Floater

Floater is a term used in the field of Ophthalmology to describe the specks or threads that float across the field of vision. These are usually harmless and are caused by tiny pieces of the eye's gel-like vitreous breaking loose within the inner back portion of the eye.

Causes

Floaters are caused by age-related changes in the vitreous, which is the jelly-like substance that fills the back of the eyes. As one ages, the vitreous partially liquefies — this process leads to it pulling away from the eyeball's interior surface. As the vitreous sags and shrinks, it becomes somewhat stringy, and the strands can cast tiny shadows on the retina. These are floaters.

In some cases, floaters are caused by the detachment of the interior surface of the eye, inflammation within the eye or bleeding within the eye.

Symptoms

Floaters are often described as:

• Little dots or specks that float across the field of vision
• Spidery or cobweb-like shapes
• Thread-like strands which can be knobby and almost see-through
• Shadows on the field of vision

Treatment

Most floaters are harmless and do not require treatment. However, if they are accompanied by flashes of light or loss of peripheral vision, it could indicate a retinal detachment, which is a medical emergency. In such cases, one should seek immediate medical attention.

See Also

• Eye health
• Ophthalmology
• Retinal detachment

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