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The eye has several clear structures and compartments through which light passes until it reaches the light-sensitive lining at the back of the inner eye (retina). Along the way, light is bent to focus on the light receptors responsible for the most acute vision but its passage should not be hampered in any way that will affect the quality of image cast on the retina. This allows for visual acuity and ensures that we see what is in the environment.
What are eye floaters?
Define Eye Floater, Vitreous Floater
Eye floaters or vitreous floaters are translucent (semi-transparent) spots, streaks and objects within the field of vision that does not correspond to any object in the external environment. It is essentially a slight defect in vision caused by changes within the eyeball.
Most cases, however, are not serious or any cause for concern and arises within the normal eyeball. On the other hand, these floaters in the eye may be a sign of serious eye diseases and warrants careful attention. On the rare occasion, eye floaters may be so excessive yet not due to any disease that surgical treatment is essential to restore normal vision.
The back four-fifths of the eye is known as the vitreous cavity. It lies behind the lens of the eye and is filled with a clear gelatinous substance known as the vitreous humor. Light focused by the lens of the eye then has to pass through the vitreous humor to reach the light-sensitive retina. Sometimes the vitreous humor may have pockets of liquid or even gas that disturb the path of the light traveling through it. This gives rise to visual defects like floaters. Less commonly, particles or even blood may accumulate within the vitreous cavity and could also be responsible for disturbing the passage of light.
What causes vitreous floaters?
Causes of Eye Floaters
There is no clear cause for most cases of vitreous floaters. In fact, most of us will experience it at some point in life and then it will resolve on its own with no need for treatment. In these cases it is harmless, transient and occurs for unknown reasons. It is therefore labelled as benign idiopathic floaters (benign ~ harmless; idiopathic ~ unknown causes).
However, vitreous floaters may be associated with physiological and pathological changes involving the vitreous humor, its cavity or even the retina. Vitreous floaters are commonly seen in the elderly and this arises from age-related changes in the vitreous humor – it liquefies and contracts to some extent thereby pulling the retina with it.
Vitreous floaters are also seen with other diseases like :
- Retinal detachment (detached retina)
- Tears or holes in the retina
- Posterior vitreous detachment
- Bleeding in the vitreous humor (vitreous hemorrhage)
- Vitreous infection and other inflammatory conditions
What are the other symptoms with vitreous floaters?
Eye Floater Signs and Symptoms
Vitreous floaters usually occur on its own with no other ocular (eye) or non-ocular symptoms. Most of the time it is not excessive to the point where it hampers normal vision.
However, if vitreous floaters suddenly appear with one or more of the following signs and symptoms then it needs to be investigated further.
- Bright flashing lights
- Halos or glare
- Loss of vision – partial or complete
- Shadows in the normal line of vision either centrally, peripherally (towards the sides) or both
- Pain in the eye
- Redness of the eye
- Swollen eyeball
Sometimes vitreous floaters may occur before and during a migraine attack and a patient will complain of a severe headache along with the floaters.
How are vitreous floaters treated?
Treatment of Eye Floaters
Vitreous floaters do not usually require any treatment and will resolve on its own within time. In cases where it occurs due to eye problems, it may need medical or even surgical treatment. Retinal detachment or retinal tears needs immediate treatment. Tears, if dealt with early, will not progress to detachment. In a severe case of vitreous floaters that is clouding the normal vision, a procedure known as a vitrectomy may be necessary. This involves removing the vitreous humor from the eye and injecting gas or fluid in its place.
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