Myodesopsia is a frequent ocular disorder characterized by the appearance in the field of vision of mobile spots, black dots or filaments of various shapes and opacity. More common in myopic subjects or after 50 years, myodesopsia is due to changes in the vitreous body, the gelatinous mass that fills the eye cavity behind the lens. Myodesopsia is harmless and does not require treatment in most cases, but it can be significant for other more serious eye disorders if it happens suddenly.

Definition of myodesopsia

Myodesopsia, also called floaters or flying flies, is an eye disorder characterized by the appearance in the field of vision of mobile spots, black dots or filaments of various shapes and opacity that seem suspended in the air during movement. of the eye.

The myodesopsia is due to the evolution of the vitreous body – or hyaline, vitreous body, vitreous humor -, the gelatinous mass which fills the ocular cavity behind the lens and maintains its volume. Transparent and non-vascularized, the vitreous is not always uniform and may undergo changes, such as liquefaction or posterior detachment, over time.

Types of myodesopsia

There is only one type of myodesopsia.

Causes of myodesopsia

The causes at the origin of myodesopsia can be physiological or induced:

• The modification or the posterior detachment of the vitreous with age;
• Any damage to the eyeball: trauma, papillary edema, intraocular hypertension, damage to the optic nerve, detachment of the retina…;
• Problems with the vascularization of the eye and the retina, for example following diabetes;
• Postural hypotension or drop in blood pressure when changing from lying down to standing;
• Anemia;
• Significant fatigue;
• Myopia.

Diagnosis of myodesopsia

The ophthalmologist can confirm the presence of myodesopsia.

If the myodesopsia is often harmless, it is advisable to consult in the following situations:

• Myodesopsia appears suddenly;
• Floaters are accompanied by small spots of light, lightning or sparks;
• The floaters remain stationary or increase considerably in volume.

An examination of the fundus of the patient’s eye will then be performed to rule out the presence of a more serious eye disorder such as a tear or detachment of the retina, uveitis (inflammation of the uvea), hemorrhage in the vitreous or an eye tumor.

People affected by myodesopsia

Myodesopsia is common from the age of 50/60, especially in nearsighted people. But it is not uncommon to see floaters in young, non-myopic and in excellent health subjects.

Factors favoring myodesopsia

Among the risk factors for the onset of myodesopsia, are identified:

• Aging ;
• Myopia ;
• Poor vision correction;
• The stress ;
• Tiredness ;
• The dehydration ;
• Eye trauma;
• Intraocular inflammations;
• Eye surgeries: cataract surgery, capsulotomy or cleaning of the posterior lens capsule.

Floaters in the visual field

Movable spots, black dots or filaments of various shapes and opacity disturb the field of vision. Floaters, also called flying flies, appear to be suspended in the air during eye movement.

Intermittent bright spots

Bright spots, flashes or sparks can be perceived during myodesopsia. This situation requires a quick eye exam to more accurately assess the severity of the eye disorder.

As the risks associated with a myodesopsia procedure are greater than the benefits, it is often advisable to try to get used to floaters. The brain often participates in habituation by neglecting these parasitic images. Over time, floaters can also settle in the lower vitreous body and thus move out of the visual field.

However, two surgeries are reserved for very debilitating cases and will be carried out exceptionally:

• YAG (Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) laser vitreolysis consists of vaporizing floaters using laser pulses. But this operation must respect very strict conditions: the floaters must be located far from the retina or the lens, are unique or in limited number, clearly visible on examination and not too fibrous in consistency.
• Vitrectomy involves replacing the vitreous body with saline solution. But its consequences can be serious: infections, hemorrhages, retinal detachment. Vitrectomy also very often results in cataracts.

Finally, if the myodesopsia hides a more serious eye disorder, the cause will need to be treated.

Some tips help preserve the vitreous body and prevent the onset of myodesopsia:

• Drink water to limit dehydration of the vitreous;
• Get enough sleep;
• For people with myopia, check the vision correction regularly.

To date, no scientific study has made it possible to demonstrate any real effectiveness of the food supplements offered for preventing myodesopsia, apart from a placebo effect.