Sudden onset of FLOATERS in one eye

[Diane007]

I suddenly started having floaters a few weeks ago. I have heard of them before and always heard they were totally harmless. I thought they were happening in both eyes until this morning I shut one eye and they went away. So I am having tons of floaters (like a shower of black spots) in my right eye and never before had any prior to this. I am DX with Fibro and RA and take Lyrica (300mg) everyday for about 1.5 years and have had great results with minor side effects. I am on an antibiotic (Keflex) right now for a sinus infection....not sure if that matters.

So my question is.....I know floaters are normal and people can have them all their life, but mine happened so sudden and they are all the time. Do you think it is a side effect from my meds? Or a side effect from fibro/RA? Or would this be a totally different issue?

Thanks!!

[VaBreeze]

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/eye-floaters/DS01036

Here is a link that will provide you more insight into floaters.  They are typically harmless and most people experience it at some time or other.

If you had just begun the Lyrica it could have been that, however, since you've been on it for over a year if this was a side-effect it would have occurred before now.  At the rate that you describe having them, you should see your physician.  They can also be indicative of some type of inflammation.

Take care and I hope you can see your physician soon about this.

[RobinHood70]

Yeah, I agree with VaBreeze...go see a doctor, just to be sure.  Floaters are normally harmless, but it's unusual to get a lot of them at once.  It may be coincidence, and a lot of people with CFS (and I'm guessing FMS) do report increased amounts of them, but all-of-a-sudden is definitely odd.

I remember reading a while back about some kind of "vitrious detachment" or some such thing, where basically the gel-like liquid in your eye pulls away from the wall temporarily and would cause a similar effect, so it could be that or something like it.  But one way or the other, it definitely would be a good idea to go see a doctor, preferably an opthamologist if there's one readily accessible.

[sgolder]

If you are experiencing an sudden onset of floaters in a significant quantity, PLEASE go and see your Doctor, optometrist or an opthamologist as soon as you can. Yes, for the most part floaters are harmless and most people gets them occasionally, but only one or two. It may be nothing, but if there is an inflamation (inflammation) or illness causing the floaters, the quicker you seek treatment the better. I, myself suffer an inflamatory eye condition that causes floaters and have had three episodes in nine years and each time I have sought prompt treatment and I still have reasonable sight in my eye for doing so.
Better to be safe than sorry.

[tjoan910canadian]

Definately .....see a doctor...just in case.......I have floaters and I saw an "eye doctor" and they were confirmed.....I do find that they are more noticable in sunshine or in bright lights....mostly I have have one large one and two much smaller ones.......and although harmless are quite bothersome.....

[Diane007]

Thank you all for your comments. I saw my family Dr. that day (just for a med refill not because of the floaters) and I did mention it to him. He said the same thing all of you said-see an opthamologist right away for the same reasons you all said! Wow, you all were right on! I will make an appt on Monday and update then. Thanks again so much!!!

[Me967]

Just a thought.  I get these also sometimes.  I call them my little spirits.  LOL  With me it's usually when my BP and HR are elevated or jumping around.  I also have one eye that twitches, (like muscle spasms) it don't hurt but waters alot.  I don't know if that helped.  Just putting in my two cents.  Take care.

[klassyfide]

I too have RA and sudden floaters. I have had occasional floaters but never like this.
I did a google search for floaters and RA and there is a connection. The inflammation can cause it and can be serious - retinal detachment.

[Caroline565]

I have floaters since I was a young child. They are always present but at times I seem to see more of them and in a variety of patterns. They are also commom with FMS. It is always wise to consult a doctor with any new or unusual symptoms just to be on the safe side.

I have also a vitrial detachement, however, that was a strange event, not realated to the fibro as far as I know. I believe it is more "age related". I kept feeling like something was in my eye earlier in the day, then by night I was experiencing flashes of light on the side of my right eye. I now have a different type of floater, a blurry spot that swims around with the rest of the crowd. They can not do anything for the detachment but keep a close watch on the retina. Anything having to do with the eyes I think is very important to have checked.

[patsy10]

Floaters are a common symptom in lyme disease as well.