Spot in Vision

[carolina2006]

Hi.  I have had this black/gray spot in my vision for over a year now.  It always seems like it is in the same spot which is just to the lower right of my central vision.  It moves when I move my eye and I notice it more when I look at a computer screen or am outside.  It reminds me of a floater except it is always there and in the same spot (and is darker than my usual floaters).  I do get migraines with aura which I have had for many years.  I have had a MRI with and without contrast and a CT scan which came out fine.  I also have had numerous eye exams (the main ones for glaucoma) which they said came out fine.  I just want to have an idea of what this could be becuase it is really bothersome and it does scare me sometimes.  Could it be damage from a migraine and is it something to worry about?  Could this be a floater that just won't go away and if it is how come the eye doctor could not see it?  Just a little more info:  23 years old, female, and I do have alot of anxiety and stress.

[carolina2006]

Back in June I had a visual field test done which they said was normal by my optometrist.  They also had me look at an Amsler Grid which I really couldn't tell that anything was wrong with it.  They also dilated my eyes and looked at my optic nerve.  They did another test which is when I looked in a machine and a bunch of red rays moved in circles and they said that it tested for damage to the back of my eye.  It also came back normal.  I don't know if any of that stuff is the tests that you mentioned, that is why I described them.  I also went to an optic nerve specialist that said that my optic nerve was a little large but looked healthy.  So was any of that the tests that you mentioned?  Can you tell me what else I might have to have done or does that help pin point the problem?  Can floaters last for years and never move?  Thank you for all of your help!!  This thing whatever it is is driving me crazy.

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

I suggest an automated visual field test like Zeiss/Humphry or Octopus to map out the blind spot.  Amsler grid testing and a dilated retinal exam with macular photos and OCT scan might show the abnormality which could be in the retina, vitreous or perhaps optic nerve.  This could also be just a big, stationary floater as well.  Of course you should have a complete workup by an ophthalmologist.

MJK MD