Eyes in French & Seeing spots? Relax, those are floaters! Les corps flottants et le champ visuel....
Friday, July 20, 2018
The sign on the shop in Aix-en-Provence reads “Atelier d’Optique” and today’s story is about the eyes...
Today's word: Les yeux
: eyes
The English translation follows below, in bold. Click to listen to the French:
Les corps flottants sont des taches sombres qui se présentent sous la forme de points, de cercles, de lignes ou de
toiles d'araignée et qui semblent se déplacer dans le champ visuel. (site: Inca)
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE
by Kristi Espinasse
The beaches here in La Ciotat are blindé, so packed you cannot see the sand....so Jean-Marc led the two of us to a secret hideaway! There, on slippery flat rocks disappearing into the sea, we relaxed at sundown with Les Ciotadens, or locals (picture from JM's Instagram account...)
Pulling on his flippers, Jean-Marc said he was going hunting for sea urchins. After my husband slipped into the sea I followed his course from the shore, my eyes on his snorkeling tuba, until my gaze was lost on the blue horizon. That's when I began to see the spots. Qu'est-ce que c'est? Looking left, looking right, I noticed how the gray dots (over my eyes? or were they in the air in front of me?) floated slowly off-center...until I could not quite focus on any one of them. Next, "stringy bits" floated by, adding to the flotsam in my eyes!
Sitting on my beach towel, my head turning slowly from side-to-side as I tried to follow the shadowy objects in my eyes, I was stumped as to what I was seeing. An optical illusion? Brought on by low blood sugar or some kind of carence--like a lack of iron or something?
As soon as my husband returned from his oursinade, I told him about the "flying spots!" Realizing this must've sounded batty (come to think of it, I saw those too!), I kept a low profile until I got my sister Heidi on the phone...
(No, my sister confirmed, she had never seen spots parading across her range of vision....)
Worried I was becoming a hypochondriac, I hung up and googled "seeing spots" and voilà! A satisfactory answer: les corps flottants.
Floating bodies are dark spots in the form of dots, circles, lines or cobwebs that seem to move in the visual field.
WebMD goes on to say: Most floaters are small flecks of a protein called collagen. They’re part of a gel-like substance in the back of your eye called the vitreous. As you age, the protein fibers that make up the vitreous shrink down to little shreds that clump together. The shadows they cast on your retina are floaters.
I also learned these "floaters" can be connected to diabetes, which brings me back to blood sugar... No matter how much cinnamon-laced oatmeal I eat, my brain still feels "wrung like a sponge" by the time I have finished writing one of these posts. After four hours of brainwork, my cerveau feels starved, pressé comme une orange. Did you know nerves and the brain depend upon normal sugar levels to function properly?
Voilà. Today's post was a public service announcement--for those of you who may have, like me, worried you were seeing mouches or toiles d'araignées--in addition to all those spots. They're just floaters and for those who see or perceive them the condition is called myodesopsia. (To be sure you might have your vision and your blood sugar checked....)
Wishing everyone a lovely weekend. And thanks so much for reading! Time now to enjoy some sea urchin pasta...compliments of Jean-Marc.
FRENCH VOCABULARY
Les yeux = eyes
blindé = jam-packed
le ciotaden = a person from La Ciotat
un tuba = snorkel
qu'est-ce que c'est? = what is it?
une carence = deficiency (vitamin deficiency)
une oursinade = hunt for oursins, or sea urchins
le cerveau = brain
pressé comme une orange = squeezed like an orange
la mouche = fly
la toile d'araignée = spider web
With our daughter, Jackie. Read the Desiderata poem in French, in a post written for my daughter in 2014
Thank you so much, Kristin, for all of these wonderful years of French Word A Day. I'm a retired French teacher and regularly used your blog in my classroom. And now I read for my pleasure alone!! --Cheryl
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Good advice to check this out, Kristi. Wishing you and yours a bon weekend!
Posted by: Patricia Sands | Friday, July 20, 2018 at 12:26 PM
My imagination was set into overdrive just a few months ago when I experienced spots in my line of vision. Was this the beginning of blindness? Should I start training the schnauzer to be my guide (only if I want to be dragged through the bushes in search of rabbits!). I was worried enough to phone my optician who saw me the next day and was able to put my mind at rest. It is just another reminder that I am not so invincible. One piece of advice, Kristi, The optician stressed the importance of having ones eyes checked at such a time since there is apparently a more serious condition that has similar symptoms and early treatment is essential. In the meantime, Hobo can continue to chase those rabbits without me.
