Eyes - Floaters

[Speedo1968]

14 hours ago, Sheryl said:

A heart rate in the 30's is never normal and suggests a serious problem.  If true you need urgently to see a cardiologist.

 

That BP is also a worry, but HR most of all. How are you measuring this?

 

P.S. Your diet has nothing to do with the floaters.

Thank you Sheryl for your reply.

 

I have a BP / heart monitor at home and check daily, try to with match results with certain activities.   My BP systolic is always down after walking and diastolic stays almost the same.

Yes, my heart rate is lower than the norm of 60.     It was higher when I first came out of hospital end of June then, as my condition improved and I exercised more my HR started to go down.    It normally goes up after my 3km + walk each morning / evening to between 38 - 45.  

 

In my early teens until my late 20's I used to do competitive swimming ( sprint and distance and sea racing ); also surfing.   This would have undoubtedly increased my heart size then, when such exercise stopped my heart became weaker.   My daughter suffered a similar problem after she gave up competition swimming.

 

My hospital doctor in KK who deals with my TIA's etc has never questioned my heart rate, although one of the nurses at check in has when taking readings.   I had a walking test in the hospital a long time ago and was out of breath within a very short time.    Will see about an appointment with a cardiologist.

 

Thank you for the PS about diet.

[Speedo1968]

On 9/11/2017 at 3:10 PM, VocalNeal said:

What he said. They could only be visual migraine on the other hand they could be symptoms of a detached retina which needs to get sorted quickly.

Thanks for the reply.

Had migraine for years from my teens 1950's, stopped about 18 years ago.  Normally "weekend migraines".   Never had floaters but have needed glasses for reading for 20 years.

Hadn't considered a detached retina, thanks for pointing that out.

[Speedo1968]

On 9/11/2017 at 5:13 PM, bubba said:

I also had similar symptoms several years ago. I noticed an increase in floaters and then a large one appeared when I woke up one morning. I recalled that this could be a symptom of the beginning of retinal detachment, so I called in to Rutnin Eye Hospital to get an appointment. As soon as they heard my symptoms, then asked me to come in straight away. I saw a retinal specialist who confirmed it was the beginning of a detachment and I was in emergency surgery late that afternoon.

 

Retinal detachment is a medical emergency. If you begin to see what appears to be a black curtain coming up in your field of vision, that is the detachment beginning. I actually saw that happening just before my surgery. As the detachment increases and you see more black, the less chance you have of keeping your sight. 

 

If you are in Bangkok, I would highly recommend Rutnin, and also Dr. Roy there, a retinal specialist who did his medical school and residencies in the USA. I am very grateful for his skill - he saved the eyesight in my right eye.

Thanks buuba for your information.

Never considered a retinal detachment, thought that only came from sudden stress to the eye from very high BP or, a physical impact.   I have known people with this problem from no apparent cause, both eyes affected.

Will seek out a good specialist locally ( Khon Kaen ).

[Speedo1968]

On 9/11/2017 at 6:38 PM, csabo said:

Stop eating the mushrooms

How can you NOT eat mushrooms in Thailand.   Maybe it's those from the early morning market pavement sellers.

[Speedo1968]

On 9/11/2017 at 7:43 PM, Sheryl said:

Floaters are common as you age, but sudden new appearance of them should always be assessed by an opthalmologist to rule out a serious causes such as  uveitis or retina detachment. Odds are the doctor will say all is fine and these are just age related floaters, but better safe than sorry.

 

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eye-floaters/basics/causes/con-20033061

Many thanks Sheryl.

My apologies for late response.

Yes, will go see a doctor at my local hospital or in Khon Kaen, any recommended hospital in KK ?

[Speedo1968]

On 9/12/2017 at 6:58 AM, JackGarbo said:

Floaters are a natural part of aging.  The translucent floaters are congealed bits of vitreous humor, the liquid that fills the eyeball (keep it inflated), about which nothing can be done. The "black ants" are tiny blobs of congealed blood, probably from your stroke. I got them from a severe bang on the head. They dissipate after some time, falling to the bottom of the eyeball, out of sight and eventually reabsorbed.

