I have something in/on my eye

It could be a floater. They are actually common, but if it is the first one, or you have more than normal, you should have them checked out.

Agree with the floater idea. And yes, you should get it checked out.

Yes, definitely go to an eye doctor. And be sure you choose an eye *doctor*, i.e., an ophthalmologist, not an optometrist. Or, an optometrist might be okay if they are working in an office where there are ophthalmologists.... if they see something worrisome they can immediately call in the doctor or have you schedule an appointment with that doctor. A stand-alone optometrist is fine for checking your vision and getting a prescription for glasses or contacts, as long as you know there's nothing wrong with your eyes. I go to my eye doctor for a medical eye check, then I get my prescription from somewhere else, mostly because it's more expensive to do it at the doctor's office and my insurance doesn't cover vision prescriptions. 

If it’s shockingly large and/or came on all at once, you might want to rush your visit to the eye doctor. My mom had a stroke in her eye (related to her type 2 diabetes) and waited to see the doctor and lost most of the sight in that eye. Now that I think on it, the same thing happened to my brother. He’s now legally blind. Please don’t wait to make an appointment, or at least call an eye doctor and ask their opinion. .

I'll echo the advice. Since an ophthalmologist is likely a wait to be seen, go to your optometrist or pcp they can get you the referral to get in quicker (plus my insurance requires the referral for coverage I believe)

Given you haven't had an eye check for 10 years, absolutely get in ASAP. 

FWIW, if it is always in the same spot, I don't know if it would be considered a floater as IME they move across the eye.

I'm not trying to scare you, because a single floater by itself isn't likely to indicate a detached retina, but a detached retina is a medical emergency that should send you to the ER immediately. Even waiting until the next day and trying to get into an ophthalmologist could mean permanent loss of sight in that eye. 


Keep us updated. 

I agree that it's probably a floater. Check your blood pressure if you can, and get a GOOD eye exam. I'd also go get a workup with your primary doctor if you're overdue. Seems to happen more often with women entering menopause. Mine pretty much stopped by now. It was scary for a while since I only have vision out of one eye!

Please take care of your eyes! xo