Eye floaters.

[ludo]

Hi everyone I have GPA and a couple of days ago I developed what I think is a floater in my left eye. It's like a black dot and fuzziness around that. My eye feels odd sort of bulging. I can't get an appointment with my optician until next week. I was wondering if anyone has had this and if I should seek more urgent attention through my GP given I have vasculitis. Your thoughts on this will be most welcome.

[PMRpro]

If you are really concerned and the eye feels strange then a visit to A&E/ER may be called for.

By definition a floater floats - it moves, will go away at times - and if it doesn't it needs to be checked out. A GP won't be able to do anything - they don't have sensitive enough instruments.

[ludo in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for replying. I have managed to get an appointment with the optician tomorrow now. I'm hoping it is just floaters. It does move when I move my eye so sounds like it. Fingers crossed. Best wishes

[hamble99b Volunteer]

any optician should check it for you. I had to do it once.

[ludo in reply to hamble99b]

Many thanks. I have managed to get an appointment tomorrow. I've never had anything like it so panicked a bit. Be glad to get it checked out.

[Suzym2u Moderator Vasculitis UK]

How did your appointment go? John has one , it started about 12 months ago. He has it checked every 3 months or so. To date it has not changed from the first appointment. John's is because of little fragments of the lining of the eye have become detached.

[Suzym2u Moderator Vasculitis UK in reply to Suzym2u]

John just has one floater but it is quite large, this is why he has to have regular 3 month checks just to check it is not changing.

[ludo in reply to Suzym2u]

Hi Suzy apparently my eye a

Looks healthy and my vision is good but the jelly like substance is more watery than it should which can cause the jelly to detached. I've been referred to hospital eye clinic should be seen within 4weeks. This is to get a more detailed picture of the eye. Reassuring in some respects but not others. I've to go back immediately if I get flashing lights or increased debri. I would probably go to A&E if that happens.

Thanks to everyone for their replies and concern. I will let you know the outcome of my hospital visit. Best wishes Ludo

[deniseann]

I've had floaters since 2012 in both eyes and in the beginning was told the would get better or I would get use to them and ignore them .Well its not happened and I have yet again been referred back to my original consultant .To which ihae just received a letter to say they have put me on his waiting list ☺ x

[AndrewT]

Dear ludo,

IF your problem is 'just' a floater/floaters the there is no cause for concern. My concern is that it's might not be-does this make any sense? I have 'hundreds, maybe thousands, of these 'bits' myself and my vision-just checked before Christmas-is spot on. Could I read the bottom line? Yes easily!

I don't mean to sound flippant above, sorry if it sounded that way, but this is something I have to be very carful about. The Vasculitis first attached my eyes-so 'they' do have to keep a close watch, on me.

I do hope all goes well for you ludo-please let us know, will you?

Very best wishes AndrewT

[ludo in reply to AndrewT]

Hi Andrew I've sent a reply to Suzy if you can't read it could you let me know and I will update you.

Many thanks for taking the time to reply.

Best wishes. Ludo

[AndrewT in reply to ludo]

Dear Ludo,

Yes I have viewed your reply. Please also accept my best wishes also. If any of us can be of any further help then please do let us know.

Happy New year, once again.

AndrewT

[Mgtrob]

My son has WG which was diagnosed in 2008. Last year he had a flare up which threatened his eye sight. One eye was bulging & touching his glasses. I would see your Doctor. Ours sent him straight to the Eye Infirmary with him having WG & they kept him in.

[ludo]

Gosh. Hope he's ok now and it wasn't too serious. I've been referred to hospital too

[Mgtrob in reply to ludo]

He was sent home from the eye infirmary after an overnight stay then recalled by ENT where his eyes were monitored over 24 hours. It was a flare up & they discovered a thrombosis in his juggular vein. He then had 7 months of chemo but managed to compete in triathlons all through his treatment. As he has had intermittent probs with eyes our family Docs always refer him straight to Eye Infirmary. Hope all goes well for you & remember no two people are ever the same.

[Hidden]

Sounds like an excellent eye infirmary whichever it was

[Peggy76]

I have them on & off for several years ...only told its cataracts & 1 is worse than the other so wait until both can be done together ...I found that strange as surely 1at a time would be easier ..but optition @hospital says otherwise .

Peggy ❤️

[ludo]

Yes hospital said floaters but to look out for a shower of them or flashing lights which can be a sign of detached retina which needs immediate treatment. Hopefully it won't come to that.

Hope you get your cataracts sorted soon.

Best wishes

[dianamarie]

Hi, when I saw your post I had to reply... I too had the same symptom, and went to see an eye doctor thinking I needed stronger prescription. She was veryconcerned and sent me immediately to see an eye specialist.

it was a very serious eye disease that starts as a black dot, but then progresses into snake-like scars all over the retina, which can eventually take over your vision! I am now completely blind in my left eye, and partially in my right...and this was with early diagnosis and treatment, I am very lucky to still see at all! So please, I implore you to see an eye specialist immediately, do not assume it's just a floater!

Blessings and best wishes to you!

[ludo]

Thanks for your concern dianamarie. I've been seen at the hospital who say it's posterior vitreous detachment which is quite common apparently but needs watching in cas it develops into a detached retina.

I'm sorry to hear you have lost your sights.

Wishing you well