HTH

JG

Yes, had considered them to be from the last stroke but they didn't appear until 3 months later.   

[transam]

2 minutes ago, Speedo1968 said:

Thanks buuba for your information.

Never considered a retinal detachment, thought that only came from sudden stress to the eye from very high BP or, a physical impact.   I have known people with this problem from no apparent cause, both eyes affected.

Will seek out a good specialist locally ( Khon Kaen ).

I myself have always had floaters but one day l had a lot more, went straight away to have it checked, they saw nothing....Shortly after l had a blind spot appear in the corner of my eye, went to the hozzy and was told St.Thomas's hozzy in London is waiting for you, take a bag for a stay.....At midnight l was operated on, three day stay...That was in 2001, l still have a plastic clip attached to the back of my eye to this day, l don't know it's there though...

[Speedo1968]

On 9/12/2017 at 8:03 AM, bubba said:

 

True, floaters are a natural part of aging, but a sudden increase of floaters, particularly large ones can be indicative of a serious condition such as retinal detachment. When the retina begins to tear and separate, blood is released. A stroke does not create floaters within the vitreous of your eye.

 

As many others have said here, you really should get an ophthalmologist to examine you. Thailoneous got in early and had his retinal repaired by laser. In my case, I didn't get in fast enough and some serious and painful surgery was required, but it was worth saving my eyesight. This could be a matter or urgency in saving your eyesight, or it may be nothing serious. Why take a chance?

Many thanks for your response bubba.

Sorry for late reply.

I had thought maybe from my last stroke but they appeared 3 months after.

No very very high BP readings or physical impact damage.

Will get appointment asap with a doctor in Khon Kaen.

[Speedo1968]

On 9/12/2017 at 8:19 AM, transam said:

OP, if you move your eyes slowly all over the place as far as they will go, look for any blacked out areas, even tiny, if you have one that is the start of the retina peeling off the eyeball. If you haven't that is good but doesn't mean you are out of the woods. Go get it looked at fast.

Sorry for late reply.

Floaters are all moving, no blacked out areas.

Will go to hospital asap.

[Speedo1968]

On 9/12/2017 at 8:52 AM, steve187 said:

did you see a 'bright flash ' at anytime, a bit like sun reflecting off a passing car but brighter.

Sorry for late response.

No. no bright flash, the floaters just appeared one, first the ant like ones and then the larger smokey ones.

[Speedo1968]

22 hours ago, captainhornblower said:

I have had floaters for many years.

 

My opthalmologist told me they were not harmful as they are dead cells in the vitreous fluid of the eye. You see them as they float in between the lens and the retina.

 

Three years ago, when I had a cataract operation, I asked her if anything could be done about the floaters. She advised me there is a very long and expensive process of clearing the vitreous fluid but she did not recommend it as it was not foolproof and the floaters can return.

 

My eye opthalmologist is a resident doctor at Rutnin eye hospital in Bangkok. 

Thanks for response.

I had thought they may have been caused by my last stroke in June, but that was 3 months ago.

Many responses are saying possible detached retina starting so will see doctor asap.

[White Christmas13]

On ‎11‎/‎09‎/‎2017 at 4:09 PM, tonray said:

Floaters are very common. Not something to worry about but  should have eye exam to exclude serious condition.

 

I have had floaters for many years but doc says not a symptom of anything but aging. 

You are correct I have floaters for a few years now have seen a specialist and he explained to me

the reason why many people get floaters as you said it is age related

the back of your eyes is somewhat like jelly as you get older the jelly intends to crack and float

around in the back of your eyes it is not serious unless its get really bad you can have an

operation to remove them 

[bubba]

Speedo: You really need to see a retinal specialist in KK. They would be in the best position to diagnose and that same doc could do the repair if you do have a retinal detachment happening.

 

Having had this happen to me, my ophthalmic  surgeon explained that this is what happens if that is the case:

 

First, a tear begins, which creates a leak and allows vitreous fluid inside your eye to flow behind the retina. This causes some bleeding and that would be the sudden increase in floaters, especially large ones. 

