Yes, a few years ago I noticed driving at night that I was seeing flashing specs. I got worried but the doctor assured me all was ok. They eventually went away. DH has had them too.

If this floater is just one or two, it may dimish with time and hopefully its a singular event. However, it may be a harbinger of nastier things to come. Your doc is correct to keep close watch on these.

Diabetes can set up conditions to create floaters. Have you been checked for diabetes, or diseases of the eye?

Sorry about your vision problem, Glenda. Please be sure to see your eye doc on Monday.

Linda

No diabetes, thank goodness.
Opthamologist just said they are BIRTHDAY GIFTS as you get older, as long as no flashes.
The older one has stablizied, hope this one will, as it is just starting.

Just hate OLD AGE!

Oh gosh Glenda. After hearing about that I would say I agree with you! I'd hate it too. You'd think we could have something good to look forward to as we age,but noooo! LOL
(((Glenda)))

It is a good thing I am not afraid of spiders....have floaters in both eyes but never as bad as the first one, which flashed for almost a year.

I think I have what you're talking about and have had them for as long as I can remember. Back when I was a kid. Looks like little squiggles when you look at something white. Is that it?

Yep,I have them too off and on.Drives me nuts sometimes but so far nothing seriously wrong with my eyes.Something I hate even worse is when a nerve in my eye will twitch! That is really annoying.

I don't think they go away. At least my eye doctor said they would continue to be there, but my brain would eventually tune them out. I think he is right because every once in a while, especially in the dark, that flashing re-appears. I hate it that my husband told me how old I am (LOL) last year. When that happened, everything started to fall apart...yes, it is his fault. And it was so much more fun to "not know" my age.

Thought I would share this information about eye floaters.

Here is a link that might be useful: All about Eye Floaters

Have them--both eyes--and have for about 20 years now. They're most noticeable when they first appear. After a while, your brain gets used to them being there and 'ignores' them most of the time, I find. Basically just a function of your eyes aging. Last year I had one that was producing flashing several times a day, for many months. Flashes can be signals of a number of things, but according to my opthalmologist, they can be caused by the bit of material trying to pull away--according to her, your eye can't say 'ouch' so it flashes instead (I really wanted to reply by asking, "What am I? Six years old?" but I guess her explanation was as good as any other).

Here's some more good news (not!)--according to DD, the optician--floaters are actually the first step down the road to cataracts, part of the process.

Still, with any change in eyesight or condition of the eyes, it's always worth checking in with your opthalmologist (always an opthalmologist for eye health issues, NOT an optometrist--they are NOT medical drs). There are so many eye conditions that can be effectively treated if caught early.

What do your floaters look like? Do they hold still long enough to get a good glimpse?

My floaters look like
1)strings of bacteria from a petri dish,
2)believe it or not, some look like little tadpoles (or little sperms!) Doc laughed when I told him that!!!

I'm with you Glenda...about the 'getting old' deal!! Went to my eye Dr on Thursday-been having headaches every day and was due for a 2 yr eye exam. Dr found a fast growing cataract in my left eye. DARN! I know it's no biggie to get it removed but methinks I'll wait until autumn if I can. The new lenses set me back $300 and I HAVE TO have them NOW. Obviously-the strength will change & I'll need a new prescription following surgery, so I'm going to get my $300 worth while I can! Grrrr (64 yr old Sharon growling, as she exits this post!)

Glenda, I've had floaters since my 20s. Over the years they have gotten to be more numerous. Acey, that is what mine looked like most of the time but now they seem to be attracted to each other and they're bigger globs. A real nuisance when I'm trying to read.

My DH said he had cobwebs in his eyes finally went to the doctor and had cataract removed from both eyes after that everything was fine, he did say at night the oncoming car lights looked like 4th July sparklers before the surgery.

Sharon--are you on medicare? or is it in your near future? Because medicare usually helps with the first pair of lenses after cataract surgery. You will need to check on the benefits in your state--they do vary from place to place. But if at all possible, try putting off the surgery until you're covered under medicare. I know my mom got her next pair of glasses totally free after hers.

I think I have had them almost all my life. I remember when I was a little kid, laying on my back staring at clouds to see what shapes they were and seeing specks. I have noticed a lot more lately. I hate getting old!
Clare

I've had the floaters and flashing lights too, Glenda, and yes, it comes with age and the formation of cataracts. My eye doctor keeps close tabs on mine. Mine seem to come and go.

Off to get my FLOATERS' checked!

Floaters and phantom eyelashes and flashing lights here too. Sure enough, I am growing cataracts. My eye doctor said to come back in a year, but I don't think I can wait quite that long. Left eye vision is just deteriorating so fast!

My vision has changed from 20/20 to 20/25.
Store bought reading glasses still acceptable.
Cataracts starting but just a tiny bit right now.
Will go back in a year.