What Could Be Causing Floaters In Vision While Having Chronic Insomnia?

Posted on Tue, 4 Jan 2022

Question: I experienced floaters for the first time last night while trying to get to sleep. I fell asleep and then awoke to find my vision filled with "squiggly lines" "cobwebs" and the like. It also looked like "bugs" moving about my field of vision. The room was about 90% dark, as I use a nightlight. This greatly troubled me. I turned on the light and the floaters(I found out by research that I am most likely experiencing floaters) disappeared. I then turned the light out and they re-appeared. This caused me great anxiety. The only thing different I have been doing is taking Benadryl for chronic insomnia. I have been taking it for about a week now, about 100mg before bed. It seems to help my insomnia some, but am worried the Benadryl may be causing the floaters. What is your opinion on what is happening here. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Detailed evaluation is needed

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Floaters are generally caused by disorders in the vitreous (fluid filled chamber in your eye). Most common being posterior vitreous detachment. Other causes like diabetes (diabetic vitreopathy)
can also cause floaters. Detailed evaluation is needed to
Sometimes anxiety and sleep deprivation can cause floaters without any disease conditions.
Most eye floaters and spots are harmless and merely annoying. Many will fade over time and become less bothersome. In most cases, no eye floaters treatment is required.
Benadryl does not cause any floaters.
If the symptoms persists consult an ophthalmologist and get evaluated.
As of now no treatment is required. Avoid unwanted stress and anxiety, get adequate sleep.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana