Need Help With Eye Problems!

[wildflower4ever1961]

I was wondering if anyone has had this problem/heard of it.  

For quite some time now (years), I have had 2 things happening with my eyes.  They are getting worse.  

(1) String-like "floaters" in both eyes.  They started out looking like a small strand of loose thread, but gradually they have "grown" and now look like a lasso - - a long rope that is tied into a loop at one end.  There's even a "knot" formation where the "strand" meets to tie-off the "lasso".  If I really take time to study it, it looks like the strand is made up of individual cells all connected together in one long, looped strand.

(2) At no particular time, my field of vision will be drastically reduced. It's like someone poured oil over a big portion of my field of vision and I cannot make out what is under the oil.  The skinny "line" between the oily portion and the non-oily portion looks like someone connected a bunch of pyramid shaped silvery "prisms" into a rope.  I cannot make out faces or anything.  This usually starts out covering about a third of what I should be seeing, and over maybe a 20 minute period will encompass about half of what I should be seeing ... then it will go away.  It has lasts for up to an hour.  I can be driving, watching tv, reading ... doesn't seem to matter.  I have taken my BP during this time, and there is no difference.  

I am 44 years old, so of course my vision is getting bad.  BUT, when I was younger, the doctors said I had better than normal vision ... I had to wear dark shades to filter the lights.

HELP!
Teresa

[DSallee]

Wow, this is intersting... I have the exact same problem with one addition though... after the "lasos and oil looking coverage" once it get to about 75% coverage (can't see a thing and it's usually only in one eye, my left eye (good eye), it goes away then I usually have a REALLY bad headache... I have had these since I was about 10 and I'm 43 now.

When I was younger (10) I went to the Dr and he pretty much thought I was nuts and told my mother don't worry about it.... so, I have just delt with it. ...


Now, at 43, I still get them, about 6 times a year and I have also worn glasses most of my life... various prescriptions..

now, the last two years or so, I am getting double vision in my left eye, usually happens after being on the computer for extended periods of time... went to the Dr, checked me out and prescribed new glasses but it still happens and is getting worse...

Dave

[wildflower4ever1961]

Thank you! Thank you!  I have copied this info to take with me to a Dr. visit ..... everytime I have gone to have my eyes checked, I have been "dismissed" as if I had no problems.  It is extremely hurtful to stand in front of a doctor, knowing that there is some kind of a problem, whether small or large, and having him/her act like you are stupid!  You are the first to actually acknowledge that there could be a problem.  Again, THANK YOU!

Teresa

[Forum-OD-MP]

number 1 is the most common complaint on this board.  those are called "floaters" and everyone over the age of say 25 has a few.  not much can be done about them.  as long as they are relatively stable, you have no vision loss that doesnt return, and you dont suddenly get a lot more or a very large one, you're fine.  they're annoying but not fixable.

number 2 is more interesting.  if the vision comes back, then we are not talking about any kind of retinal problem.  this does not sound like retinal detachment or hole or tear or anything significant.  in my mind it sounds like:

1) migraine aura or "ocular migraine".  a form of migraine without headache.  not life or sight threatening, but would likely need rx medications (migraine meds) to control.  a temporary change in blood flow to the eye from constricted or dilated blood vessels associated with a neurochemical change.  

2) hypotension like postural hypotension.  a temporary change in blood flow to the eye from a vascular or heart problem.  would need rx bloodpressure medication (not necessarily high blood pressure medication...possibly LOW bp meds).  even if you dont have high or low blood pressure, you could have quickly fluctuating blood pressure

3) carotid artery stenosis.  a change in blood flow to the eye caused by cholesterol plaque buildup in the carotid artery.  would need cholesterol meds and possibly blood pressure meds...maybe even a surgical procedure to increase the blood flow

you need further testing.  you need to get a physical, blood work up, and testing for blood pressure, cholesterol and migraines migraines