Türkçe
Occasionally, individuals may notice floating objects in their field of vision. These can take various forms, such as dots, tails, strings, hairs, or spider webs. Contrary to being a dream or illusion, these are actual occurrences within the eye. While their scientific term, myodysopia, may not be widely recognized, these floating objects are acknowledged in medical language.
Causes of Eye Floaters
Eye floaters commonly arise as part of the natural aging process. With time, the gel-like structure of the vitreous, which fills the back of the eye, undergoes deterioration. This process results in some parts of the vitreous gel becoming more solid while others become more liquid. The solidified portions obstruct the passage of light, appearing as gray-black spots to patients. They often describe these areas of hardened vitreous as floating spots, objects, or flies in their field of vision.
Additionally, eye floaters can stem from various other factors, including the separation of the vitreous gel from the retina, retinal tear, sugar-related retinal hemorrhages (diabetic retinopathy), macular hole, retinal vein occlusions, and eye diseases like uveitis.
Frequency of Eye Floaters in Society
According to a study involving 603 individuals in the USA (doi: 10.3980/j.issn.2222-3959.2013.03.27), eye floaters were found to have a prevalence of 76%. Interestingly, age, gender, and race showed no significant impact on the incidence of eye floaters. However, approximately 33% of study participants reported that these floating objects had a considerable adverse effect on their vision.
Location of Eye Floaters
Eye floaters typically occur within the vitreous, a gel-like substance that fills the space between the lens of the eye and the retina, playing a crucial role in vision. Initially forming near the optic disc, also referred to as the blind spot, floaters are not perceptible while within this area. However, as they move with the eye’s motion and transition out of the blind spot into the visual field, individuals begin to notice these floating objects.
Are Eye Floaters Dangerous?
Eye floaters themselves are typically not dangerous unless they are indicative of an underlying eye condition such as retinal tear, retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, macular hole, retinal vein occlusions, or uveitis. Therefore, it is crucial to undergo an examination by an ophthalmologist when floaters first appear. Additionally, urgent examination by an ophthalmologist is warranted if floaters are accompanied by flashes of light or lightning in the eye, the sudden emergence of numerous floaters, or the presence of a darkened area in the visual field.
Do Eye Floaters Disappear on Their Own?
While eye floaters may become less noticeable within six months of their formation, they typically do not disappear entirely.
Treatment Options for Eye Floaters
Scientific studies have indicated that supplements containing L-Lysine, L-Carnosine, and Vitamin C may help reduce the number of eye floaters. Additionally, treatment methods such as Nd:YAG vitreolysis procedure or vitrectomy surgery can be considered. While the effectiveness of Nd:YAG vitreolysis is lower compared to vitrectomy surgery, the latter carries higher risks due to its invasive nature. Therefore, these procedures are typically reserved for cases where the patient’s vision and quality of life are significantly impacted by the floaters.