 

As more fluid leaks behind the retina, the retina begins to separate away from the layer underneath and the blood vessels that supply it. As this progresses, more of the retina separates and dies. This is when you may begin to see a black "curtain" progressing from your outer vision, and at that point, emergency surgery is required.
 

If the tear has just only started, it may be repairable by laser. Not really painful, but uncomfortable. If the retina has started to separate, you need immediate surgery to save your vision. That will be either a scleral buckle or vitrectomy with gas.

 

You are at greater risk if you are extremely short sighted or have had cataract surgery. There is also a genetic risk.

 

Please don't wait...it may not be anything, but if it is a tear developing, you need to get an exam today.

 

 

[Speedo1968]

20 minutes ago, bubba said:

Speedo: You really need to see a retinal specialist in KK. They would be in the best position to diagnose and that same doc could do the repair if you do have a retinal detachment happening.

 

Having had this happen to me, my ophthalmic  surgeon explained that this is what happens if that is the case:

 

First, a tear begins, which creates a leak and allows vitreous fluid inside your eye to flow behind the retina. This causes some bleeding and that would be the sudden increase in floaters, especially large ones. 

 

As more fluid leaks behind the retina, the retina begins to separate away from the layer underneath and the blood vessels that supply it. As this progresses, more of the retina separates and dies. This is when you may begin to see a black "curtain" progressing from your outer vision, and at that point, emergency surgery is required.
 

If the tear has just only started, it may be repairable by laser. Not really painful, but uncomfortable. If the retina has started to separate, you need immediate surgery to save your vision. That will be either a scleral buckle or vitrectomy with gas.

 

You are at greater risk if you are extremely short sighted or have had cataract surgery. There is also a genetic risk.

 

Please don't wait...it may not be anything, but if it is a tear developing, you need to get an exam today.

 

 

Thanks again bubba.

Have started to get a bruised feeling around eye.

Need to be accompanied by someone as I live 50km from KK and use local transport, ( not yet 100% confident of using a bus again since my last stroke / fall ).   Am trying to set an appointment or walk in for tomorrow.

[Speedo1968]

Finally found someone to assist me going to Khon Kaen to see an opthalmologist.

 

Can anyone comment on Bangkok Khon Kaen Hospital either in direct relation to this kind of specialist or general comments ???

[Sheryl]

Best option in Khon Kaen is KKU Hospital (Sringarind). It has an after hours clinic, use tat to face fewer crowds.

 

http://www.intermed.kku.ac.th/index.php?module=srinagarind

[Speedo1968]

Just now, Sheryl said:

Best option in Khon Kaen is KKU Hospital (Sringarind). It has an after hours clinic, use tat to face fewer crowds.

Thanks Sheryl.

Last went there in 2014 for pre-cancer check of the skin.   Yes, it was really crowded.

What does"tat"mean in your message ?

[Sheryl]

type.. "that". In other words, use the after hours clinic rather than the public channel. Typically starts around 4 PM and also on Saturday mornings.

[Speedo1968]

16 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

type.. "that". In other words, use the after hours clinic rather than the public channel. Typically starts around 4 PM and also on Saturday mornings.

thanks

[Speedo1968]

My sincere thanks to everyone who gave advice, past experience details or comments of any kind.

It makes one realise how much about our bodies we take for granted.

 

Yesterday, Friday 15th I finally went to see an ophthalmologist at a hospital in Khon Kaen.  The good news is that other than the floaters my eyes are excellent.   I am told that these will not go away but, I will look at ways to try and reduce or stop them.   My normal eyesight, so I am told is that of a 50 year old not of one over 70.

Spent some three hours having various tests for any form of damage to my right eye, no holes, no detached retina, no infection etc.   Very slight scaring on both eyes but is old.    My normal eyesight is excellent.    Long distance vision is fine, I wear glasses only for reading and they are not very strong.     My left eye is better than my right.    Come back in a year I was told, something I understand you should do when you are over 50.

