I've had an usual problem that I can't find any information on (and can't seem to get a doctor who understands what I'm talking about). I've had floaters as long as I can remember. Recently, though, in my left eye, I've noticed what appears to be a large, distinct, "worm-like" floater. I've seen floaters like this before, but what makes this unique is that a large part of this "floater" appears fixed to something. That is, it says in the same spot in my field of vision. Some of the "strings" flail about as I move my eye like a normal floater, but the location in my field of vision does not change, and certain parts of the floater are fixed.

I went to a retinal specialist, got the battery of tests, and was sent home with the assurances that there is nothing to worry about. Still, I find it odd that I cannot find any information on this problem. One theory I have is that this is a newly created floater that never fully separated from the retina.

Anyone have any insights?

You got it, you've got a floater in the process of being born. I have a monster floater that is kinda similar, stays fixed, but still a floater, not a scotoma. Gotta make that distinction. Mine has a big tail on it too. Fun stuff, nothing to worry about.

Do you know where I can get information on this?

Do a web search for floater and you'll get a zillion sites. I can't recommend any sites or post any links as per the board rules, but just search for floater, and if you are worried, for scotoma. Either way your best bet is just to go see an ophthalmologist. They tend to be pretty cheap as far as doctors go.

That's what's kind of bugging me. There's plenty of information on floaters out there, but I've never once seen anything discussed about a floater that appears to be attached. In fact, according to every source I've looked at, the defining characteristic of a floater is that it does NOT move in unison with your eye movements. That's why I'm kind of concerned about this, and put the post in the first place. If this really was a floater, then why is there nothing on "attached" floaters out there?

Perhaps you could describe your 'floater' in a little greater detail? I seriously wouldn't worry about a scotoma, as they don't 'flail about' with eye movement. Most the time people can't even 'see' their scotomas. My vision problems have NO documented cause anywhere, the folks with visual snow have the same sort of deal. Just because there isnt anything in the literature doesn't mean that its bad. The fact that you see 'flailing about' and the fact that it seems attached to something REALLY suggests that you have a floater that simply hasn't worked its way completely off the retinal wall yet. It probably will. Either way, i seriously wouldn't stress about it. Scotoma is the stresser, and you don't got that :)