Eye floaters are points, lines, or small spots. it appears in the person’s field of vision, also if they are in front of his eyes and he looks at them directly.
sometimes floaters appear whenever the person wants to look away, while they are inside the eyes and not outside as they seem.
eye floaters are cells or gel inside the vitreous part of the eye, which is a transparent gel-like substance that fills most of the eye. and those floaters that appear in a person’s field of vision are the shadows cast by these masses on the retina.
it’s a common problem among many and the person shouldn’t be worried about it. as in most cases, they disappear on their own without any treatment. but other types of them may be an indication of another eye problem.
Eye floaters are more prevalent among the elderly, as age leads to the shrinkage of the vitreous inside the eyes, forming these small particles. These dots then slowly drift through the vitreous and as they move, they pass in front of the center of the retina bringing them into the person’s field of view, so they are a normal part of the aging process.
Sometimes eye floaters can be an indication of a more serious eye condition, such as retinal detachment which leads to a detachment of the retina. This problem leads to serious complications in vision. So if you notice that you have more spots than usual or you experience flashes (which are bursts of light across your field of vision). the Royal Spanish Center advises you to contact your eye doctor immediately for the necessary examinations.
Eye Floaters Causes
Many reasons can cause eye floaters, but the main reason is that the vitreous part of the eye begins to shrink, as a result of aging. and when the vitreous shrinks, it produces small particles that float through the fluid and can block the light coming into the retina, forming tiny shadows on the eye that make those floaters noticeable.
Everyone can have eye floaters at some point, and although most people ignore them, a person with them can easily notice it when looking at an empty surface or a bright place like the sky.
Although they can be distracting at first, most of the cases of eye floaters tend to disappear on their own. However, the American Association of Retinal Specialists recommends that a person who notices sudden symptoms should have an ophthalmologist’s examination within the first few months after symptoms appear to be sure there are no more serious problems.
There are some other less common causes of eye floaters, like:
- The presence of blood in the eyes, as is often associated with diabetes and diabetic retinopathy that affects the eyes.
- which can lead to blood leaking from the retina into the vitreous part, which causes the person to see shapes such as spots or lines.
- So, if you have diabetes, you should have regular eye tests to check your vision.
- Inflammation and swelling of the eyes due to what is known as “uveitis”.
- An infection in the eyes.
- A tear or trauma to the retina.
- A traumatic injury to the eye.
- Eye tumors.
Does dry eye cause eye floaters?
Research and studies have not shown any relationship or a connection so far between dry eyes and floaters. and although dry eyes lead to irritation and redness that negatively affects vision as a result of lack of tears. this vision change isn’t related to what happens in vision as a result of eye floaters.
Eye floaters symptoms
- Eye Floaters Causes
The main symptom of eye floaters is:
- the appearance of spots in a person’s field of vision.
- but they can take different forms, such as:
- lines.
- spider web lines.
- or any other irregular shapes.
It may also appear as a darker or lighter area of vision. Sometimes, the area where the floater is located will appear blurrier compared to the rest of the person’s field of vision.
When do eye floaters disappear?
In most cases, eye floaters disappear on their own within a few days, and the person does not feel it or see it in his field of vision.
Therefore, it is recommended that if symptoms persist for a long time, the person should go to the ophthalmologist to make sure that they are not related to any other more serious problems in the eyes like; retinal detachment.
Although eye floaters can occur suddenly and the person cannot stop them, there are some simple practices and ways that can be followed to reduce the chances of a person getting it.
The most important of these practices are
- Maintaining a healthy weight or not exceeding the ideal weight excessively.
- Eat a varied and nutritious diet as many foods contain nutrients that protect the eyes from many diseases.
- As fish, because it is rich in omega-3, meat and poultry, and leafy green vegetables.
- And you can discover more details about the nutrition that are important for eye health.
- Quit Smoking.
- Wear the original sunglasses in bright light as it prevents the person from being exposed to ultraviolet rays.
- Wear safety goggles, when necessary, especially when engaging in any violent sport.
- Resting the eyes frequently, especially if the person is exposed to screens for a long time because of his work.
- therefore, he must follow the rule (20 – 20 – 20). which means that the person looks 20 feet away from the screen every 20 minutes and this exercise continues for 20 seconds.
Eye floaters treatment
Eye floaters do not need treatment in most cases.
- It disappears and settles in the bottom of the eye.
- In rare cases. the things that a person sees in their field of vision may become so intense.
- that they may disrupt the person’s vision.
- In these cases, your doctor may recommend a procedure called a vitrectomy.
vitrectomy
- During a vitrectomy, your doctor surgically removes the vitreous solution that’s causing the floaters.
- The vitreous solution is then replaced with a saline solution or bubble filled with gas or oil.
- Most people don’t feel any noticeable difference between vitreous and saline solution after surgery.
- Doctors generally use this procedure for serious conditions.
- to avoid potential complications such as cataracts and retinal detachment.
Advancement of ophthalmological equipment technology
- Royal Spanish use the advancement of ophthalmological equipment technology.
- there are some alternative treatments for eye floaters such as LASIK therapy.
- LASIK therapy or laser vitriolizes make broking or dissolving points less visible.
- In this case, the ophthalmologist needs to make a complete diagnosis in each case to find out. whether a person can benefit from LASIK treatment or not.