What Are Floaters?
Floaters are deposits of gel inside the vitreous humor. The vitreous is the clear gel that fills the eye. The deposits can be of various sizes, shapes, and consistency. The vitreous humor is normally transparent. As one ages, the vitreous liquefies and develops these imperfections.
Floaters Move with Eye Movement
These black “spots” can also appear as circles, lines, dots or cobwebs. Although they appear to be in front of the eye, they are casting shadows on the retina. However annoying, the “cobwebs” by themselves are harmless and a natural part of aging. With time, these floaters tend to become less apparent and tend to be most visible against a bright daytime sky.
PVD: Posterior Vitreous Detachment
With time, the liquefied vitreous humor can lose is support and lead to a posterior vitreous detachment. The vitreous is released from its attachment to the retina. During this detachment, the shrinking vitreous can stimulate the retina causing flashes, or photopsias. Part of the retina can tear as this vitreous detaches.
The presence of a retinal tear with new, recent “spots” can be as high as 15%. Patients with new onset floaters, flashes, cloudy vision, a veil over the field of vision or visual loss should contact their ophthalmologist immediately.
First Sign of Retinal Tear or Retinal Detachment
A retinal tear or retinal detachment can be diagnosed by an ophthalmologist with a complete, dilated exam. The ophthalmologist uses a slit lamp and ophthalmoscope. If diagnosed in a timely fashion, a retinal tear or detachment can be treated with success.
All of the ophthalmologists at Eye Associates of Washington are trained in the diagnosis of vitreous floaters, vitreous detachments, retinal tears, and retinal detachments. We understand that the onset of new floaters can be scary and anxiety provoking. We try to see each patient in a timely fashion and provide the care and expertise that is necessary for each individual.
Frank S. Ashburn, Jr., M.D.
Board Certified Ophthalmologist
Glaucoma Specialist
Washington, DC and Tyson’s Corner, VA
