Which Specialist Should I Consult for Persistent Black Floaters in My Vision?
For the past few weeks, I have been experiencing a recurring issue with small black dot floaters in the lower part of my vision. It's somewhat challenging to determine if they are present constantly, as there are times when I seem to overlook them. Nonetheless, I do observe them several times a day. I intend to see a doctor soon, but I'm uncertain whether I should visit a general practitioner, an optometrist, or perhaps another type of specialist. I am a 23-year-old woman and have not felt particularly unwell since this situation began. However, I was quite ill intermittently during November and December, having dealt with influenza, COVID-19, an upper respiratory infection, and the rhinovirus over a few months. This may be pertinent to my current condition. I have a history of episodes of lightheadedness and fainting, particularly when I stand up; during these instances, I also see floaters. However, this recent development is different because I notice these floaters even when I don’t feel faint. Doctors have offered various explanations for my symptoms, ranging from low blood pressure and POTS to vasovagal syncope, but there has not been a definitive diagnosis, leading to differing opinions among physicians. Additionally, I suffer from migraines, experiencing them occasionally—between zero to three times a month—some of which lead to ocular migraines. When I have these migraines, I notice visual disturbances, though they manifest more as black and white lines across my field of view rather than tiny dots, and these symptoms only occur during a migraine episode. My daily medication includes Adderall for ADHD and Prozac for OCD, alongside Imitrex for migraine relief as needed. I also use marijuana recreationally a few evenings each week and consume alcohol from time to time, though only a few times monthly. Recently, I began vaping after my father's passing, but I am not a frequent user and am already reducing my intake. While my primary concern is figuring out which type of doctor to consult regarding my floaters, I welcome any insights or suggestions regarding what might be causing this issue.
Answers (1)
2/17/2026, 4:10:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points: You should consult an optometrist or ophthalmologist for your persistent black floaters. Given your symptom history, keeping track of your visual disturbances is essential.
Explanation: Floaters are common and can occur as part of the normal aging process of the eye. However, since you are experiencing them persistently and have a history of migraines and other symptoms, it's important to rule out any underlying conditions. Optometrists and ophthalmologists specialize in eye health and can perform a thorough examination to determine the cause of your floaters. This could help in identifying whether they are related to changes in the vitreous (the gel-like substance inside your eye), or if they may be linked to other factors considering your health history.
Next Steps:
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Book an Appointment with an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist: They will conduct a comprehensive eye exam, including a dilated fundus examination to assess the retina and vitreous.
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Symptom Diary: Start tracking your floaters. Note when they appear, how often, and if there are any accompanying symptoms, such as lightheadedness or visual disturbances.
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Monitor Other Symptoms: Pay attention to any changes in your lightheadedness or fainting episodes, especially in relation to your floaters. Document these events as they may provide useful information to your eye specialist.
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Re-evaluate Medication and Lifestyle: Since you have a complex health history, consider discussing your medication with your healthcare provider to see if there could be any potential interactions or effects related to your floaters.
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Limit Eye Strain and Stress: Maintaining good eye hygiene by taking breaks from screens (like computers and phones) can also help alleviate any eye-related discomfort.
By taking these steps, you will be on a path to understanding your condition better. If you experience sudden changes in your vision, especially an increase in floaters, flashes of light, or a curtain-like shadow, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
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