About this topic
Sometimes, you may see tiny specks or threads in front of your eyes. They look like they are floating in front of everything you see. These are known as eye floaters. They are not on the outside of your eye, but on the inside. ‚
The inside of your eye is filled with a gel. It is most often clear and helps give your eye its shape. Light passes through this gel. A floater is a tiny piece of debris in the gel. Some floaters go away after a little while. Others are a sign of a more serious problem. It is an emergency if there is a loss of eyesight or if there are floaters and flashes of light. ‚
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What are the causes?
- Small pieces of protein inside the eyes
- Eye disease or eye surgery
- Eye problems caused by diabetes
- Tumors inside the eyes
- Problems with the retina like a detachment or tear
- Problems with the gel in the eye
- Eye infections
What can make this more likely to happen?
- Being nearsighted
- If you are diabetic
- People with eye injury
What are the main signs?
Some people notice a floater all the time. Others may only see them when they hold their eyes still or look at a blank wall. Floaters can look like many shapes. You may see black or gray dots. There may be lines or threads. You may see circles or shadows. ‚
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. The doctor will carefully check your eyes. The doctor will use a special microscope to look inside your eyes. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Most often floaters go away over time and do not need to be treated. If the floaters are very big or get in the way of your seeing, the doctor may treat them. Then, the doctor may want to use laser therapy or replace the gel in the eye. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
If you have diabetes, keep your daily blood sugar within normal levels. ‚
Helpful tips
- Have your eyes checked at least every 2 years.
- Have your eyesight checked every year if you wear corrective glasses or contact lenses.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Ophthalmology ‚
http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/diseases/floaters-flashes.cfm ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Floaters/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