What causes eye floaters?

[Shellshack]

I have recently been to a neurologist with multiple symtoms including floaters in my left eye.  They are dark floating spots that I see on a daily basis only in my left eye.  I do sometimes see bright little white spots, but not as often.  The nuero wanted me to go see an opthamologist, which I have an apt. in one week.  I am being tested for MS also.  I have had many different test, one which was an EMG.  The nuero said I had something going on with my neck after performing this test.  The nuero tech said the 'floaters' could be caused by whatever is going on with my neck.  I am just very confused and wanted to know if this is true?  I do have astigmatism and wear glasses.  I have been seeing the floaters for about two months now and daily.  I guess my questions are can you see floaters because of something wrong with the nerves in your neck?  And do you see floaters as a result of demylenation of MS?  I know I'll get some answers at my apt. next week, but I am just trying to get some kind of information to tide me over.  And what should I expect at my eye apt?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

Nothing going on in your neck will cause floaters. The neuro tech "mispoke" (currently in vogue especially by politicians).

Keep the apt with the eye MD ophthalmologist.


JCH II MD

[Shellshack]

Thank you for your response.  I went to the opthamologist this morning.  He didn't find anything wrong that suggest MS.  He told me about why I'm seeing floaters and said they should eventually disappear.  He wants to see me again in a month for a follow-up and make sure my eye hasn't gotten any worse.  I feel better now that I've gone because I feell like that's one positive thing against hearing I might have MS.

Thanks.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

Hope things keep going your way. pleased with the good check up.

JCH III MD

[ken73045]

I've had floaters for many years -- the dr. said they are not dangerous, more of a pesky nuisance.  At times I don't notice them -- other times they drive me crazy.  Depends on what I'm doing (reading, viewing the computer screen, etc.).  As far as having them disappear, I've heard different stories.  Some say a vitamin supplement will help them to disappear.  I'm not sure, as I've taken the normal supplements and nothing seems to make them better.

Good luck and the good news is that they aren't dangerous.