Floater: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Floater | |||
| image = [[File:Simulated_floaters.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Simulated view of floaters against a blue sky | |||
| field = [[Ophthalmology]] | |||
| symptoms = Small shapes in vision, spots, threads, or cobweb-like images | |||
| complications = [[Retinal detachment]], [[vitreous hemorrhage]] | |||
| onset = Sudden or gradual | |||
| duration = Can be persistent | |||
| causes = [[Vitreous detachment]], [[retinal tear]], [[inflammation]], [[hemorrhage]] | |||
| risks = [[Aging]], [[myopia]], [[eye trauma]], [[diabetes]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Eye examination]], [[ophthalmoscopy]] | |||
| differential = [[Migraine aura]], [[visual snow]] | |||
| treatment = Observation, [[vitrectomy]], [[laser vitreolysis]] | |||
| frequency = Common, especially in older adults | |||
}} | |||
[[File:Vitreous_Floaters.jpg|Vitreous Floaters|thumb|left]] | |||
'''Floater''' is a term used in the field of [[Ophthalmology]] to describe the specks or threads that float across the field of vision. These are usually harmless and are caused by tiny pieces of the eye's gel-like vitreous breaking loose within the inner back portion of the eye. | '''Floater''' is a term used in the field of [[Ophthalmology]] to describe the specks or threads that float across the field of vision. These are usually harmless and are caused by tiny pieces of the eye's gel-like vitreous breaking loose within the inner back portion of the eye. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Floaters are caused by age-related changes in the vitreous, which is the jelly-like substance that fills the back of the eyes. As one ages, the vitreous partially liquefies | Floaters are caused by age-related changes in the vitreous, which is the jelly-like substance that fills the back of the eyes. As one ages, the vitreous partially liquefies — this process leads to it pulling away from the eyeball's interior surface. As the vitreous sags and shrinks, it becomes somewhat stringy, and the strands can cast tiny shadows on the retina. These are floaters. | ||
In some cases, floaters are caused by the detachment of the interior surface of the eye, inflammation within the eye or bleeding within the eye. | In some cases, floaters are caused by the detachment of the interior surface of the eye, inflammation within the eye or bleeding within the eye. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
Floaters are often described as: | Floaters are often described as: | ||
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* Thread-like strands which can be knobby and almost see-through | * Thread-like strands which can be knobby and almost see-through | ||
* Shadows on the field of vision | * Shadows on the field of vision | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Most floaters are harmless and do not require treatment. However, if they are accompanied by flashes of light or loss of peripheral vision, it could indicate a retinal detachment, which is a medical emergency. In such cases, one should seek immediate medical attention. | Most floaters are harmless and do not require treatment. However, if they are accompanied by flashes of light or loss of peripheral vision, it could indicate a retinal detachment, which is a medical emergency. In such cases, one should seek immediate medical attention. | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* [[Eye health]] | * [[Eye health]] | ||
* [[Ophthalmology]] | * [[Ophthalmology]] | ||
* [[Retinal detachment]] | * [[Retinal detachment]] | ||
[[Category:Ophthalmology]] | [[Category:Ophthalmology]] | ||
[[Category:Eye health]] | [[Category:Eye health]] | ||
[[Category:Medical conditions]] | [[Category:Medical conditions]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 18:23, 6 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Floater | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Small shapes in vision, spots, threads, or cobweb-like images |
| Complications | Retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage |
| Onset | Sudden or gradual |
| Duration | Can be persistent |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Vitreous detachment, retinal tear, inflammation, hemorrhage |
| Risks | Aging, myopia, eye trauma, diabetes |
| Diagnosis | Eye examination, ophthalmoscopy |
| Differential diagnosis | Migraine aura, visual snow |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Observation, vitrectomy, laser vitreolysis |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common, especially in older adults |
| Deaths | N/A |
Floater is a term used in the field of Ophthalmology to describe the specks or threads that float across the field of vision. These are usually harmless and are caused by tiny pieces of the eye's gel-like vitreous breaking loose within the inner back portion of the eye.
Causes[edit]
Floaters are caused by age-related changes in the vitreous, which is the jelly-like substance that fills the back of the eyes. As one ages, the vitreous partially liquefies — this process leads to it pulling away from the eyeball's interior surface. As the vitreous sags and shrinks, it becomes somewhat stringy, and the strands can cast tiny shadows on the retina. These are floaters. In some cases, floaters are caused by the detachment of the interior surface of the eye, inflammation within the eye or bleeding within the eye.
Symptoms[edit]
Floaters are often described as:
- Little dots or specks that float across the field of vision
- Spidery or cobweb-like shapes
- Thread-like strands which can be knobby and almost see-through
- Shadows on the field of vision
Treatment[edit]
Most floaters are harmless and do not require treatment. However, if they are accompanied by flashes of light or loss of peripheral vision, it could indicate a retinal detachment, which is a medical emergency. In such cases, one should seek immediate medical attention.
