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What Does The Presence Of Floaters In Vision Indicate?

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Posted on Wed, 3 Jun 2015
Question: I have had eye floaters for a long time. Eyes have had been checked in the past. Last two days one has showed up in a stuck position. Black in color. Does the eye get rid of them or get lighter in color. XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vasudha (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Be in touch with retina specialist/ self help.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for the query under HCM forum.
I understand your query & concern.
Floaters in eye are dots ( black/white/grey) moving in vitreous present in posterior chember of eye. Vitreous is a gel like substance , it shrinks & few strands of fibrous tissue made up of a protein substance ( collagen) are released & start floating in otherwise clear vitreous .
The usual cause being aging/diabetes/eye disease etc.
* aging being the cause, the degenerative changes grow with age, & subsequently floaters may be added.You had floaters since long time, but have a black one ,in a stuck position & that is a cause of your concern
- floater in eye is shadow of the floating object on retina,if it is moving & reflecting light, it looks white. But in case it's not moving & not comming in path way of light entering the eye- it will remain fixed & black.
* Mostly the floaters settle down in vitreous over the time & stop bothering OR the patient learns to adjust with it & starts having good vision avoiding the floaters. So they mostly do not need treatment except for management of other health problem( Diabetes) or eye problems.
BUT in case -
- The number of floater rises suddenly
- They start obstructing vision,
- a sudden rise of series of light flashes in eye-/ sudden decrease of vision Active treatment is undertaken -
* treatment can be surgical( vtrectomy) /Laser treatment (vitrelysis)
** In this context I would advise you to have a primary check up of the recent black floater by a retina specialist & start having periodic check up of eye hence forth.
- On personal level-
- Observe the floater
- try to neglect it & avoid it from obstructing your vision,
-Keep you eye moist by using eye drops like refresh, artificial tears.
- Keep your blood sugar under control9 If you have diabetes)
- Have balanced diet/ specially with Vitamin A / Lot of water.
- Have an extra consultation of doctor, is case the floater obstructs your vision/ increases in size/ is accompanied by series of flashes.
I feel the answer gives you sufficient information & help. Any follow up query is welcome.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Answered by
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Dr. Vasudha

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1970

Answered : 10395 Questions

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What Does The Presence Of Floaters In Vision Indicate?

Brief Answer: Be in touch with retina specialist/ self help. Detailed Answer: Hi XXXX, Thanks for the query under HCM forum. I understand your query & concern. Floaters in eye are dots ( black/white/grey) moving in vitreous present in posterior chember of eye. Vitreous is a gel like substance , it shrinks & few strands of fibrous tissue made up of a protein substance ( collagen) are released & start floating in otherwise clear vitreous . The usual cause being aging/diabetes/eye disease etc. * aging being the cause, the degenerative changes grow with age, & subsequently floaters may be added.You had floaters since long time, but have a black one ,in a stuck position & that is a cause of your concern - floater in eye is shadow of the floating object on retina,if it is moving & reflecting light, it looks white. But in case it's not moving & not comming in path way of light entering the eye- it will remain fixed & black. * Mostly the floaters settle down in vitreous over the time & stop bothering OR the patient learns to adjust with it & starts having good vision avoiding the floaters. So they mostly do not need treatment except for management of other health problem( Diabetes) or eye problems. BUT in case - - The number of floater rises suddenly - They start obstructing vision, - a sudden rise of series of light flashes in eye-/ sudden decrease of vision Active treatment is undertaken - * treatment can be surgical( vtrectomy) /Laser treatment (vitrelysis) ** In this context I would advise you to have a primary check up of the recent black floater by a retina specialist & start having periodic check up of eye hence forth. - On personal level- - Observe the floater - try to neglect it & avoid it from obstructing your vision, -Keep you eye moist by using eye drops like refresh, artificial tears. - Keep your blood sugar under control9 If you have diabetes) - Have balanced diet/ specially with Vitamin A / Lot of water. - Have an extra consultation of doctor, is case the floater obstructs your vision/ increases in size/ is accompanied by series of flashes. I feel the answer gives you sufficient information & help. Any follow up query is welcome. Thanks.