Posted by: Cheryl | Friday, July 20, 2018 at 12:33 PM
I know I have macular degeneration in my family, so I'm religious about eye appointments, wearing sunglasses, and taking eye vitamins. Don't let it go too long if you have it happens again. Bon week-end to you and your family.
Posted by: Julie Farrar | Friday, July 20, 2018 at 01:22 PM
Any time you have new floaters, you should be examined by an opthalmologist.
If you alsomhave an episode of a lot of floaters or seeing “bursts” of bright light, it is important to be examined immediately! Doctor must check your retina.
I have had one floater for the past year. My doctor told me if I ever expedients bright bursts of light I should call his office and request an emergency visit with the Retinal Specialist. They need to check for signs of a detaching retina. If retina is detaching, it must be treated immediately so damage will not be permanent and cause blindness.
Posted by: Eileen Kelly | Friday, July 20, 2018 at 01:35 PM
How was the water? And did you end up having the space to yourselves? I think a flat rock would be so much more preferable than a crowded sandy beach.
Posted by: Marrah | Friday, July 20, 2018 at 01:39 PM
Yes, get it checked immediately. The big danger is a detached retina which equals blindness. My sister has it and goes every 6 months I think. She is supposed to report any changes. My girlfriend ignored it, went blind in one eye, had surgery, and recovered but has lost some vision permanently. Go! You will still lead a full life.
Posted by: Kathy | Friday, July 20, 2018 at 02:10 PM
Hi Kristi,
What a beautiful little hideaway you both found! I love the photo of you and Jackie!
I am past due for my eye exam so thanks for the reminder. I sometimes see little floaters too!
Posted by: Eileen deCamp | Friday, July 20, 2018 at 02:20 PM
Hey, I have had floaters and flashers fror years de temps en temp
Posted by: Suzanne Dunaway | Friday, July 20, 2018 at 02:30 PM
Make that “for” years. No worries, mate. They also disappear at will and might never come back! Sun spots are similar and being tired can exacerbate them.🌸🌺🌹
Posted by: Suzanne Dunaway | Friday, July 20, 2018 at 02:32 PM
The brain does depend on a form of sugar - glucose. However, this type of sugar is created by the body from the food we eat. White sugar (a refined carbohydrate) is not what should be eaten. Whole simple carbohydrates like raw fruit and whole complex carbohydrates like grains, legumes, and tubers are excellent sources of glucose for the brain. Refined carbohydrates can deprive the brain of glucose.
Posted by: Nancy Stilwagen | Friday, July 20, 2018 at 02:59 PM
Krist, take a B12 vitamin ( they dissolve in your mouth and are great for brain...we all need it as we get older. Great for the kids and JM too! xoxoxo
Posted by: Suzanne Codi | Friday, July 20, 2018 at 03:12 PM
Second the comments on seeing an optho.
Some years ago, after an episode of round, then jagged floaters, drove 5 hours with a beer coaster taped over the offending eye, only to find i had a detached retina, soon fixed, but accompanied by a 6-week recovery where I had to keep my head down, much of the time pressed in a pillow. Not fun...
Optho said this would likely lead to a cataract, and sure enough it did, requiring surgery 5 years later.
Bon courage...
Posted by: Solovoyager | Friday, July 20, 2018 at 03:21 PM
Yes, I have them to. Eventually the brain adjusts to them. But they are perplexing/scary when you first see them.
Posted by: suzanne | Friday, July 20, 2018 at 04:20 PM
I see these floaters fairly often and have for decades now. I regard them as harmless.
As a diabetic, however -- I have type 2 diabetes -- I have my vision checked annually, to make sure my diabetes does not affect my vision.
Au revoir de la Louisiane!
Posted by: Shane Bernard | Friday, July 20, 2018 at 04:33 PM
Yes, go to a good eye doctor, one who keeps up with the latest.... I have sensitive eyes (and everything else) so I make sure I'm wearing sunglasses when the sun shines in my direction. I see you wear adorable hats--also a wise habit. Much love....
