Eye floaters - what are they and why do they happen?
Written in association with:Eye floaters are shapes that people may see drift across their vision. They are small pieces of debris floating in the vitreous jelly, a substance that helps the eye maintain a round shape. They may exist in a variety of forms, such as small black dots, short wavy lines, hair-like shapes, tadpole or fly-like, or even resembling a cobweb. Mr Mahi Muqit, revered consultant ophthalmologist, explains more.
The causes of floaters
Vitreous jelly is made mainly of water, held together by a meshwork system, and it forms 80 per cent of the eyeball volume. As we age, the meshwork begins to break down, which in turn causes debris as it becomes solid.
The debris casts shadows onto the retina, which is what we see as floaters. In 70 per cent of people between the ages of 40 to 70, the vitreous gel can lose its support framework, which causes it to collapse. This is known as a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD).
Treatment for floaters
Floaters are considered to be harmless, and represent a natural process of ageing – natural, but occasionally annoying. Floaters become less apparent over time as our eyes and brain adjust to the change, filtering them out.
In very rare cases, the vitreous gel can become stuck to a patch of retina and cause a retinal tear. This can occur in up to 10 per cent of PVD patients. This means fluid can start to appear behind the retina, causing it to detach (retinal detachment) from the back of the eye. If a tear develops, then people experience a marked shower of floaters with flashes of light, usually occurring in daylight. This requires urgent attention from an eye doctor.
Floaters, however, do not harm the eye, or cause significant problems, so no treatment is generally recommended. If the patient has very severe floaters or cannot adapt, this can affect their quality of vision and interfere with their daily lives. Therefore, an operation to remove the vitreous gel (a vitrectomy) can be performed.
Vitrectomy surgery
Vitrectomy surgery carries with it various risks, such as developing cataracts at an earlier stage than they would have otherwise done. Cataracts rarely develop immediately after surgery, but rather 2-3 years later.
Severe complications include blindness in the eye, because of severe bleeding during surgery or an eye infection after the operation. This is extremely rare, but patients should be aware that the risk does exist.
Vitrectomy surgery can be performed under local or general anaesthetic. Even though it is a major operation, it is rarely painful. Discomfort in the eye may be experienced afterwards, but this is easily relieved with painkillers. Eye drops will be prescribed to reduce inflammation and prevent infection. Most people choose to take at least two weeks off work after surgery, and during recovery process decide not to drive, as the ability to judge distance is affected.
After surgery, you can bath or shower, but avoid splashing water near the eye. Any instructions your specialist gives you should also be followed.
If you are troubled by eye floaters and wish to schedule a consultation with Mr Muqit to discuss the available treatment options, visit his Top Doctors profile today.