 

I am very very lucky that my eyes are still good when I considered what effects things in my life may / could have had on my eyes.

I started swimming regularly when I was 5 then, when I became 9 I started competition swimming, with hours of practice every week in what was normal in the 50's, highly chlorinated swimming pool water.  I cannot swim with goggles.  When older I went body surfing every day so I risked the equivalent of snow blindness, i.e. sea blindness, because with body surfing your are just floating in the water, sometimes for hours on end.   I also did competition distance sea racing.    I enjoyed underwater sea swimming but again no goggles.   In my work I came in to contact with very high levels of protein dust, I protected my breathing as best as I could but never thought about my eyes.   Then of course multiple TIA's / strokes.

 

Again thank you so much to everyone for, in many cases, their instance that I went to hospital for a check up.

I have posted below some comments, for those interested, about my first visit to the Bangkok Khon Kaen Hospital.

General Comments

If you know KK it is probably easy to find as it is near the lake but, getting in to the slip road for the hospital entrance can be easily missed.

Car parking is substantial both outside and roof.     Service to take you to your car if required.

The building itself was very very clean, excellent natural lighting, with artificial lighting high up, cold but not a draughty  Seating was adequate for the number of people, comfortable and well laid out in all areas.

Third floor ( ? ) has a restaurant with a limited choice menu but did offer to make vegan food - excellent.  Why don't hospitals offer real vegan food whether you are in or out-patient ?  The vegetarian food is poor and vegan non- existent. Also Black Canyon, a couple of coffee places and a 7/11.

 

On arrival, about 12 lunch time, excellent greetings and attendance for registration.  

Perfect English and excellent attitude, not over polite, friendly, from all staff at all levels - ( my apologies for not speaking Thai after working / living here so long ).

The staff did not have that fazed look common in hospitals here and the UK;  "Oh no, not another patient !" as you walk in the door.

 

Doctor had excellent English, the assistant had sufficient English.    The doctor spoke directly to me even though my Thai friend was with me, the doctor then translated in to Thai even though my friends English is good.    The doctor also explained very carefully the eyesight checking procedure.     The results again were clearly explained.

 

The cost was very acceptable.

 

Downside Comments

Registration - surprised that I was not given the form to complete myself.     Surprised that the lady who brought the form to me where I was sitting did not sit on a chair but knelt near me.     Surprised that she did not ask for the full details that the form requested, ( maybe because I didn't look as if I would go there again or not affluent enough ).

She did ask about allergies, I said main is antibiotics and, I had brought along a list which she copied because I have many.  Very surprised that I was not given a registration card.   The card is an excellent way to advertise and makes you feel wanted...

 

First Visit - Not sure if it was because I asked to see the eye doctor only but was not given a BP test or have weight / height checked or asked for.    First hospital of any kind that I have visited here that has never collected such information.

 

The assistant could not fully understand when I tried to explain that the height adjustment for my head was wrong when doing one of the eye tests.   I couldn't look straight.  The results meant I had to do the test again.

 

The doctor was slightly annoyed at the assistant or me because the eye drops for enlarging the eye ( before a test ) had to be given many times.   

 

The doctor was unable or thought it not important to give a possible reason for the floaters, probably because I had mentioned them already.    She did suggest I see my doctor about my high blood pressure which may be a cause.

 

I asked the doctor that NO post check medication be given as my diet etc was excellent ( despite being vegan - sic ) however, multivitamins ( notably high iron ) were prescribed; which of course I did not accept or pay for.

 

Would I go again, probably if follow up but, I am happy with the doctors in my local hospital and my specialist for stroke etc at another hospital in KK.

 

[transam]

1 minute ago, Speedo1968 said:

My sincere thanks to everyone who gave advice, past experience details or comments of any kind.

It makes one realise how much about our bodies we take for granted.

 

Yesterday, Friday 15th I finally went to see an ophthalmologist at a hospital in Khon Kaen.  The good news is that other than the floaters my eyes are excellent.   I am told that these will not go away but, I will look at ways to try and reduce or stop them.   My normal eyesight, so I am told is that of a 50 year old not of one over 70.

