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When we look for a long moment at a bright background, after moving our eyes to the side, we may have the impression that strange streaks, threads, dots “float” in front of our eyes. They usually disappear after a while and vision returns to normal. What is this? Does it mean that there is something wrong with your eyesight?
- We call them variously: spots, flies, streaks. Vitreous floaters are usually a minor and temporary visual disturbance caused by changes in the vitreous body of the eye
- They can also be caused by injuries, eye inflammation or diseases such as diabetes. Then they require medical intervention
- It is also worth going to an ophthalmologist if you notice that there are very many “scotomas” and they begin to impede vision
- More information can be found on the Onet homepage
Vitreous floaters – what is it?
This strange and sometimes disturbing phenomenon got a name – these are floaters. They are not really in front of our eyes, but inside them. Floaters are suspended in the vitreous body of the eye – the jelly-like substance that fills the eyeball. They follow the eye movements, moving slowly, as if swimming.
Floaters in the eye – when should they bother you?
Floaters located close to the center of the field of view can be distracting and bring considerable psychological discomfort. They are most often noticeable against a bright background, e.g. snow, ceiling, sky, also against the background of a computer monitor.
Vitreous floaters are not dangerous and do not affect visual acuity, but it is worth paying attention to whether their number is very large or if they do not impede vision for a long time. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove them surgically.
Do you have vision problems? Do not hesitate – make an appointment with an ophthalmologist now
Where do vitreous floaters come from?
One of the reasons for this may be changes in the vitreous itself. Although 99 percent. it is made of water, and there is also collagen there, which forms the net that holds the water molecules. Collagen breaks down, forming fibers that become cloudy.
Floaters can be seen from early childhood. Then they are probably the remains of the hyaline artery – a blood vessel that pierces the eyeball in utero, nourishing the developing lens. Then the artery atrophies, but sometimes it leaves debris floating inside the eye.
Other causes of floaters include diabetes-related changes, mechanical injuries to the eyeball, and inflammation of the inner layers of the eye, including choroiditis and optic neuritis. In such cases, the intervention of a doctor is necessary.
It is worth taking care of your eyesight prophylactically before disturbing symptoms appear. To support its functioning, reach for Eagle eye Good Game Labs – a dietary supplement for healthy eyes.