Eye Floaters
Eye floaters are usually caused by vitreous degeneration. As people age, the vitreous may gradually become cloudy or liquefy, leading to the formation of floaters that drift within the vitreous. When light enters the eye, these floaters cast shadows on the retina, resulting in the perception of floaters. Common symptoms include the appearance of floating black spots, lines, or thread-like shapes that move with the eye and are more noticeable against bright or monochromatic backgrounds.
Causes of Eye Floaters
Ageing
Severe myopia (more than 6 diopters)
Retinal diseases
Diabetic retinopathy
Eye injury
Types of Eye Floaters
1. Physiological Floaters
• The most common type of floaters and often occurs in younger people.
• Caused by cells and fibres normally present in the vitreous, it is considered a physiological phenomenon.
2. Pathological Floaters
• Caused by various eye diseases including retinal detachment, vitreous haemorrhage, and macular degeneration.
• Requires timely diagnosis and treatment of underlying eye conditions.
3. Traumatic Floaters
• Caused by vitreous clouding or bleeding due to eye trauma.
• Requires immediate treatment to prevent complications.
4. Inflammatory Floaters
• Caused by various eye infections or inflammations including uveitis and endophthalmitis.
• Requires treatment of the underlying inflammatory disease.
5. Degenerative Floaters
• Mainly occurs in the elderly, related to degenerative changes in the vitreous.
• Usually, it is a physiological change but may be a precursor to conditions like retinal detachment.
Classifying eye floaters helps identify the cause and take appropriate prevention and treatment measures. Early detection and treatment are important to prevent complications. The management of floaters depends on their cause and severity. If no related eye disease is found upon examination, regular check-ups can monitor the eye's condition. If vision is severely affected, consult an ophthalmologist for suitable treatment options.
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FAQ
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Which eye diseases are related to eye floaters?Eye floaters can be associated with retinal detachment, cataracts, and glaucoma. If floaters appear, it is advisable to seek early advice from an ophthalmologist.
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Will eye floaters disappear or heal on their own?Eye floaters do not disappear on their own, but some people might gradually adapt and no longer notice them as much.
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Do eye floaters mean you will get retinal detachment?Most floaters are normal physiological phenomena caused by vitreous degeneration. However, they can sometimes tug on the retina. Having floaters doesn't necessarily mean you will develop retinal detachment, but it's recommended to have regular check-ups and watch for symptoms of detachment for safety.