Spent some three hours having various tests for any form of damage to my right eye, no holes, no detached retina, no infection etc.   Very slight scaring on both eyes but is old.    My normal eyesight is excellent.    Long distance vision is fine, I wear glasses only for reading and they are not very strong.     My left eye is better than my right.    Come back in a year I was told, something I understand you should do when you are over 50.

 

I am very very lucky that my eyes are still good when I considered what effects things in my life may / could have had on my eyes.

I started swimming regularly when I was 5 then, when I became 9 I started competition swimming, with hours of practice every week in what was normal in the 50's, highly chlorinated swimming pool water.  I cannot swim with goggles.  When older I went body surfing every day so I risked the equivalent of snow blindness, i.e. sea blindness, because with body surfing your are just floating in the water, sometimes for hours on end.   I also did competition distance sea racing.    I enjoyed underwater sea swimming but again no goggles.   In my work I came in to contact with very high levels of protein dust, I protected my breathing as best as I could but never thought about my eyes.   Then of course multiple TIA's / strokes.

 

Again thank you so much to everyone for, in many cases, their instance that I went to hospital for a check up.

I have posted below some comments, for those interested, about my first visit to the Bangkok Khon Kaen Hospital.

General Comments

If you know KK it is probably easy to find as it is near the lake but, getting in to the slip road for the hospital entrance can be easily missed.

Car parking is substantial both outside and roof.     Service to take you to your car if required.

The building itself was very very clean, excellent natural lighting, with artificial lighting high up, cold but not a draughty  Seating was adequate for the number of people, comfortable and well laid out in all areas.

Third floor ( ? ) has a restaurant with a limited choice menu but did offer to make vegan food - excellent.  Why don't hospitals offer real vegan food whether you are in or out-patient ?  The vegetarian food is poor and vegan non- existent. Also Black Canyon, a couple of coffee places and a 7/11.

 

On arrival, about 12 lunch time, excellent greetings and attendance for registration.  

Perfect English and excellent attitude, not over polite, friendly, from all staff at all levels - ( my apologies for not speaking Thai after working / living here so long ).

The staff did not have that fazed look common in hospitals here and the UK;  "Oh no, not another patient !" as you walk in the door.

 

Doctor had excellent English, the assistant had sufficient English.    The doctor spoke directly to me even though my Thai friend was with me, the doctor then translated in to Thai even though my friends English is good.    The doctor also explained very carefully the eyesight checking procedure.     The results again were clearly explained.

 

The cost was very acceptable.

 

Downside Comments

Registration - surprised that I was not given the form to complete myself.     Surprised that the lady who brought the form to me where I was sitting did not sit on a chair but knelt near me.     Surprised that she did not ask for the full details that the form requested, ( maybe because I didn't look as if I would go there again or not affluent enough ).

She did ask about allergies, I said main is antibiotics and, I had brought along a list which she copied because I have many.  Very surprised that I was not given a registration card.   The card is an excellent way to advertise and makes you feel wanted...

 

First Visit - Not sure if it was because I asked to see the eye doctor only but was not given a BP test or have weight / height checked or asked for.    First hospital of any kind that I have visited here that has never collected such information.

 

The assistant could not fully understand when I tried to explain that the height adjustment for my head was wrong when doing one of the eye tests.   I couldn't look straight.  The results meant I had to do the test again.

 

The doctor was slightly annoyed at the assistant or me because the eye drops for enlarging the eye ( before a test ) had to be given many times.   

 

The doctor was unable or thought it not important to give a possible reason for the floaters, probably because I had mentioned them already.    She did suggest I see my doctor about my high blood pressure which may be a cause.

 

I asked the doctor that NO post check medication be given as my diet etc was excellent ( despite being vegan - sic ) however, multivitamins ( notably high iron ) were prescribed; which of course I did not accept or pay for.

 

Would I go again, probably if follow up but, I am happy with the doctors in my local hospital and my specialist for stroke etc at another hospital in KK.