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- Medically Reviewed by Mr Mfazo Hove Consultant Ophthalmologist
- Author: Chris Dunnington
- Published: October 30, 2024
At Blue Fin Vision®, our premier eye clinic on Harley Street in London, we often encounter patients concerned about mysterious specks or cobweb-like shapes drifting across their vision. These are known as eye floaters, and while they’re usually harmless, they can be bothersome and, in some cases, indicate more serious eye conditions. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what eye floaters are, their causes, symptoms, and available treatments.
Understanding Eye Floaters
Eye floaters are small, dark shapes that appear in your field of vision. They can take various forms:
- Specks
- Dots
- Threads
- Cobweb-like strands
These shapes seem to drift across your vision, especially when you look at a bright, plain background like a blue sky or a white wall. When you try to focus on them directly, they appear to dart away, making them a challenge to examine closely.
What Causes Eye Floaters?
To understand the cause of eye floaters, we need to look at the structure of the eye. The eye is filled with a gel-like substance called the vitreous humour, which helps maintain the eye’s shape. As we age, several changes can occur:
- Vitreous Degeneration: The vitreous can start to liquefy and contract, causing it to pull away from the retina.
- Collagen Clumping: Tiny fibres within the vitreous can clump together, casting shadows on the retina.
- Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD): This is a common age-related condition where the vitreous separates from the retina.
While age is the most common factor, other causes of eye floaters include:
- Inflammation in the back of the eye
- Bleeding in the eye
- Torn retina
- Eye injury
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Eye tumours (rare)
At our London eye clinic, we conduct thorough examinations to determine the exact cause of your eye floaters.
Symptoms of Eye Floaters
The primary symptom of eye floaters is visual. Patients typically report seeing:
- Small, dark specks or transparent threads
- Shapes that appear to drift when the eye moves
- Shapes that are most noticeable against a bright background
- Shapes that eventually settle and drift out of the line of vision
While these symptoms are often harmless, certain signs warrant immediate attention from an eye specialist:
- A sudden increase in the number of floaters
- Flashes of light in the same eye as the floaters
- A dark shadow or curtain in your peripheral vision
If you experience any of these symptoms, please contact our Harley Street clinic immediately for an urgent assessment.
Diagnosing Eye Floaters
At Blue Fin Vision®, we use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to examine your eyes thoroughly:
- Dilated Eye Exam: We use eye drops to dilate your pupils, allowing us to examine the vitreous and retina in detail.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): This non-invasive imaging test provides high-resolution, cross-sectional images of your retina.
- Ultrasound: In cases where the floaters might be obscuring our view of the retina, we may use an ultrasound to get a clear picture of the eye’s internal structures.
Treatment Options for Eye Floaters
The treatment for eye floaters depends on their cause and severity. In many cases, no treatment is necessary, and patients learn to live with them. However, for those significantly affected by floaters, we offer several treatment options:
- Observation and Reassurance
For most patients, eye floaters are a benign annoyance that becomes less noticeable over time. We provide guidance on how to cope with floaters and what changes to watch for.
- Vitrectomy
In severe cases, a surgical procedure called vitrectomy may be recommended. This involves removing the vitreous gel and replacing it with a salt solution. While effective, this is a significant surgery with potential risks, and we only recommend it in specific cases.
- Laser Therapy
YAG laser vitreolysis is a newer, less invasive treatment option. It uses laser pulses to break up large floaters into smaller, less noticeable pieces. This treatment is not suitable for all types of floaters and requires careful patient selection.
- Addressing Underlying Causes
If your floaters are due to an underlying condition like inflammation or diabetic retinopathy, we focus on treating the primary issue, which often helps reduce the floaters.
Living with Eye Floaters
For many people, eye floaters are a part of the natural ageing process. Here are some tips for managing them:
- Move your eyes: Looking up and down or side to side can shift floaters out of your central vision.
- Increase lighting: Good lighting can reduce the contrast between floaters and your visual background.
- Stay hydrated: Proper hydration may help reduce the appearance of floaters.
- Regular eye check-ups: Routine examinations can monitor your floaters and overall eye health.
When to Seek Immediate Help
While most eye floaters are harmless, certain symptoms require urgent attention. Contact our London eye clinic immediately if you experience:
- A sudden increase in the number or size of floaters
- Flashes of light
- A curtain or shadow over part of your vision
- Any sudden vision changes
These could be signs of a retinal tear or detachment, which requires immediate treatment to prevent vision loss.
Why Choose Blue Fin Vision® for Your Eye Care?
At Blue Fin Vision®, our Harley Street clinic is equipped with the latest technology and staffed by expert ophthalmologists specialising in vitreoretinal conditions. We offer:
- Comprehensive eye examinations
- Advanced diagnostic imaging
- Personalised treatment plans
- Expert surgical skills for complex cases
- Ongoing support and follow-up care
Conclusion: Understanding and Managing Eye Floaters
Eye floaters, while often benign, can be a source of concern and discomfort for many. At Blue Fin Vision®, we’re committed to providing expert care, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment options for all your eye health needs, including eye floaters.
If you’re experiencing eye floaters or have concerns about your vision, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our London eye clinic is here to provide you with the highest standard of care, ensuring your eyes remain healthy and your vision clear.
Remember, your eye health is crucial to your overall well-being. Trust the experts at Blue Fin Vision® to guide you through any eye-related concerns, including the management of eye floaters. Book your consultation today and take the first step towards clearer, more comfortable vision.
