Floaters in the Eye


Floaters in the eye can be a harmless, normal part of aging or the sign of a more serious eye condition.




What are Eye Floaters?

Floaters in the eye are little bits of debris or tiny specks of tissue are also called vitreous floaters. They may look like dots, dust, cob webs or strings in your vision.

You are actually seeing the shadow of this debris as light is cast onto your retina.

They can be annoying and interfere with your reading. However, most ophthalmologists consider them harmless and a normal sign of aging.

Over 50% of people over the age of 70 experience floaters.

What are Eye Floaters

Vitreous Humor

The vitreous humor is a clear gel-like substance that is composed mostly of water and gives the eye its shape and form.

Light enters the eye through the cornea, pupil, and lens, and is then transmitted through the vitreous humor to the retina.

It fills the space between the lens and the retina (80% of the volume of the eyeball) which lines the back of the eye and helps to keep the retina in place by pressing it against the choroid.To learn more click here: Vitreous Humor

What Causes Eye Floaters or Vitreous Floaters

There are millions of fine fibers in the vitreous humor. These fibers attach to the surface of the retina.

As we age,

the vitreous shrinks and

it becomes more liquid.

As it shrinks, these fibers that are attached to the retina pull away from the retinal surface and separate from the retina. This can cause vitreous floaters. Click here to learn more: Vitreous Floaters

Eye Floaters Treatment

Most ophthalmologists consider vitreous floaters in the eye as harmless and there is no conventional treatment provided for them. In severe cases a vitrectomy is indicated, but there are risks involved with this type of surgery.

If you experience a large floater, a sudden increase or a shower of floaters, sudden flashes or a decrease of vision contact your eye doctor immediately.

Complementary treatment using nutrition and supplements is suggested by Dr. Marc Grossman, optometrist, acupuncturist, and author.

To learn more treatment options click here: Eye Floaters Treatment



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