In the very back of the eye there are a couple layers that absorb light, known as the retina. Just in front of the retina there is a gel like substance known as the vitreous. This vitreous makes up the entire center portion of the eye and accounts for roughly 80% of the volume of the eye. The vitreous serves many functions, most important is maintaining the shape of the eye much like air inflates a balloon. Some other roles include keeping the retina (back tissue of the eye) adhered to back of the eye and helping bend light to focus on the retina. As we put candles on the birthday cake (around 50 of them) this vitreous begins to breakdown and folds in on itself. This clear vitreous gel turns into an opaque strand which then casts a shadow on the retina. It is this shadow that we identify as a “floater.” They are mostly perceived as a grey/black object or linear whispy object that moves with the eye. If the floater is large enough we can begin to see it in everyday situations such as the examples given above. These changes can be slow or very sudden and depend on the individual and what caused the floater to form. Age related changes are the most likely reason for new onset floaters, but there are other conditions that can cause floaters such as: trauma, nearsighted, diabetes and previous surgeries.
The question we often get here at the Eye Clinic Of Sandpoint is “Online it says I needed to get my eyes checked right away with a new floater, why is that?” It is true that if we read anything about a floater online it will tell us to get our eyes checked immediately. The reason being, you may have experienced a retinal detachment with the new onset floater. Remember one of the key functions of the vitreous is to keep the retina adhered to the back of the eye. If the vitreous begins to fold in on itself then the retina no longer has support from the vitreous and can become detached from the back of the eye. A retinal detachment is a medical emergency which likely will cause some vision change or even vision loss.
There are some symptoms of a retinal detachment that we like to explain to our patients in addition to new onset floaters. They include, but are not limited to, new onset floaters, flashes of lights, cobweb or spider webs, sparklers in vision or a curtain that has been drawn on your vision. If any of these symptoms are noted then a medical examination is advised. The good news is not every new onset floater leads to a retinal detachment and chances are the new onset floater is benign. In summary, we now understand the anatomy and what a floater is. We also know that it is very common and that most of the time they are benign. If you are suffering from either of these or just feel like your vision isn’t quite right, give us a call at 208-263-8501 and let us answer your questions.
Dr. Brayden Petersen earned his Doctorate of Optometry from Pacific University College of Optometry. He gained advanced training at the Forest Grove Pediatric Clinic, Salt Lake City Veterans Hospital and Eye Institute of Utah. During this time, he specialized in the treatment of ocular disease, contact lenses and comanagement of ocular surgeries.
Given 75% of adults have reported symptoms similar to that of a floater we can assume that floaters come in many shapes and sizes. Floaters can also be benign and not affect vision or can be quite visually debilitating. If the folds are in our visual axis (center part of vision) then we will see them and the floater will likely reduce our vision. If the floater is in the periphery then the shadows on the retina will not likely reduce vision but may be noted from time to time. Treatment for a benign floater rarely includes anything other than monitoring. For severe cases the vitreous can be removed via surgery, but it is reserved for cases where vision is greatly hindered. The reason to monitor benign cases is because our brain learns to process out the floater with time. This likely will take months but there comes a time where the new floater diminishes and we no longer noticed it day to day. That does not mean it’s not there but we just don’t notice it as much. https://issuu.com/thewiseguide/docs | Wise Guide 11
