Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Floaters

Hi, George!

Do you really find your floaters frustrating?
Strange. I love mine. If there was a way to remove them I wouldn't be interested. I've had them for as long as I can remember, and as a kid I've spent many happy hours playing the "floater game", especially when I was down with the flu and to tired to read or even watch tv.

Hugs,

Brigitte

Hmmm, must be another cause of these floaters as well. I still have lots of them but to my knowledge, I have never had iritis.

George

Hi all
Thanks for all the contributions on floaters. I thought I was the only one who played the chase the floater game! I think we're all agreed that there doesn't seem to be a proven link with AS but perhaps there's something worth investigating further. As someone said in another context, the eyes are so precious and symptoms should be checked out.

Take care all

Stephen

I too see floaters, fairly persistant little buggers; but they're not there all the time. I haven't played games-ought to
try a game of tag or something...space invaders, george ?...now that's cool...cheap entertainment too, no quarters
needed...oh and MY opthamologist told me what they were, but that the why question was beyond the ability of
modern medicine to provide an answer.
pu liki
aloha Ben

I to have floaters,sometimes I find them to be a pain in the AS,but I must be use to them now...I do have a Question though,Does anyone have a problem with weepy eyes? I have to see an opthamoligist and I was just wondering if anyone has a problem with one eye burning and weeping?

Hi Donna,
Have you been checked for Iritis. My eyes are weepy still even after this iritis flare. When the pressure went up in my eyes the fluid poured out of them becuase it couldn't drain well at the back of my eyes.

Sincerely,
JANet

Hi Donna!

I agree with Janet. Both burning and weeping can be symptoms of iritis, so make sure to specifically mention your concerns and dx when you see the eye doc. That fact you're only noticing this in one eye, tends to rule out things like allergies, which would likely affect both eyes. Iritis is usually asymetrical (tho not always). I wouldn't hold off on this appt. and get in asap, just in case.

I hope this turns out to be something less serious!
Let us know how you make out and best of luck.

mig

I am on a waiting list to see an opthomoligist,my GP gave me some anti inflamatory drops for now,but my Rhuemy and GP are convinced that I have Iritis..thank you for the info,because I do have alot of pressure on my eye and when it gets to be to much its like I am cying out of my right eye,Again Thanks Donna

Hi Donna,... no no no waiting lists - that's not good enough. Now that I know how scary it can be, I would never wait on a list - especially when your Rheumy and GP suspect iritis too!!! Honestly, the majority of doc's (who don't specialize in Ophthalmology) just don't appreciate the gravity of this problem. It is considered an eye emergency and for very good reason - because it can lead to blindness and deteriorate at lightning speed.

I'm not sure where you live, but if you're near a city with a hospital - then get in to an emergency dept. now (yes- I mean tonight) and ask to see the Ophthalmologist on call. Tell them your suspicions and BE assertive if you need to. If it isn't iritis then it will only be a waste of time - but what if it is? I've had this monster attacking over 10 yrs and I know the sooner you catch it, the better the outcome.

Anti-inflam drops may help a little - but you really need steroid drops to keep this from escalating. How often are you taking these drops?

Hugs,
mig

I just found this info that I thought everyone with floaters might be interested in reading.

A "floater" in one's vision may be innocuous or may be serious, depending on the type. The great majority of "spots" in ones vision are annoying but harmless tiny opacities in the vitreous humor of the eye. However, when a new floater develops, patients should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist to determine the underlying cause. A posterior vitreous separation is the most common cause of new floaters in the aging eye and may occasionally be associated with retinal hole development, which requires immediate attention. Other common causes of floaters in the eye include uveitis and vitreous hemorrhage. Retinal detachment may produce a "shower" of floaters due to a torn retinal vessel and is sometimes preceded by a single large floater. Blind spots in the vision may be due to stroke or other neurological disorder.

So, it seems as though the presence of floaters shouldn't be dismissed without consideration and are worth checking into.

Here's to better eye health for all!

mig