Why do I see moving black spots after staring briefly?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a young boy. When I stare at something for around 20 seconds, sometimes I see waves of faint black spots going inwards to where I am looking at. It is not all the time; I mostly see it on the grass. I have astigmatism, floaters, anxiety, lack of sleep, stress, possibly short-sightedness, and excessive screen time.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com

I understand your concern and will definitely help you with it.

Inside the eye, there is a clear, gel-like substance called the vitreous. As age progresses, this vitreous slowly begins to liquefy and shrink. Due to this natural process, small clumps or strands can form within it, which cast shadows on the retina and appear as floaters in your vision.

These floaters may look like tiny dots, threads, or cobweb-like shapes moving as you move your eyes. This condition can also occur earlier in people with high myopia (nearsightedness).

However, you should seek immediate consultation with an ophthalmologist if you notice a sudden increase in the number of floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow/curtain-like effect in your vision. These symptoms may indicate a serious condition such as retinal detachment, which requires urgent evaluation and treatment.

For excessive screen time.

Using computers and smartphones causes dry eye due to a decreased blink rate.
Take frequent breaks.
Look at far objects, as eyes are strained from looking at close objects for a long time.
Keep brightness to minimal.
Use refresh liquigel eye drops (carboxymethyl cellulose) 3 times a day.
Use antiglare glasses.

Hope this helps; feel free to contact me if you have any further questions or concerns.

Do follow up whenever needed.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.