Eye floaters are black or gray specks, strings or cobwebs that appear and drift about the visual field. The Mayo Clinic says most eye floaters are caused by age-related changes that occur in the vitreous humor layer within the eyes. Microscopic fibers located within the vitreous humor can clump together and may cast tiny shadows on the retina.
Causes
The vitreous humor usually changes gradually. However, in some cases, a section of the vitreous humor will pull away from the retina, causing multiple eye floaters to appear suddenly, according to the Mayo Clinic, which states that individuals may also see flashes of light when the fine fibers in the vitreous humor tug on the retina.
Risk Factors
The Mayo Clinic says the following are risk factors associated with eye floaters; age 50 and over, nearsightedness, eye trauma, having just had cataract surgery and inflammation of the eye.
Symptoms
Eye floaters float in one's field of vision and typically look like dark specks or knobby transparent strings of material. CNN Health says the specks and strings move when the eye moves. When individuals try to look at the floating material it quickly moves out of their field of vision. In most cases, eye floaters eventually settle down at the bottom of the vitreous cavity, out of one's line of vision, according to CNN Health.
CNN Health says eye floaters become noticeable when looking at a plain bright background, such as a blue sky or white wall. Individuals who first notice eye floaters find them to be annoying, but most learn to ignore them.
Diagnosis
An ophthalmologist must carefully examine both eyes to give appropriate advice. The Cleveland Clinic says that in many cases, the exam will confirm that the floaters are not a symptom of a more serious condition. Patients who experience eye floaters are usually instructed to have eye exams more frequently to ensure the floaters do not progress into a more serious condition, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Treatment
Floaters that significantly interfere with seeing require treatment. CNN Health says doctors may suggest a surgical procedure known as vitrectomy, which uses a hollow needle to withdraw the vitreous humor from the eye and replace it with a saltwater solution. CNN Health continues, saying this may cause retinal detachment and cataracts, in addition to not removing all eye floaters.
