Eye floaters are visual disturbances that appear as spots in your field of vision. They may resemble black or gray dots, threads, or cobweb-like structures. These floaters tend to move when you shift your gaze. When you attempt to focus on them directly, they seem to dart away.
The majority of eye floaters result from age-related changes in the jelly-like substance (vitreous) within your eyes, which becomes liquefied and shrinks over time. This process leads to the formation of scattered clumps of collagen fibers in the vitreous, which can cast small shadows on your retina. The shadows that you perceive are referred to as floaters.
Should you experience a sudden increase in the number of eye floaters, it is crucial to consult an eye specialist without delay — particularly if you also observe flashes of light or experience vision loss. These symptoms may indicate a medical emergency that necessitates immediate attention.
Diagnosis
Your eye care professional will perform a thorough eye exam to identify the source of your eye floaters. Typically, this exam involves eye dilation. Eye drops are used to widen (dilate) the dark center of your eye, enabling your specialist to get a clearer view of the back of your eyes and the vitreous.
Treatment
Most eye floaters don’t need treatment. However, if there’s an underlying medical issue causing the floaters, like bleeding from diabetes or inflammation, that should be addressed.
Eye floaters can be annoying, and it may take a while to get used to them. Once you realize that the floaters won’t lead to further issues, you might find that you can ignore them or notice them less frequently over time.
In rare cases where floaters obstruct your vision, you and your eye care professional might explore treatment options. These can include surgery to remove the vitreous or using a laser to break apart the floaters, though both procedures are quite uncommon.
- Surgery to remove the vitreous.
A retina and vitreous surgeon, also known as an ophthalmologist, performs a vitrectomy by making a small incision to remove the vitreous gel from the eye. This gel is then replaced with a solution that helps maintain the eye’s shape. It’s important to note that while surgery may reduce some floaters, it may not eliminate all of them, and it’s possible for new floaters to form afterward. Potential risks associated with a vitrectomy include infection, bleeding, and tears in the retina.
- Using a laser to disrupt the floaters. a
An ophthalmologist directs a specialized laser towards the floaters present in the vitreous (vitreolysis). This procedure may fragment the floaters, rendering them less conspicuous. Some individuals who undergo this treatment report enhancements in their vision, while others observe minimal or no change. The potential risks associated with laser therapy include the possibility of retinal damage if the laser is misdirected.
