Vitreous detachment?

[Laterider21958]

Similar problem developed in my eyes beginning 4 years ago. Initially I experienced a zig-zag semi-circle of bright white light spasmodically in my left eye and eventually it almost completed a circle. This would last for about 30 minutes before gradually disappearing. Very worrying. Then I realised that my vision had masses of tiny falling "bubbles" only noticeable when out in the sunlight. Visited my optician and he took photos of my retinas and tested eye pressure. He told me that it was something that some of us experience with age when the viscosity of the gel behind the retina changes and pull away from the back of the eye and that it could possibly cause a detached retina at some time if I was unlucky. (He said that this could be identified by having basically a portion of vision missing and that if this occurred I would need to seek medical attention within 24 hours. After that time it's unlikely that a retina could be reattached.) He said detached retinas could be experienced after heavy falls or jolts etc. So I guess bungy jumping would not be advised.

Every now and then I experience flashes of white light (resembling lightning) if I quickly look up and down, but the zig-zag effect has stopped. I now have flecks of small darkish lines that seem to very slowly sink slightly, as well as the bubbles. All of this is more noticeable in bright light situations, but not when wearing sunglasses or inside. The right eye has the bubbles too now, but I didn't experience the zig-zags or flashes. Don't know if this is all I'll have to contend with or if I can expect more floaters in the future. I'm 53. Don't you love old age!!!!!

[tulip]

Laterider, I really hope you go to an opthomologist (as opposed to an optometrist) soon.

[ShubieGA]

I second Tulip's post. Get to an ophthalmologist, with retina and vitreous specialty. It's better to be safe. They may do some additional tests and monitor. I had retina and vitreous issues several years ago, and now have minimal sight in one eye. Tulip is right, you only have 2 eyes.