Floaters or small deposits that impair vision
Floaters or Small Deposits That Impair Vision
Date: 12th April 2022
What Are Floaters?
Floaters, also known as muscae volitantes (Latin for ‘flying flies’), are small deposits that many people notice moving in their visual field, particularly against plain backgrounds like walls or the sky. These floaters are tiny particles of gelatinous material that form in the vitreous humour (the clear fluid inside the eye).
Although floaters may seem to be in front of the eye, they actually float in the vitreous humour. What is seen are the shadows of the floaters being cast onto the retina. Floaters are generally a benign condition and are often associated with the ageing process.
For more detailed information on this condition, click on this link.
How to Act?
- Prevention: Floaters cannot be prevented.
- Early Detection: While they are usually harmless, it is important to monitor for related complications.
- Consult an ophthalmologist if:
- New floaters appear suddenly
- Light flashes are seen
- Side vision (peripheral vision) is lost
- Vision loss occurs after an eye operation—immediate treatment is essential.