Dark spot seen when looking towards nose

[Jen77]

I've noticed this for a long time, hopefully it's nothing. This happens in both eyes. Whenever I look really hard off to the side, the eye looking towards my nose sees a dark spot. It gets bigger and smaller if I turn my head back and forth. I can also see the spot, although it looks more bright (instead of dark), with my eyes close when I move my eyes in this way.

It reminds me of when you rub your eye and you see light circles. I had just figured that my eye was pushed as far as it would go, and giving me the same sensation as if I were rubbing it. Someone else told me they don't get that though, so I became concerned. I do have an eye doctor appointment next week, but was curious if this is something to worry about?

Thank you!

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

You are welcome JCH MD

[Jen77]

Thank you Dr. Hagan. I'm hoping it's something as simple as that, but will make sure and follow up!

[Jen77]

Who I'm seeing is an Optometrist, so he can help diagnosis certain disorders. I realize my insurance will cover an Opthalmologist, but here that is considered a specialist, and I will require a referral to do so. It will probably take a number of weeks to get in to one of those here as well. So my best bet right now is to keep my appointment next week, and see if my Optometrist feels I need further care by a specialist. Thanks.

[AnnaE]

A ophthalmologist is an eye doctor--no other name for it. If your insurance covers eye doctors, they will cover this,

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

yes it could be a phosphene or entopic phenomena

JCH MD

[Jen77]

Thanks for the reply! It is something that I have had as far back as I can remember. So it isn't sudden. It really only happens when I really look hard over to the side, and in both eyes. I'm certain my eye doctor isn't a opthalmologist, unfortunately with my insurance I'll probably require a referral for that. Something I'll ask him about next week.

I have read about Phosphenes. Is it possible that it could be some kind of form of that?

I appreciate all your help!

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

You know it could be your nose you're seeing and I'm not kidding.

See an Eye MD ophthalmologist and ask to schedule a visual field exam while you're there. Find an eye MD at www.aao.org  If the "eye doctor" you're seeing is not an MD ophthalmologist reschedule with a real physician.

If this were a short term problem that just came up we would be concerned about a retinal detachment.

JCH MD

[AnnaE]

I would go today or tomorrow at the latest. Call the doctor and tell him now what you see.
I do not want to alarm you, but it needs to be checked.