Floaters in the eye are one of the many distinct eye conditions that individuals from all over the world encounter. Despite being a common eye condition, very few people understand what exactly floaters are, how they are brought on, and whether or not they can be treated at all.

The volume of the eye is filled with a thick gel-like fluid known as a vitreous gel. The greatest portion of the eye is made up of the vitreous, which is found behind the lens of the eye. Naturally, it is transparent to allow for sharp, clear eyesight. In young adults, the vitreous gel is very dense, but as one ages, a process known as syneresis takes place, and as a result, the gel becomes less dense.

The gel's composition changes throughout syneresis and in this process, the water content increases, and occasionally as a result, undissolved particles start to form and become mobile in the water content. These particles seem like small black objects that slowly move in front of your eyesight and float around because they cast a shadow on the back of the retina. The term ‘floater’ therefore comes from the fact that the object, which is now floating in the aqueous vitreous gel, slowly moves when you move your eye.

Although floaters in the eye are not life-threatening, they can develop into a problem and may have a substantial impact on one's vision. When the floaters are highly noticeable and quite large, they can also be annoying and occasionally impair vision when, for example, you are reading, using a computer, and so on. Floaters can be successfully treated with a specialised laser that vaporises the concretion, which brings us to the next point – vitreomacular traction.

At birth, a person’s vitreous is usually fully and firmly attached to the retina. However, a posterior vitreous detachment process, which occurs in older people when the vitreous eventually separates from the retina, is typically also caused by the vitreous becoming more watery over time.

The gel of the vitreous body can exert a strong tensile force as it contracts as it changes, especially when the retina is damaged, which in turn causes a break in the retina to which it was attached at birth. The fluids in the eye can then enter between the retinal membrane and the retinal epithelium thanks to this breach, which contributes to retinal detachment.
It is only characterised as vitreomacular traction when the vitreous pulls and distorts the macula, and only if the vitreous does not completely detach from the retina. It is sometimes necessary to perform eye surgery to close a macular hole that has developed as a result of vitreomacular traction.

An optometrist or eye consultant can identify vitreomacular traction syndrome during a comprehensive eye exam. As previously noted, the eye doctor may initially just monitor your eye health but, if any particular or special treatment becomes necessary, you will likely be recommended for eye surgery.
Until about a decade or so ago, individuals who suffered from vitreomacular traction syndrome had little hope for treatment, but today, thanks to cutting-edge technology and innovative techniques employed by eye specialists, this problem can be successfully treated.

Retinal detachment is an eye condition that needs to be regarded as serious, and treated without delay as it can cause irreparable vision loss, especially if it is particularly extensive and approaching the macula. You should consult an eye specialist as soon as become aware of moving objects in your range of vision, especially if they arrive quite suddenly and in a type of ‘cascade’ effect with the appearance of bright flashes at the same time, that further obstruct your eyesight.

Keep in mind that if the retinal detachment is already present, your eyesight may be impaired by a form of ‘curtain’ in the field of vision. Depending on where the detachment originates, this ‘curtain’ may occur along the upper peripheral vision of the eye or, on the other hand, downward, but you need to consult with an eye doctor as soon as possible to avoid any permanent damage to your vision.

About Us:

Dr Mahi Muqit is one of the leading Consultant Ophthalmologists, Cataract and Vitreoretinal Surgeons in London. His practice, Retina Surgeon UK is based at the famous Moorfields Eye Hospital in Harley Street. With subspecialist expertise in complex cataract surgery, medical retina and surgical retina along with an array of other treatments and surgery options. Some of the eye diseases that he treats include retinal detachment, diabetic eye disease, macular holes, cataract floaters and many more. Dr Muqit’s clinical as well as surgical outcomes for patients compare well with the best external benchmarks and he continues to receive excellent customer testimonials. For more information about us visit https://www.retinasurgeon.uk.com/