The vitreous, which fills the inside of the eye, is a transparent, jelly-like tissue. Due to aging or various other factors, it undergoes vitreous liquefaction, turning into a more liquid state.
This process creates opacities and debris within the vitreous, causing spots that look like mosquitoes, flies, or threads drifting in front of the eyes.
This condition is called floaters (myodesopsia). Additionally, as the vitreous separates from and pulls on the retina, it can trigger photopsia, characterized by flickering or flashing lights.
Symptoms of Floaters
The primary symptoms of floaters include the appearance of drifting spots, lines, or net-like structures in one's field of vision.
They are described in various forms, such as dots, threads, lines, spiderwebs, flies, amoebas, clouds, or smoke. These objects move along with your gaze, yet they seem to drift away or 'dodge' your direct focus whenever you try to look straight at them.
In severe cases of floaters, vision may become blurred,
or the floaters may cause significant visual interference.
The spots move along as you move your eyes
and do not remain fixed in one position.
Causes of Floaters
Aging
As you age, the vitreous may shrink and separate into liquid and
solid components,
causing small particles to float within the eye.
Vitreous Detachment
This is a phenomenon that can occur during the process of the vitreous detaching from the retina.
Small tears or debris generated during this process can cause floaters.
High Myopia
The more severe the myopia, the longer the eye becomes,
and vitreous degeneration progresses earlier.
Floaters may appear even at a young age,
and the risk of retinal tears/detachment is also higher.
Inflammation in the eye
When inflammatory cells float in the vitreous due to conditions like uveitis or endophthalmitis, floaters appear.
Diabetes
Diabetes can cause floaters to appear when blood vessels in the retina become damaged or bleed.
Other
Migraine aura, tumors in the eye, and medication side effects can rarely be causes.
Floaters Diagnosis/Examination
After dilating the pupils, examine the retina.
망막 열공 및 망막 박리에 의한 비문증이 있을 수 있으므로
retinal tears and detachment.
Treatment for Floaters
Floaters caused by retinal tears are treated with laser therapy.
If retinal detachment is observed in patients with floaters, surgical treatment is indicated.
Although they often do not disappear completely, over time vitreous opacities settle or move away from the center of vision, and the brain adapts to perceive them less.
Many people report that it becomes less bothersome after several weeks to several months.
Floaters themselves do not necessarily indicate retinal detachment.
However, if accompanied by a sudden increase in floaters, photopsia, or visual field defects, it may be a precursor to a retinal tear or detachment, necessitating immediate examination.
While it is difficult to prevent vitreous aging itself, preventing eye trauma, managing underlying conditions, and undergoing regular checkups are crucial for early detection and treatment of complications.
Overall eye health management, including UV protection, smoking cessation, and a balanced diet, is also recommended.
In most cases, treatment is not necessary. However, treatment may be required if floaters severely interfere with vision or if other eye conditions are suspected.
Check out the blog below for more information on eye health.
