Eye Floater Cures

Eye floaters are defined as grey or black specks or strings that appear to drift around when you move your eyes. Most floaters are brought on when age-related changes make the eye more liquid and tiny fibers join together and float around the eye cavity. The floater comes from a shadow on the retina. Most often floaters are more a nuisance than anything to worry about.

Who Gets Floaters

• As we age, our eyes become more susceptible to change. Though people over forty are most likely to develop floaters, age is not the only factor involved in their appearance. If you experience eye trauma or have had cataract surgery, these changes to the vitreous chamber in the eye can lead to you seeing more floater. Another common condition, near-sightedness, also can cause them. Other risk factors include inflammation of the eye or diabetic retinopathy.

When to See Your Doctor

• It is important to recognize that almost everyone sees floaters. However, if you suddenly experience a lot of new floaters and flashing lights in your peripheral vision, it is important that you call an ophthalmologist immediately. Though there will be no pain involved, these symptoms may be the sign of a tear in your retina or a retinal detachment. If not treated, these conditions can cause permanent damage to your vision and even blindness. It is important to see your doctor as soon as possible because even waiting a few days can cause serious vision problems.

Treatment

• In most situations, there is no cure or treatment for floaters. However, if your floaters interfere with your vision, your doctor may recommend you undergo a procedure where vitreous is withdrawn from your eye via a small, hollow needle. The ophthalmologist will then replace the removed vitreous with a solution made of saltwater. This procedure is risky because it can induce cataracts or retinal detachment and doesn't always clear all the floaters.