, I'm in Canada and they act as basic eye Care providers, they both dilated my eyes and look at my eyes carefully, they say everything is fine and maybe I'm experiencing changes to my vitreous. No ophthalmologist reference even suggested.
I have a very small degree and they both recommend anti glare glasses for my computer usage. I'm 33 now.
Day 800 (about 25 months later) - I'm 34 now. All eye related stuff has remained stable, anxiety super stable, but still worried about the whole thing. About 2 years ago I would have probably said I had 11/10 vision.
Very similar experience here as well. I'm 34, have had a history of floaters since childhood. Within the past 72 hours, in my right eye, there's a static/stationary blob just offset slightly down/right from center of my vision. I can see it when changing contrast from bright to dark or dark to bright. If I close my eyes I can see it slowly change color from green to dark and if I keep my eyes closed and look towards a bright source of light it'll change from dark/green to red, and I can keep doing this. If I blink quickly I can see it, like a light burnt-in to my eye. Sometimes it'll distort my vision and take some time to catch-up and become clear again. Sometimes I can see that there's a slight curve attached to the blob, like a scythe. But the curved part fades much more rapidly than the blob and isn't always apparent.
An ophthalmologist said retina looks good, nothing to worry about. Says it must be neurological, but it's a single eye and I can tell which one it's in. So my theory is that it's a new floater in the making or a new one that has caused some scarring, but the eye doctor says she would've seen that. I just don't know what to do now, this isn't going away and I'm positive it's not neurological and that it is my right eye, the shape is too specific.
I have this too and im really really worried, do you have any updates? Did it get better? Im really worried about it and it causes me to get anxiety. Please let me know if theres anything
• in reply toEmilyRogers
Hi Emily, do you have any updates? Thank you!
I'm replying to update everyone and keep a record for myself.
I'm now 38 and have largely overcome my anxiety issues, though I still experience occasional episodes, about twice a year. Thankfully, I'm almost back to normal.
Regarding my vision, I haven't returned to the ophthalmologist since my last series of tests, which all indicated that everything was fine. However, I plan to schedule another checkup soon.
I still see the blobs, and now I also notice small lightning flashes. Moving my eyes left or right without turning my head triggers a flash effect around my vision. Despite these concerns, my vision is generally okay, but I'm worried about the future. I hope to maintain decent vision as I age. Hope everyone is doing well.
It's been almost 8 years since this started, the world has changed. We've gone through a pandemic and now we have easily available AI. Just for fun, I input my whole story and here's what it thinks. I hope it's correct.------------------------------
Based on the details you've provided about your vision symptoms and experiences, here's a hypothesis:
Your symptoms, including the appearance of floaters, blurry spots, and the pulsating black blob, might be related to changes in the vitreous body of your eyes. The vitreous is a gel-like substance that fills the eye and can undergo changes as we age or due to stress. When the vitreous shrinks or changes, it can tug on the retina or clump together, creating shadows that appear as floaters or other visual disturbances. The pulsating effect you notice, especially noticeable when blinking at night, could be due to transient changes in eye pressure or light entering the eye differently when the eyelid moves.
Anxiety and stress might be exacerbating your awareness of these symptoms or your response to them, making them seem more pronounced or concerning. Given that your eye health has been consistently assessed as normal by multiple professionals, it seems less likely that there's an underlying pathological cause. However, continued monitoring and regular check-ups with an ophthalmologist are advisable to ensure any potential changes in eye health are promptly addressed.
This hypothesis aligns with the evaluations by your healthcare providers and suggests a benign cause linked to natural aging processes and perhaps influenced by anxiety.
Yesterday I was shot in the eye with a nerf foam dart. Now 24 hours after I still am seeing a dark oval shape when I blink then it immediately fades away. I only cs. See this when I cover my left eye and look completely to the right. I believe that this is in my far peripheral vision but I'm not an optician. I get medical anxiety because if the stupid internet. So if anyone has opinions or thoughts on what this could be it would help.
• in reply toBrandon_Fletcher
Hi, Brandon Fletcher, no idea what it is but any trauma to the eye best to get checked out by an optician at least. If nothing else you run the risk of an infection depending what got onto/ into your eye. You dont report pain or redness etc so probably ok but cant hurt to get checked.
Hi guys, I've found this thread recently and I, just like many of you, found this to be one of the only sources where others are describing the exact symptoms I have with the black/grey disc in dim lighting.
