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WHAT ARE EYE FLOATERS?
Eye Floaters or in medical parlance myodesopsia constitute the vision of moving floating bodies in the form of dots, shadows that move in the visual field and that do not correspond to real external objects. This is one of the most common reasons for consultation during a visit to the ophthalmologist.
Although the cause-effect relationship has not been precisely proven, age and myopia have been identified as the main predisposing factors.
Floaters correspond to condensations that form in the transparent gelatinous fluid that fills the eyeball, called vitreous humor, and which cast their shadow on the retina when light passes through it.
SYMPTOMS
Myodesopsia is very common and most people learn to ignore its presence. They are usually seen most clearly when looking at a uniformly illuminated surface in white colors. they usually move with eye movements and seem to disappear when we try to look directly at them. They do not usually follow the eye movement exactly.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CONCERN?
Floaters are generally harmless, but in some causes they may indicate a more serious problem. It is important to see an eye care professional if you have any of the following symptoms:
The number of floaters increases rapidly
A shadow suddenly appears in one part of your field of vision.
Flash of light Loss of side vision
These symptoms may indicate retinal detachment, a condition that requires medical attention. Your ophthalmologist will examine the back of your eye to determine the cause of the floaters.
CAUSES
Age is one of the main factors in the development of floaters. As we age, a clear jelly-like fluid called vitreous gel that fills the eyeball becomes denser (a collection of collagen fibers) and, when light passes through it, casts a shadow on the retina. In most cases, these condensations are caused by the natural drying of the vitreous.
Another of the factors most associated with this condition is myopia. Several studies have confirmed that people with this refractive error are more likely to suffer from floaters. It also includes ocular trauma and surgeries such as cataract surgery may be associated with the appearance of these floaters.
The appearance of floaters is also more common in people who have undergone cataract surgery and in those who have had their posterior capsule removed by laser .
Less commonly, myodesopsia may be part of the symptoms of a serious eye disease, whether of inflammatory (posterior uveitis), hemorrhagic (vitreous hemorrhage of various origins) or tumor (intraocular neoplasia) origin.
If the patient also sees flashes of light (photopsia), they can be a highly suspicious sign of a retinal tear.
PREVENTION
There is no way to prevent floaters as the main risk factors, age and myopia, are irreversible. In most cases, floaters are considered a normal, harmless condition that does not affect vision.
HOW TO CURE EYE FLOATERS
There is no effective treatment to definitively eliminate floaters. In more extreme cases, when migrating opacities severely impair vision or cause psychologically intolerable problems, it is necessary to perform the surgery. In this case, replace this vitreous gel with clear saline. The surgery is called vitrectomy and is a highly specialized and highly effective intraocular surgery. It is performed under local anesthesia and does not require sutures. However, because of the potential risks, it is only indicated if symptoms are very severe.
CONVENTIONAL TREATMENTS FOR EYE FLOATERS
| Treatment | Description | Effectiveness | Risks/Side Effects |
| Observation (Wait and See) | No immediate treatment; regular monitoring by an eye doctor. | Can be effective for mild floaters that fade over time. | No risks, but floaters may remain or worsen over time. |
| Laser Vitreolysis | Laser treatment targets and breaks up larger floaters into smaller pieces, making them less noticeable. | Effective for moderate to severe floaters, especially in specific cases. | Risks include retinal damage or incomplete removal of floaters. |
| Vitrectomy | Surgical removal of the vitreous humor (gel-like substance) and its replacement with a saline solution. | Highly effective for severe floaters; last-resort option. | Risks include retinal detachment, infections, and cataracts. |
HOW IS THE SURGERY PERFORMED?
An ophthalmologist removes the retina through a small incision. The vitreous humor is replaced with a solution that helps maintain the shape of the eye. The surgery cannot remove all the floaters and new floaters may appear after surgery. The floaters can also be removed with a special laser to target the floaters in the vitreous body. This can destroy them and make them less noticeable. Some people who have had this treatment report that their vision has improved. Some people notice little or no difference.
It is important to pay attention to any significant changes in the appearance of vitreous opacification or consult an ophthalmologist if other symptoms are present to make a proper diagnosis and provide optimal treatment if necessary.
LIFESTYLE AND ALTERNATIVE APROACHES TO MANAGE EYE FLOATERS
| Approach | Description | Effectiveness | Risks/Side Effects |
| Hydration & Nutrition | Drinking plenty of water and consuming foods rich in antioxidants (like Vitamin C and Omega-3s) for eye health. | May reduce overall eye strain and promote eye health. | Low risk; requires long-term maintenance for visible results. |
| Eye Exercises | Gentle eye exercises like shifting focus between objects at different distances or moving the eyes in circular motions. | May help reduce the visibility of floaters in mild cases. | Generally safe, but may not eliminate floaters completely. |
| Rest and Reduce Eye Strain | Taking frequent breaks from screen use and reducing prolonged eye strain by using proper lighting. | Can prevent further strain and reduce floaters over time. | No risks; effectiveness varies depending on the severity of floaters. |
| Supplements | Certain supplements (like Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Zinc) are believed to support overall eye health. | Can support long-term eye health but may not directly reduce floaters. | Safe in recommended doses; overuse can lead to vitamin imbalances. |
FAQ
HOW DO EYE FLOATERS AFFECT VISION?
When floaters are very dense and not very mobile, they can cause very symptomatic blurred vision, significantly compromising the patient’s quality of life. Even in this case, it is recommended to consult a specialist ophthalmologist.
WHAT IS THE VISION OF A PERSON WITH FLOATERS LIKE?
Floaters are spots in your vision. You can perceive them as black or gray mirrors, threads, or webs of bone that float in your field of vision when you move your eyes. The floaters seem to move away when you try to look directly at them.
