Vitreous Floaters: Causes, Signs, and Treatment

One of the most common complaints patients make in any Opthalmology practice today is of seeing spots in their vision. The spots are often described as "ants", "a bug that I tried to swat away", or as little thin lines that float by. Usually they are more visible in brighter lights or against bright or white backgrounds. This phenomenon is called Vitreous Floaters or simply Floaters.

What is a Vitreous Floater? In answering that it is first important to know what the vitreous is. The eye is 80% filled with a gel like substance called the vitreous. This substance, the vitreous, supports the integrity and helps to stabilize the eye itself. As we age that gel like substance thins, liquefies and can break off into clumps or strands in various parts of the eye. These clumps are what is referred to as vitreous floaters. When these floating clumps move around the eye, usually with eye movement, they cast shadows on the retina and are then seen as spots or floaters.

Floaters by themselves are not harmful, but as with any new symptom or changes to your vision, you should have an eye exam to verify that these particular symptoms are just floaters. There are times where spots in your vision can be a sign of a more serious matter. This is especially true for people who are myopic (Near Sighted), diabetic or who may have suffered trauma to the eye or head. As the degeneration of the vitreous progresses (whether from time or health or injury) in some people it can pull away from the retina and in the process lift or detach a part of the retina. This can cause flashing or pinpricks of light, a shower of spots or the appearance of a waving flag or a curtain to suddenly occur. These symptoms can be a sign of a Retinal Detachment and it is important that an Eye Care professional is seen immediately for a dilated eye exam to both the affected and non-affected eye. A retinal detachment if left untreated can result in blindness.

In the case of vitreous floaters there is generally no treatment that is necessary. The Floaters with time will gradually sink below the line of sight or the person who has the complaint will grow so accustomed to them that they are ignored and no longer a nuisance. In severe cases, however, there are several treatments available. A Vitrectomy in which the vitreous is removed and replaced with a salt solution and Laser Treatments are a few of the procedures performed. The risk to benefit ratio of these procedures should always be considered and discussed before undergoing any treatments.

This article is for information purposes only and is not meant to take the place of a routine eye exam. Please see your eye care professional for further information on floaters and your risks of getting them.