Posted by: Valerie Meluskey | Friday, July 20, 2018 at 04:55 PM
Oh I know these annoying floaters so very well. Have had them for years. One doctor says there is nothing to be done for them and one doctor (in the same office) says they can zap them away with a laser, but he has not had a lot of luck doing that because as soon as he zaps one it floats away from him. So since I am not keen on having him chase my floaters around inside my eyeball I have elected to leave them to themselves and just adjust. Sigh.
Posted by: Sherry Frank | Friday, July 20, 2018 at 05:12 PM
Sometimes they go away for years then come back for a few days, months. They seem to have a mind of their own. You especially notice them when looking at a blank canvas, such as the sky or a wall. Just make sure you wear sunglasses if the sun is out. If you see light flashes when your eyes are closed is when it could be a detached retina and should be checked out.The floaters, just a nuisance .
Posted by: joie | Friday, July 20, 2018 at 05:56 PM
Hi Krsitin! Like so many of the other readers, I have floaters, too. And at first I thought I was going to lose my eyesight! It didn't take me long to call my ophthalmologist. He checked me out and told me that there will be more, but that I will eventually just not "see" them. I couldn't really believe that, but it's happened! I do not even notice them anymore. Hope you got into the water and enjoyed that little private beach!
Posted by: Cheryl in STL | Friday, July 20, 2018 at 05:57 PM
I have had floaters for years. My Optho said it is fairly normal for a 70 year old. but I do go in every six months to have eyes checked. I think it is just because medicare pays for it and at my age they are looking for other problems. Had my cataracts removed at 65 - no big deal. Both Optho I have been to in the last ten years said the eye vitamins are a good idea - cannot hurt. I really do not think about it much at this point. Having fair skin like you - I have always worn hats and sun screen so that also helps the eyes.
Love your secret spot at the beach - so peaceful thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful rejuvenating weekend. Ii hope the construction is finished.
Posted by: Nancy | Friday, July 20, 2018 at 06:03 PM
Bonjour, Kristen,
So glad to hear your floaters aren’t signs of something more serious. Reading about your symptoms on WebMD or another source before seeing an eye specialist is a good example to set for your children.
Lucky you to live near a beach where you can swim!
Posted by: Joanne | Friday, July 20, 2018 at 06:54 PM
Great feedback and suggestions here. I sometimes have floaters too, no light flashes. The recommendation to check with an eye doctor sounds prudent Kristi. Gorgeous photo. How lovely JM can find such great secret spots in high season. 🏖️
Posted by: Sandy | Friday, July 20, 2018 at 07:53 PM
Your beach is lovely; wish I were there! Thank you for your public service announcement about floaters. I agree with several of your readers that you should always be checked out by an eye doctor if you have floaters. It's important to be aware of the signs of retinal detachment which needs to be treated immediately to prevent blindness.
I had floaters following a "touch up" laser procedure to correct cloudy vision that had come back two years after my cataract surgery. They were annoying, but finally went away after about two months. However, I was really freaked out a few months ago by a flashing half circle of electrical-looking light that appeared in my field of vision on my left eye; it lasted about twenty minutes. I saw my eye doctor immediately and he described it as a "painless migraine." He told me that an eye migraine doesn't cause damage, but any flashing light should always be checked out asap.
Thanks again for your informative column and lovely photo of your secret beach! Enjoy!
Posted by: Margie R. | Friday, July 20, 2018 at 10:23 PM
Our dear Kristi,
Wonderful picture of you two beautiful Espinesse women!!
So enjoy sharing in both your photos and your life!
Thank you!
Also for this inviting book suggestion--just ordered it for the kindle.
Completely agree with the suggestions to have your eyes checked on a regular basis.Like you(and other readers)I've had floaters since my 30's.(at the time when I started having to wear glasses).
Also another disturbing occurrence that happened to me are things called 'windmills'(because they look like one) which happen right in the middle of one's retina.The opthamalogist said mine were(thankfully)benign and can be caused by stress(which I was encountering at the time).They finally went away.
Love
Natalia XO
Posted by: Natalia | Friday, July 20, 2018 at 10:40 PM
Kristi, this:
Google search results.
Hope it helps.
Adrenal Fatigue and Eye Floaters
AdrenalAdvice.com › adrenal-fatigue-ey...
