Eye floaters

Eye floaters are small, moving spots that appear in a person's field of vision. They may stand out when looking at something bright, such as white paper or a blue sky. Floaters can appear as black or gray dots, lines, cobwebs, or blobs. Occasionally, a large floater can be distracting and may cause difficulty with certain visual tasks.

Causes

Eye floaters are caused by changes in the vitreous humor, the jelly-like substance inside the eye. As people age, the vitreous slowly shrinks and becomes somewhat stringy, and the strands can cast shadows on the retina. These shadows are seen as floaters. In most cases, floaters are part of the natural aging process and are not cause for concern. However, they can also result from eye injuries, uveitis (inflammation of the eye), torn retina, or eye surgery.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of eye floaters is the appearance of floating spots in one's vision. These spots move as the eyes move and seem to dart away when trying to look directly at them. They are most noticeable in bright conditions.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of eye floaters is made during a comprehensive eye examination. The eye doctor may use eye drops to dilate the pupils and examine the health of the eye's interior, including the vitreous and retina. This examination helps to ensure that there are no underlying conditions causing the floaters.

Treatment

In many cases, no treatment is necessary for eye floaters. Individuals may become less aware of them over time, and the floaters may partially resolve on their own. However, if floaters significantly impair vision, a surgical procedure called a vitrectomy may be performed to remove the vitreous and replace it with a solution to help maintain the eye's shape.

Prevention

There is no known prevention for eye floaters as they are usually a natural part of the aging process. Maintaining good eye health through regular eye exams can help detect any eye conditions that may contribute to the development of floaters.

Complications

While eye floaters are usually harmless, a sudden increase in floaters, possibly accompanied by light flashes or peripheral vision loss, could indicate a retinal detachment, which is a medical emergency. Immediate medical attention is necessary to prevent permanent vision loss.