Back from the optometrist, floaters?

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I've been having trouble with my sight for a couple months with the little specs moving around (if I'd look at the sky, a white wall, etc), so finally I went to see the optometrist (I was supposed to go in about a month, but had enough of these). I explained to her about it (I researched online before and basicly found that they are probably floaters, which there is no cure for, and they usually don't hurt you), and she did a couple things, and told me my eyes look really healthy. I then went and ordered new glasses and contacts (small perscription change), and they said I was on my way.

Is there anything I can do to prevent these "floaters" for a little while? They are really annoying! I had hoped that I could get some type of help by going to the optometrist, but I guess they really can't do anything for me. Most importantly, my eyes are healthy (which is what I was worried about).

Anyone have any remidies?

Thanks!

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

I have floaters too, but no cure ! I think being nearsighted(I am) makes one more susceptible. It can be annoying. I have a large one the Dr. said could actually block my vision in one area if it is in the right place! Try to forget about them, that is my best remedy !

*Edited to change the spelling of "forget"-the floater must have been blocking my vision as I typed

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I'm nearsighted, too. This sucks. Atleast I know I'm not alone. Wonder if they'll ever go away?

Anyone else have them?

 

[dizneegirl]

Close your eyes.

That's the only way I know to get rid of them! LOL!

 

[dizneenut]

I get them occasionally, too (I'm also near-sighted) and they drive me nuts!

 

[Buckalew]

I have had a few floaters since I was about 20yo. The eye doctor told me they came with age... at 20???

I still have them at 37yo and they aren't worse--about the same, really. He did tell me that if they got bigger to get to the doctor asap as that can be a sign of a detached retina.

I have often thought there was a gnat in my sprite or something like that because of these pesky floaters...

 

[Boots]

Floaters, ah you might as well get used to them. I will be 49 the last day of this month and have had them for about 30 years. Same ones and they are aggravating. I have one that I notice when I read, moves along with the words. I have one that settles right next to my preachers head. The time they aggravate me the most though is at the beach, especially the gulf beach. Wish I knew something we could do, but alas I don't! {{{{HUGS}}}}

 

[Pin Wizard]

I've had floaters for as long as I can remember. I guess since that first eye exam in first grade when I needed glasses. A couple docs told me that my mom may have bumped into something in the 3rd month of pregnancy when the eyes were forming. With that in mind, I was REALLY careful when DS was in the 3rd month. I agree...they are annoying as anything.

 

[CamColt]

Ive had them at least since I was 14. Supposedly mine are caused by problems I have with my retinas. They can be annoying at times(especially when looking at a computer screen), but sometimes I hardly notice them.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

So, I'm gonna have to live with this for the rest of my life? I'm really sick of it, day after day! Especially out on the road - when driving, does it ever really bother you? Is this pretty common to have?

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate being able to discuss things and have people relate to them. Guess that's why the DIS is so wonderful!

 

[cotye]

My mother had this problem a few years ago.... in Nov 2000, they had found that her retina detached in her left eye. To make a long story short, she had 3 surgeries and the problem has not really been corrected. She is essentially blind in that eye now as scar tissue keeps forming and tearing the retina off. She's now going to the Canadian Institute for the Blind to help train her how to read again, take the bus etc. Quite hard on our family and suffice to say, a whole lot of tears have been shed over this.

 

[A kid at heart]

Would lasik help?(then you would no longer be nearsighted!)

 

[krazyboutWDW]

Although I have never had floaters my mom had them (for more than fifteen years) and never had any problems with them. DH however had them and went to our friend who is an Opthamologist (sp?) who warned him (as Buckalew said) that if they get worse suddenly or if he started seeing bright lights suddenly, to get back to him ASAP. Well sure enough a few months later that happened and DH did have a detached retina.

I really think that for the overwhelming majority of people, floaters are primarily a nuisance that people just kind of get used to.