Like many adrenal fatigue symptoms, this is actually a symptom of chronic stress. It is not really related to your adrenal ... Blurred vision and flashes of light are also common. These other symptoms seem to be the ...
Adrenal Fatigue & Vision Problems
AdrenalAdvice.com › adrenal-fatigue-vis...
Jump to Sensitivity to Bright Light · So yes ... vision problems are common adrenal fatigue symptom. I was able to solve blurred vision and flashes of light by correcting hyperventilation using the Buteyko ...
Posted by: Francesca | Friday, July 20, 2018 at 10:59 PM
Kristi,
I remember the first time I had floaters and went to to the Ophthalmologists and he relieved my anxiety. Floaters are from the retina slowly breaking apart. Then I also mention lighting flashes. Well I had several in one night and since then have not had them again. Floaters I will get every once in a while. As we age, many new things happen to our eyes, etc. It isn't fun, but that is life. Just keep on a regular schedule for getting you eyes tested.
Weren't you lucky to find such a secluded spot. We will be in La Ciotat in October, but I don't think that it will be beach weather unless it stays warm. Looking forward to relaxation and some exploring areas which we didn't explore our last 2 times there. Maybe we can meet up again.
Kathleen
Posted by: Kathleen | Friday, July 20, 2018 at 11:06 PM
Kristi, taken from an artickle:
Eye Floaters and Adrenal Fatigue
Eye floaters are a common adrenal fatigue vision problem.
you have chronically high cortisol, it leads to connective tissue problems. Collagen formation is reduced, and collagen is broken down with high cortisol.
The image to the left shows the steps from chronic stress to eye floaters.
See the article Eye Floaters and Adrenal Fatigue. for more detailed information.
http://www.adrenaladvice.com/adrenal-fatigue-vision.shtml
Hope it helps.
Posted by: Francesca | Friday, July 20, 2018 at 11:07 PM
Hi Kristi, I think that when you write your wonderful blogs, you are concentrating intently on what you want to say, and how to say it well. That is fatiguing! I feel the same way after painting for a few hours, or writing my blog for Wilde Meyer Gallery. It’s the consequence of being inthr “zone”for a few hours!
Amicalement, Judy
Posted by: Judy Feldman | Friday, July 20, 2018 at 11:23 PM
Here's more infor please:
https://www.maryvancenc.com/adrenal-fatigue-healing-a-hormone-imbalance/
Posted by: Francesca | Friday, July 20, 2018 at 11:26 PM
That is the advice I got too and my sister got me to the ophthalmologist pronto. It was good I did that and learned when to see him.
Posted by: Sarah La Belle | Saturday, July 21, 2018 at 03:35 AM
Had floaters for years...ophthalmologist said very normal...nothing to worry about.
Posted by: Faye | Saturday, July 21, 2018 at 04:34 AM
Before knew it was a floater, I was in the pool at the Fitness Club and kept swiping away a pesky hair that kept following me during Water Zumba class. I was actually relieved to find that it was merely in my eye. Thanks for your wonderful posts, Kristin.
Posted by: Irene | Saturday, July 21, 2018 at 07:21 AM
I thought I had a bug flying by my eye ... that would not go away! My floater developed after a minor fall. I banged my head right over my eyebrow. The Opthamologist said that is not uncommon to develop floaters after a knock on the head near the eyes. Did you fall or anything like that?
In any case ... my eye doctor said they are quite common as we age and relatively harmless ... but they should be definitely checked out to make sure it is nothing more serious.
Mary Liz
Posted by: Mary luz | Saturday, July 21, 2018 at 02:42 PM
PS What a beautiful photo of you and your daughter!
Posted by: Mary Liz | Saturday, July 21, 2018 at 02:45 PM
I've had floaters for years. sometimes it is like a very shear curtain shimmering in the breeze of an open window. other times I have a tiny black dot or two. Since I am a helicopter pilot, now retired from flying, I would have to decide whether that was a plane or a bird in the far distance or the pesky floater. if it moved when i blinked then it was nothing. 99 times out of a hundred that is what it was.
Enjoy the show in front of your vision!
Posted by: Anne Umphrey | Monday, July 23, 2018 at 03:54 PM
thank you - your links helped!
Posted by: debra | Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at 05:10 PM