Eye Floaters

Diagnosis

To diagnose eye floaters, an eye care specialist performs a comprehensive eye examination to identify the cause and check for any underlying eye diseases.

• Eye dilation:
  Special eye drops are used to dilate (widen) the pupils. This allows the specialist to get a clear view of the retina (the back of your eye) and the vitreous, the gel-like substance that fills the inside of the eye.
  This helps detect any abnormalities, such as retinal tears, bleeding, or inflammation, that could be causing the floaters.

Treatment

Most cases of eye floaters do not need medical treatment. They are typically harmless and may become less noticeable over time as your brain learns to ignore them.

However, if floaters are caused by an underlying eye condition — such as diabetic bleeding, eye inflammation, or retinal tears — that condition needs to be treated.

• Observation and adjustment:
  Many people gradually adapt to floaters. Once it’s confirmed that they aren’t a sign of a serious problem, you may notice them less frequently.

• Surgery (Vitrectomy):
  In rare cases where floaters significantly affect vision, a vitrectomy may be considered.

  • A retina specialist removes the vitreous gel through a small incision and replaces it with a sterile solution that helps maintain the eye’s shape.

  • While this procedure can reduce floaters, it may not remove them all, and new floaters can develop later.

  • Risks include infection, bleeding, and retinal tears.

• Laser treatment (Vitreolysis):
  Another rare option is to use a special laser to break up the floaters so they become less noticeable.

  • Some people report clearer vision after this procedure, while others see little or no improvement.

  • Risks include retinal damage if the laser is not precisely aimed.