Eye Floaters
Have you ever seen tiny grey specks or squiggly lines floating in your vision? Well, chances are you’re experiencing something called Myodesopsia, vitreous floaters or eye floaters. You’re not alone! This is a common phenomenon that many people experience, especially as they get older. It especially affects those who are short sighted (myopic.)
What are eye floaters?
They’re tiny pieces of debris that float around in the vitreous, which is the clear, jelly-like substance that fills the inside of our eyeballs. The vitreous is mostly made up of water, but it also contains collagen fibres and other proteins. As we age, the vitreous can become more liquid and the collagen fibres can clump together, forming tiny floaters. These cast a shadow onto the retina which is what you are actually seeing.
Should you be concerned?
Now, before you start panicking, it’s important to note that vitreous floaters are usually harmless. They’re rarely a sign of anything serious and most people learn to ignore them over time. However, if you suddenly start to see a lot more floaters than usual or if they are accompanied by flashes of light, or you have a feeling that there’s a “lace curtain” over your peripheral vision, it’s important to see an optometrist or eye specialist immediately. This could be a sign of a more serious condition like a retinal tear or detachment.
How can you get rid of floaters?
Unfortunately, there’s no sure-fire way to get rid of them. While some people swear that eating pineapple will do the trick and there is some limited published research to back this up. I’ve never come across anybody who has tried this with any success. There are vitamin supplements for sale now which make the same claim. I tried them myself for six months and, disappointingly, I found no difference whatsoever. The only comfort I can give is that you learn to live with them and notice them less and less.
Is there any treatment for floaters at all?
If your floaters are really causing you problems, there are some surgical options that you could explore. However, these procedures involve major surgery, have associated risks and are only available privately. This is something you should discuss this with your optometrist.
Conclusion
The bottom line is, while vitreous floaters can be annoying, they’re usually nothing to worry about. If you’re experiencing a sudden increase in floaters or other vision changes, it’s important to get them checked out straightaway. If you’re just dealing with a few pesky floaters, try not to worry too much. After all, they’re just a part of the aging process and something that many people experience.
Here is some NHS advice about floaters if you would like a little further reading.
Bellamy Eyecare are opticians in Leicester and Irthlingborough. If you feel that you need help or advice regarding eye health, designer glasses, eye tests, orthokeratology or anything else then please feel free to get in touch.