Seeing "flies"

[jennyj]

Yesterday I started seeing what I thought was flies. It only happened a handful of times but it was just kind of strange to me. It has happened at least once today. Any idea what this is?? I have a Dr. appt. on Tuesday. I feel fine it's just kind of odd. Thanks for any info.

[AliB]

Could be 'floaters'. I have had those for years. They are quite common and appeared when I was in my early 20's, although I am not aware of having had any more since. I was very carb intolerant even back then and used to get a lot of hypos - could well have been to do with the carb intolerance, you never know. I also wonder if you have any deficiency that could be behind it. No-one seems to know why it happens, but there must be a reason for it!

It is due to little tiny bleeds into the fluid in the eye. They 'float' around as you move your eye. You will notice them more if you look at a white background. If you look up abruptly they will gradually 'float' downwards.

I am diabetic and occasionally get small bleeds into the back of the eye which can partially obscure my sight slightly. If they are in or near the centre I am aware of them when I am reading, or looking at the screen. If I close my eyes after looking at a bright object, like the screen, I can see them as a light-coloured blob. Neither are major problems - the floaters are still there after years but I am so used to them I don't notice them any more. The small bleeds into the back of the eye tend to disappear after a few weeks.

Might be as well to mention this sensation to your doctor and get it checked. It likely is one of the above, but for peace of mind it would be good to know exactly what it is.

[kbtoyssni]

I'm guessing floaters, too. Practically everyone has some. But if the number suddenly increases a lot, you should get it checked out. My dad had two torn retinas and his symptoms were flashing/stars and increased floaters.

[Mom23boys]

Are you getting enough good sleep and/or protein?? My eyes check out perfect as far as floaters and all that stuff goes. Yet, if the kids have had a nightmare and woken me or the cats fight or whatever and I don't get my sleep I have those. Same with protein. If I don't get a good start to the day or too many sweet type things, here they come again.

[jennyj]

Thanks for the help. I do not get alot of sleep but I never really do sleep well at night. I will try adding some more protein the next few days. Thanks again for the info. It is good to know that it isn't something that no one else has ever had.

[debmidge]

Possible reasons for seeing "flies"

1) Floaters

2) "migraine equivalent" or neurological in origin

3) torn retina

4) high blood sugar

5) blocked artery

6) signs of an oncoming stroke or mini-stroke

Please talk to doctor about this episode; you may need to see an opthamologist and have a blood test. Best wishes, D.