AboutDr. Margaret Placentra Johnston, OD Expertise I can answer almost any question about vision and general eye health care. As a non-surgeon, I may not be able to answer very involved technical questions about surgical procedures or highly specialized medical treatments.
Experience I hold the degree of Doctor of Optometry and was in full-time private practice for twenty-five years. Currently I have reduced my schedule to part-time to allow time to write a book on another topic.
Organizations American Optometric Association, Virginia Optometric Association, Northern Virginia Optometric Society (and others unrelated to this topic)
Education/Credentials O.D. (Doctor of Optometry) Pennsylvania College of Optometry (now called Salus University,) B.S. Pennsylvania College of Optometry, M.A. (Education) Catholic University of America, B.A Catholic University of America.
I have always noticed my eye floaters for years now I am 21. It seems like I have received a little bit more now not really sure. I am nearsighted and my numbers on my contacts are -2.00 and -2.25...two years ago I was -1.50 and -1.75. Should I be worried that this is a sign of retina detachment?
Answer Anyone who notices or suspects an increase in floaters should have a dilated eye exam to be sure their retina is intact.
That being said, some other factors to know about are:
-there is less risk of it being due to a retinal problem if the floaters are in both eyes and not greatly more severe in one versus the other.
-people seem to notice floaters more if they are over-tired or under stress.
-your relatively low prescription does not put you at especially high risk for a retinal detachment. (It would be more likely in someone who was like a -8.00 or -10.00.)
-your age puts you at relatively low risk for RD.
-despite the relatively low risk, if you have not had a dilated exam in the recent past, you really should do so.
-if there are any flashes of light involved, you absolutely must go in for that dilated exam and quickly.