Have had all the eye checks under the sun (twice), background of childhood OCD, severe anxiety and panic attacks. Have had these symptoms from the age of 18, now 29 - they haven't worsened.
I also have suffered from Ocular migraines (the visual flashy light part without the actual headache) since the age of 10. Docs have always linked my black spot and flashy lights to the migraines, however no real explanation as to 'Why' it happens.
So I guess I just want to say Thank You, to all of you who have written on this forum, it's given me a lot of relief knowing I'm not the only one. I'm also sure you can all relate, to the frustration felt when trying to explain symptoms to doctors/opticians who can't give you a straight answer, and I was also told it could be 'Psycho somatic' which is even more frustrating. So thank you guys, I don't feel alone with this anymore thanks to you. x
I have also suffered with ocular migraine since my 40’s - now 87. I still have them but not very often. I have only seen the big black disc’s since having wet macular degeneration.
I have also suffered from panic attacks in my childhood and prescribed Paxil which I discontinued and I experienced tunnel visions and blackouts. That was in my late teens early twenties. Then in my late twenties began experiencing auras without headaches which let to really bad ocular migraines in my early thirties. Now in my late thirties I see a black spot in my eye site every morning I wake up but it disappears. I’ve had one eye exam and he said it’s nothing to worry about. Thank you for sharing your stories. Hopefully we can get to the rout of all this.
Many drugs are damaging to eyes. My son took the horrible drug Accutane (aka: Isotretinoin). This is posion. Anyway, he NOW has a grey, translucent spot in the center of both of his eyes in dim light and light sensitivity, after images from a bright light. (He also has Erectile Disfuntion, Sexual Issues, Titinutis, Joint Pain, Hormone Issues, Easily injured tendons, stomach issues, Excessive thirst and more). Yes, from a ACNE drug. Doctors can't help and everyone is in denial. I am worried that this will turn into MD and he is only 19. Because if this is damage to the Rods, the rods are like the tent poles of the eyes and if these wear out, then what is his future? I haven't seen any information about what the future holds for people with eyes damaged from drugs.
Hi everyone. Like most people here, I too have found this thread to be the only place that most accurately describes my vision symptoms. Thank you all for sharing and making me not feel alone. I hope most of you come back to this thread periodically to share and learn from others experiences, including what I learned about my condition yesterday, which I'll share now.
I am a 36 year old male, resident of California, with significant myopia and a history of anxiety, panic disorder, and depression. About 5 days ago I discovered this issue, that everyone is perfectly describing, in my right eye only. I had an appointment with an ophthalmologist yesterday and after a few tests he pretty quickly told me I have "Central Serous Chorioretinopathy" or CSC. Basically, it is a condition in which fluid accumulates under the retina, causing a serous (fluid-filled) detachment and vision loss. Find out more about it here: asrs.org/patients/retinal-d....
The ophthalmologist said it is a fairly common condition and usually goes away on its own after a few months. There is a possibility that it doesn't go away or for it to recur, which a lot of you have described. Fortunately for my case, it's relatively mild, only when I blink in dim settings, and hasn't led to any vision loss. So I'm just going to monitor it over the next couple months. The doctor did say there are medical procedures if it worsens or recurs such as thermal laser treatments, oral medications, and eye injections.
The ophthalmologist also told me it is thought that any systemic exposure to a corticosteroid drug can bring about or worsen CSC. Corticosteroids are found in allergy nose sprays and anti-inflammatory skin creams available over the counter. One of the first questions he asked was if I've been using these. With eczema and seasonal allergies I certainly have been using creams and nasal sprays most of my life. Just in the last few weeks I was using nasal spray (flonase/fluticasone) every day. It would not be surprising then to me that my use, and perhaps overuse the past 2 weeks, has led to this condition. I am therefore discontinuing all use of any steroid creams and sprays, as recommended by the doctor.
Lastly, the ophthalmologist also said it is common among people who have anxiety, as well. As I mentioned above, I too suffer with anxiety and I also don't find it surprising that this may have contributed to the condition. I know many of you have talked about this, and I just wanted to share that CSC is shown to be associated with this. I plan to factor this into my treatment of CSC, also recommend by the doctor.
I hope my story and this information is helpful to people. Of course, this is my specific case and may be very different than your case. But I hope this will give you more information if you continue to seek out what exactly is happening and you've been unsatisfied with the responses you've been getting. I hope you all take care and know that many of us share this mysterious and frightening condition. I wish everyone the best.
