Floaters

Floaters (Myodesopia) are small, shadow-like shapes that appear in the visual field. They often look like spots, threads, or cobwebs drifting when you move your eyes. Floaters are caused by small clumps or strands of vitreous gel inside the eye casting shadows on the retina.

While eye floaters (are relatively common and generally harmless for most people, they can be a sign of sight threatening eye disease and should be thoroughly investigated.

Floaters can be caused by:

Age-related changes: As we age, the vitreous gel in the eye starts to liquefy and shrink, leading to clumps forming within the gel.
Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD): A common cause in older adults where the vitreous pulls away from the retina.
Retinal Tears or Detachments: In more severe cases, new floaters can indicate a retinal tear or detachment.
Inflammation: Conditions like uveitis can cause floaters due to inflammatory debris in the vitreous.
Haemorrhage: Bleeding into the vitreous from conditions like diabetic retinopathy can also present as floaters.

Floaters move as your eyes move. They appear to zoom away when you try to look directly at them, and typically drift slowly back when your eyes stop moving.

In cases where floaters severely impact vision, a vitrectomy (removal of the vitreous gel) may be considered, though this is rare due to the potential risks associated with this type of surgery.

Laser treatment is a less invasive option that may help eliminate floaters, but its efficacy is debated.

When to seek immediate help:

New onset of numerous floaters, especially with flashes of light.
Sudden loss of vision or a “curtain” over part of the visual field, which may indicate retinal detachment.

Most floaters, however, are benign and dimmish over time.

Living with floaters

Many people have to put with the nuisance of shadow-like shapes and strands floating in their vision. If floaters become a nuisance, try moving your eyes up and down, or left and right which can shift the floater and provide temporary relief.

Relief from floaters

There is also now a non-surgical, non-invasive and scientifically proven treatment for eye floaters. A revolutionary new supplement VitroCapN®, taken over six months can help dissolve floaters, with participants in clinical trials reporting a success rate of more than 75%.

VitroCapN® supports the specific needs of your eyes by supplementing your diet with selected micronutrients. Each capsules contain five nutrients: L-lysine amino acid, ascorbic acid (vit C), hesperidin (derived from citrus fruit extract), proanthocyanidins (derived from grapeseed extract) and zinc.

The daily capsules come as a 3-month supply; a six-month supply is recommended to achieve optimum results.

Further recent studies also recommend supplements which contain Bromelain, a type of enzyme found in pineapple juice and in the stem.

Is it time to come and see us?

For help and advice on floaters or any other concerns you may have, book your eye test here with an optometrist of your choice.