Eye Floaters
Eye floaters are small, dark shapes that move around in your field of vision. They often look like spots,
threads, or wavy lines. These shadows can appear when tiny pieces of the eye's gel-like vitreous break loose and
drift within the eye's cavity. They are usually harmless and can be effectively managed with treatments such as
laser therapy and surgery.
Eye floaters occur when microscopic particles suspended in the vitreous, or clear gel that fills the eye, cast
shadows onto the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that transmits images to
the brain. When the particles move around in the fluid, they create what appear to be dark spots that “float”
across the vision. Eye floaters can be seen most easily when looking at a plain background, such as a blank wall or
a clear blue sky.
How Eye Floaters Develop
Eye floaters are common and tend to occur more often as we age. As we get older, the vitreous gel starts to
separate from the back of the eye, which can sometimes cause small pieces to break off and become suspended in the
fluid. Eye floaters are usually nothing to worry about, but it is important to get them checked out by an eye
specialist if they become bothersome and interfere with normal vision.
Detecting Eye Floaters
An eye exam is the best way to detect eye floaters. During the exam, the doctor will dilate your pupils and use
an ophthalmoscope, a handheld magnifying instrument, to examine the inside of the eye. The doctor may also use a
slit-lamp microscope to get a closer look at the vitreous gel.
Causes of Eye Floaters
The exact cause of eye floaters can vary but is usually related to age-related changes in the vitreous. As we
age, the vitreous gradually shrinks and becomes more liquid. This process can sometimes cause small pieces of the
gel to break off, which appear as floaters in the vision. Other causes may include inflammation in the eye,
bleeding in the vitreous, diabetic retinopathy, or eye surgery.
Treatments for Eye Floaters
Treatments for eye floaters depend on the severity of the condition, but may include laser therapy or surgery.
Laser therapy, also known as laser vitreolysis, uses a specialized laser to break up the floaters. This procedure
is usually done in an outpatient setting and has a low risk of complications. Surgery may also be recommended to
remove the vitreous gel from the eye and replace it with a saline solution.
Eye Floaters Research
Recent research suggests that eye floaters may be related to changes in the blood vessels in the eye. A study
published in the journal Ophthalmology in 2019 found that eye floaters may be caused by the presence of
microaneurysms, or small, abnormal bulges in the blood vessels. The study also found that treating these
microaneurysms could improve eye floaters and reduce their associated symptoms.
Overall, eye floaters are common and usually harmless. They can be managed with treatments such as laser therapy
and surgery, and regular eye exams can help detect them early. If you experience any visual disturbances, such as
flashes of light or a sudden increase in floaters, it is important to see an eye doctor right away. Research is
ongoing to better understand the underlying causes of eye floaters and to develop more effective treatments.
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