Eye Floaters
Floaters can look like tiny specks in your vision. They may look like black or gray spots, thin threads or spider webs. They may move around when you move your eyes. Floaters disappear when you try to look directly at them. Although they are often harmless, they can sometimes indicate a serious eye condition. Most floaters are caused by age-related changes that cause the jelly-like substance (vitreous) inside your eyes to liquefy and shrink. Stray clumps of collagen fibers build up within the vitreous and can cast tiny shadows on your retina.
Causes of Eye floater
Age -Related Changes
As you age, the gel-like substance inside your eye shrinks and becomes more fluid, forming clumps or fibers that cast shadows on the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye).
Eye Injuries or Inflammation
Trauma or conditions like uveitis (inflammation of the eye) can cause floaters.
Bleeding in the Eye
Diabetes, hypertension, or blocked blood vessels can lead to bleeding in the vitreous, resulting in floaters.
Posterior Vitreous Detachment
The vitreous gel pulls away from the retina, often causing floaters. This is common as you age and is usually harmless but can sometimes lead to retinal tears.
Retinal Tears or Detachment
A torn or detached retina can cause a sudden increase in floaters, often accompanied by flashes of light. This is a medical emergency.
Other Causes
Nearsightedness (myopia), cataract surgery, or certain medications can also increase the risk of floaters.
Risk Factors of Eye Floaters
- Being Nearsightedness
- Having Diabetes
- History of eye Injuries
- Having had cataract surgery.
- Being over 50 years of age.
Symptoms of Eye Floaters
- Tiny black spots, zigzag lines, or cobweb-like shapes in your vision.
- Floaters that move when your eyes move but go away when your eyes stop.
- More noticeable when looking at a bright, plain background (e.g., a white wall or sky).
Diagnosed of Eye floater
Your eye care specialist performs a complete eye exam to determine the cause of your eye floaters. Your exam usually includes eye dilation. Your doctor will use eye drops to widen your pupils. Eye drops widen (dilate) the black center of your eye. This allows your specialist to better see the back of your eye and the vitreous. Once you are diagnosed with eye floaters, your eye doctor will recommend treatment options based on your symptoms.
Treatment Options
Monitoring
Most floaters are harmless and become less noticeable over time as the brain adapts to them. No treatment is needed unless they significantly impair vision.
Vitrectomy
A surgical procedure to remove the vitreous gel and replace it with a saline solution. This is considered only in severe cases where floaters severely affect vision.
Laser Vitreolysis
A laser is used to break up large floaters, making them less noticeable. This is less invasive than vitrectomy but not suitable for all types of floaters.
Addressing Underlying Conditions
If floaters are caused by an underlying condition (e.g., diabetes, uveitis, or retinal detachment), treating the root cause is essential.