I am 28, male. Why am I noticing a small, see-through shape?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 28-year-old man. I was out with friends and, while leaving a club, I hit the top left side of my forehead on a wooden beam. I went to the emergency room the next day. All my neurological tests were normal, and they told me I did not need a computed tomography (CT) scan, so I was sent home. I have very bad health anxiety and have been doing things like closing each eye to check for any differences.

I noticed that when I close my left eye and read white text on a black background, I sometimes see something similar to a small, see-through shape. It moves when my eye moves and does not always appear. I had both of my retinas checked just two days before hitting my head, and I was told they were perfectly fine. Could this have always been there, and I am only noticing it now because I am more aware?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Based on what you have described, this seems to be a harmless visual issue, especially since your neurological tests were normal and your retinas were recently checked and found to be completely healthy. The orb-like effect you are seeing is likely due to a harmless vitreous floater. These floaters often appear under certain lighting or contrast conditions. They move with your eye and are more noticeable when you are focusing hard or feeling anxious. Considering your history of health anxiety and the recent bump to your head, you may have become very aware of small visual effects that were always present but never noticed before.

Even a mild head injury, such as bumping your forehead, can temporarily increase your sensitivity to visual changes without causing any serious damage. This increased awareness, combined with anxiety and frequent checking (such as comparing vision between your eyes), can make normal visual effects seem more alarming and cause more worry. The fact that the orb is intermittent, moves with your eye, and does not involve flashing lights or vision loss is reassuring, especially since your eye and neurological exams were clear.

For now, try not to focus too much on checking your vision. Take breaks from screens, reduce eye strain, and allow your brain to rest. If the visual changes become worse, constant, or are joined by other symptoms such as flashing lights, spreading shadows, or vision loss, then you should follow up with an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) for another examination. Otherwise, this is likely a short-term, anxiety-related visual effect that should improve with time and reassurance.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you...