Eye floaters are – small dots, lines or shadows in your vision that move (or float) when you try to focus on them – are very common. These tiny flecks are often more noticeable when looking at a light background and can appear as squiggles, rings, lines with knobs or little cobwebs. In most cases, they are not serious and are caused by changes in the vitreous (the jelly-like substance inside the eye). In some cases, they may appear as tiny flashes of light. Floaters that have been around for a long time and do not change in size or appearance are generally not alarming. There are cases when the sudden appearance or changes of floatersmight be a symptom for something more serious, such as retinal detachment. In such an event, you should urgently contact your ophthalmologist for an assessment.
See frequent showers from small dots and flashes of light.
No longer see frequent floaters or flashes and vision returns to normal
In the event that floaters suddenly increase in number or severity or in a short time, then you should immediately seek attention from a specialist ophthalmologist. This is because it can be a sign of an underlying serious condition, such as a torn retina.
For many people, floaters do not cause a problem. After a long time, we usually get used to them and do not even notice that they are there, but for others, they can become more than just an irritation – some people even abandon activities because floaters become so intrusive. Working on computer screens is an often-mentioned reason for the desire to remove floaters, even in younger people.
Floaters are often age-related. As we get older the vitreous shrinks, pulling with it small amounts of collagen fibers from the retina with it. These cast shadows in the eye and we see them as floaters. Although benign, if floaters detract from your quality of life, you may consider removing them. This is a treatment performed by a specialist ophthalmologist experienced in the treatment of vitreous floaters. They will examine your eyes and determine if you are suitable for treatment.
There are two ways to treat floaters:
This is an invasive surgery performed under general anesthesia. It is extremely successful, but is accompanied by some associated risks, such as cataract formation and retinal tears/detachment. Your laser floater specialist will determine whether such a procedure is appropriate.
In most cases, laser removal of floaters is likely to be the chosen option. This is also referred to as YAG laser vitreolysis.
Athens EyeCare clinic in the center of Athens is one of the most complete and contemporary technologically equipped Ophthalmology clinic in Greece
