Floaters
Floaters – What are they?
The eyeball has a large hallow area that is located inside our skull. This area is filled with a gel called the Vitreous.
Light must travel through this gel to reach the back of the eye where light information processing begins. In this gel, there are proteins which float around. When the light hits these collagen proteins they cast a shadow which we perceive as small squiggly lines or dots in our vision. We all have them and under the right lighting conditions we can see them move around.
Do I need to worry?
As we all have floaters to some degree, they are considered normal. When there is a sudden onset of new floaters, persistent flashes in the vision or any vision loss accompanying new floaters this change should be investigated. (Book an appointment right away)
One cause of new floaters is a normal age-related change to the vitreous. As we age, this gel changes consistency. The gel begins to soften and collapse in on itself. This causes flashes in the vision and the clumping of collagen together in new ways which causes larger new floaters. This is called a Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD). Patients will notice a sudden increase in floaters and flashes when a PVD occurs. This is a normal age-related change to the eye and happens to all of us at some point.
However, sometimes a PVD can cause a hole or tear to happen in the retina (the tissue that lines the inside wall of the eye). If this occurs, new floaters and or flashes are usually accompanied by a decline in peripheral or central vision. If a hole or a tear in the retina occurs it must be located and treated as soon as possible to preserve vision.
There are other causes of retinal detachment, but the symptoms almost always include floaters, flashes and or vision changes. If you have any sudden changes to your vision book an appointment!