Eye Floaters

Eye floaters are small, shadowy spots that appear to float in front of the eyes. They are caused by small pieces of the eye's gel-like vitreous breaking loose within the inner back portion of the eye.

Causes

• The vitreous gel in the eye is made up of 99% water, with the remaining 1% consisting of collagen fibers and other substances. As people age, the vitreous gel starts to shrink and liquefy, causing the collagen fibers to clump together and cast shadows on the retina.
• Eye injuries or inflammation can also cause eye floaters by damaging the vitreous gel or retina.
• Certain eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, can increase the risk of developing eye floaters.

Symptoms

• Small, dark spots or cobwebs that appear to float in front of the eyes
• Spots that move when the eyes move, but often settle down when the eyes stop moving
• More noticeable when looking at bright lights or plain backgrounds, such as a blue sky or white wall
• May be accompanied by flashes of light, which can be a sign of retinal detachment

Risk Factors

• Aging: Eye floaters are more common in people over the age of 50.
• Nearsightedness (myopia): People with nearsightedness are more likely to develop eye floaters.
• Diabetes: People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing eye floaters due to diabetic retinopathy.
• Eye injuries or inflammation: Trauma to the eye can increase the risk of developing eye floaters.

Treatment and Management

• In most cases, eye floaters do not require treatment and will not cause any harm. However, if they are caused by an underlying condition, such as retinal detachment, treatment may be necessary to prevent vision loss.
• Vitrectomy surgery: In some cases, a vitrectomy (removal of the vitreous gel) may be performed to remove eye floaters. However, this is typically only recommended for people with severe symptoms or underlying conditions that require surgical intervention.

When to Seek Medical Attention

• Sudden increase in the number of eye floaters
• Flashes of light accompanying the eye floaters
• Eye pain or redness
• Blurred vision or loss of peripheral vision

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are eye floaters?
Small spots or specks that appear in the visual field.

What causes eye floaters?
Aging, inflammation, or injury to the vitreous gel in the eye.

Are eye floaters common?
Yes, many people experience them at some point.

Can eye floaters be a sign of a serious condition?
Sometimes, they can indicate retinal detachment or other issues.

How are eye floaters diagnosed?
Through a comprehensive eye exam.

Can eye floaters be treated?
In most cases, no treatment is necessary.

Can eye floaters be removed?
Rarely, through surgery, but this is not common.

Do eye floaters affect vision?
Usually not, but can be annoying.

Are eye floaters more common in certain people?
Yes, in those who are nearsighted or have had cataract surgery.

Should I see a doctor about eye floaters?
If they suddenly appear or increase in number.