what are vitreous floaters?
Have you ever noticed a speck moving in front of your eye when looking at a white background or the sky? Perhaps you have even taken a swipe with your hand at what you thought was a fly moving in front of your eye - only to discover that nothing was there.
These symptoms may be due to a common eye condition known as vitreous floaters. Floaters are semi-transparent or cloudy particles that float within the vitreous. The vitreous is a transparent gel which fills the inner portion of the eye.
Floaters typically are harmless and are commonly seen by most of us at one time or another.
There are a number of possible causes for floaters. They can be small flecks of protein and / or pigment that were trapped during the formation of the eyes before birth. Also, normal deterioration of the vitreous may cause floaters to develop as we age. Floaters also may be caused by eye diseases or injuries.
I like to give my patients the warning signs of a potential problem so that they know to call our office right away. If you notice the development of new floaters, flashes of light typically in your side vision, or a curtain or shadow preventing you from seeing either to the side or straight ahead, you need to be checked promptly by an eye doctor. Your eyes need to be dilated to determine the source of your new symptoms.
I hope this explanation of floaters is helpful to you should you ever encounter any of these symptoms.
These symptoms may be due to a common eye condition known as vitreous floaters. Floaters are semi-transparent or cloudy particles that float within the vitreous. The vitreous is a transparent gel which fills the inner portion of the eye.
Floaters typically are harmless and are commonly seen by most of us at one time or another.
There are a number of possible causes for floaters. They can be small flecks of protein and / or pigment that were trapped during the formation of the eyes before birth. Also, normal deterioration of the vitreous may cause floaters to develop as we age. Floaters also may be caused by eye diseases or injuries.
I like to give my patients the warning signs of a potential problem so that they know to call our office right away. If you notice the development of new floaters, flashes of light typically in your side vision, or a curtain or shadow preventing you from seeing either to the side or straight ahead, you need to be checked promptly by an eye doctor. Your eyes need to be dilated to determine the source of your new symptoms.
I hope this explanation of floaters is helpful to you should you ever encounter any of these symptoms.