Floaties in my eye

I have been encountering this problem for quite sometime.  At first I thought they were just stains on my glasses.  Wiping my glasses did not wipe the stains away.  What was more intriguing was that the stains stayed even when I moved my eyes.  I notice that I am having this problem with my left eye.  During one of my regular medicals, I mentioned the problem to the attending MD.  She send me to her nurse for my vision check.  Nothing wrong with my vision.  She then scribbled a note to the Opthalmology Clinic at Serdang Hospital for me to have a thorough check-up.

I went to Serdang Hospital and was given an appointment date to be seen by the eye specialist.  The date was set for 29 Sept 2011.  I was told not to come alone as they plan on putting eye-drops that will enlarge my iris to enable my eyeballs be checked.  My vision will be temporarily impaired and I am not to drive.  Sounds reasonable to me.  I need not worry as my other half will always be there for my hospital visits.

Dr. Karim, an Iranian doctor, attended to me.  There were eight UPM medical students with him.  Wow, am I a specimen here?  After listening to my complains he turned to the students, "What do you think is the problem, kids?"  His intonation surprised me.  Think things have changed for the better in medical schools.  Normally specialist doctors just shoot questions at student doctors without much care for their dignity and at times can be intimidating.  Good for the students, they are sufficiently stressed by the course, a warm and fun-learning atmosphere would make the course more enjoyable.  I for one would want them to diagnose my problem correctly.  Dr. Karim confirmed that the problem is only with my left eye.

A cutie student doctor dared answer though haltingly, half-answer, half-question, "Floatie?".  She got it right and a with a beaming smile Dr. Karim, explain my case with the students listening intensely.  Although without any history of diabetes in the family, but with hyper-tension, cholesterol slightly on the high side and age, 'floatie' is seen as a normal situation.  It has to do with the vitreous gel losing its viscosity and impurities finding its way in, thus the floaties.  But my case is very minor (Alhamdulillah) and I am told not to be excessively worried.  I am to avoid excessive drying of the eyes, so no strong wind as fan or direct air-conditioning flow to the eyes.  I was given eyedrops and that was it.

Wow...the sun really got to my eyes.  True, no way should I be driving with such a vision.

I mentioned my case to my office mates.  Seemed that I am not the only one having the problem.  Hahaha.... everybody very much in the same age bracket!  My next visit is scheduled in one year's time.  I wouldn't know should Dr. Karim be still attending to me but my thanks all the same to the kind and knowledgeable doctor and best wishes to those student doctors. 

Just for kicks I would just say, "I'll see you in a year's time".