Hi Jpaulsan,
Thank you for your very comprehensive post. I was very interested in the association with nasal sprays. Before I was aware of AMD a trainee GP at our surgery gave me a nasal spray. When I saw my regular GP she said it is steroids. At the time that didn’t mean much to me as I was rather ignorant about drugs. When I was a little more clued up, I stopped using the spray. I hope others are taking note of your very interesting information. Good luck and thank you.
Bobbie
Glad my information was helpful. I never would have never thought a steroid nose spray or skin cream could cause such a condition. If others on this thread are using similar medications I hope they take that into consideration. That's the most important thing for me to share. I hope you are doing well, Bobbie.
Not so good unfortunately. My sight is very poor. About 4 years ago I had a massive bleed in both eyes and lost central vision in one and the other badly damaged. I can only assume it was due to going about 5 months without Eylea injections. Didn’t realise I was being used as a guinea pig without my consent. Still makes me very angry. Trust all is well at your end. Happy New Year - keep safe from that virus and let’s hope this year will be better for us all. Bobbie x
Sorry to hear that, Bobbie. I can only hope you find peace and calm in the new year, along with improvement of your eye and overall health.
Hi Bobbie, I have had this black circle in my central vision at night and I can’t see through it very well, but my peripheral vision can pick things up better. I can’t see my black doorknobs or other darker objects, but other things are easier to see. I’m really worried about this considering I’m only 20 years old and still in college. I’m sorry to hear about your condition, and I would appreciate some insight on my problem. I am scheduled for an eye exam in a couple of days, and I am extremely nervous. I don’t want to lose my vision.
Hey Ryan ! I'm 19yo too and I see this too. What's your update ? I'm planning to see a doc too and I'm anxious about it. I can see this circle if I blink fast in dark or just simply see it in dark . Pls reply :/
Hi Arin, no update as of yet, but it may be getting slightly more noticeable at night. The eye doctor said everything appeared to be fine, which was discouraging considering how bothersome this problem is for me. Please let me know if you are okay after your doctor's visit. Hopefully some good can come out of this! I've felt so isolated, so it's nice knowing I'm not going through this alone. Please update me!
Oh my gosh. CSC sounds like a highly unsettling issue, even just a mild case. l feel that in some people's situations it may also be e a sudden spike in blood pressure for whatever reason. I get the same thing during these times. Occasionally accompanied by shortness of breath and even lightheadedness. It is also at times followed by a headache and lethargy. Mine us due to anaemia and already naturally having low blood pressure. Spikes are very common for me and have quite exaggerated symptoms so it is a lot easier to pinpoint.
this is an old thread but i am experiencing this now. i was living in black mold for months and this started after i moved out so just 2 nights now. for those of you with a clean eye exam get tested for mold this could be the root cause. also look for vitamin deficiencies. i am very low in Vit A now due to digestive issues and a limited diet
Hi my hubby has this
Hi everyone, has any one topic ever run for so long?
When I first posted it, my sight wasn’t too bad but after a massive bleed, I lost central vision in one eye and the other badly scared. It has taken me a long time to come to terms with the outcome. Charles Bonnet Syndrome is now my bug bare. Only happens at night but it sure puts me off going to bed. Best wishes to you all and thanks for all the interesting posts. Bobbie
I have this also.... I dread going to bed too... Seems to of all started with seeing the black blobs and now I see the images in this upon waking... So disturbing
It is terrible isn't it..I wake up each night with it.. I have read it probably decrease over time. Hope this is true.
It certainly is terrible. I have just had 3 nights in a row with no problems. I have also read that in most cases it does eventually go away. I have lost count of when it started. It seems to come and go. I recently lost my dear husband after 67 years of marriage. I have wondered if your state of mind also contributes to it. Wishing you a peaceful sleep. Xx
So sorry to hear about your husband ❤️ Yes I am sure state of mind influences this.
I am hoping I will learn to cope a bit better with these night visions. X
I expect you have also read about blinking to make the image go away. Who is that alert in the middle of the night? At least for me, they do not hang around but it still upsets me. X
Yes I do the blinking or look at a light and they do go away. I suppose though the upset is caused by the disoriented feeling of just waking up to seeing these.I tend to sleep now with a light on.. Seems to make things less intense. I am always more happy when daylight arrives.x
This just started happening about a week ago after using Flonase. When I wake up and open my eyes I see a black blob that instantly shrinks to nothing. Blinking rapidly brings it back. It's only visible in dim conditions, not during the day. Opthalmologist and CT scan said everything was fine. Ugh. Hoping it goes away.
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