Floaters and Stars

[paulnmysti]

1 week ago I began seeing what appear to be tiny stars that fade out and do not move. I have had floaters for over 3 years. I have gone to 3 different opthomologists for my floaters and all have said that my vision is fine and that they are normal. I have type II diabetes. They have all said that I don't have glaucoma or any signs of diabetic retinopathy. I am 33 years old.This last episode of "seeing stars" has concerned me, though.
In October of 2007, I had what my opthomologist called an "optic migraine" but haven't had one since. I have had no vision loss, in fact my vision is almost 20/20, but I am still worried about these stars. My next follow up with my opthomologist is in March. Should I be concerned?

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Well two things stand out - you were last examined about 3 months ago and you are seeing "stars" that fade away, which I'm not exactly sure I understand completely.  All I can say is that since you are seeing a new problem, you should make an appointment to see your ophthalmologist again for another dilated exam.  I can' t tell if  you are just noticing floaters in a unique way, whether you have vitreous traction and flashes, or some variant of visual migraines, or some other type of transient visual obscurations that cannot be explained.  Good Luck.

MJK MD

[paulnmysti]

Forgot to add that I had dilated eye exam with all opthomologists.