Eye floaters

Diagnosis

An eye care specialist conducts a thorough eye exam to determine the cause of eye floaters. This exam generally involves pupil dilation using eye drops, which widens the dark center of the eye. This dilation helps the specialist better visualize the back of the eyes and the vitreous humor.

Treatment

Most eye floaters usually do not necessitate treatment, except when they result from underlying medical conditions like diabetes-related bleeding or inflammation, which should be addressed. While eye floaters can be frustrating and adjusting to them takes time, as you become assured they won’t cause further issues, you may naturally start to ignore or notice them less. In rare cases where floaters significantly impair vision, you and your eye care specialist might explore treatment options such as vitreous surgery or laser intervention, although these procedures are infrequent.

• Vitrectomy: This procedure, performed by a specialized ophthalmologist, involves the removal of the vitreous through a small incision, known as vitrectomy. The vitreous is replaced with a solution to help maintain the eye’s shape. It’s important to note that surgery may not eliminate all floaters, and new ones can develop afterward. Potential risks associated with vitrectomy include infection, bleeding, and retinal tears.
• Vitreolysis: In this approach, an ophthalmologist directs a specialized laser at the floaters within the vitreous, a process called vitreolysis. This laser treatment may break up the floaters and reduce their visibility. However, the outcomes vary, with some individuals reporting improved vision and others experiencing little to no change. It’s essential to be cautious with this treatment, as incorrectly aimed lasers can damage the retina.