A large number of people have eye floaters

But they are often confused about what they are and how to treat them

A large number of people have eye floaters

But they are often confused about what they are and how to treat them

Most people who suffer from these annoying little dots floating around in their vision…

Don’t know that there is a safe, non-invasive procedure that can get rid of them for good

Eye floaters - what are they?

Occasionally, you may see small spots in your field of vision. These are commonly known as floaters.

A clear gel called the vitreous body fills the inside of the eye. If some of this gel forms clumps, floaters can result.

Floaters can also be caused by small flecks of protein or other material trapped in the vitreous during the eye’s formation.

Even though they may seem to be in front of the eye, floaters actually are seen as shadows by your retina. The retina is the light-sensitive inner layer of the eye.

Floaters appear in various forms, such as dots, threads or cobwebs. Since they are within the eye, floaters move as the eyes move so they often dart away when you try to look at them.

Should you be concerned about floaters?

A few floaters here and there is generally not an indication of any serious eye condition. However, if a large number suddenly appears, or they seem to worsen over time, an eye examination will prove to be crucial.

If the floaters appear together with flashes of light, or if you experience any vision loss, it could be a sign of a serious condition. This might include retinal weakness or tears, haemorrhaging due to diabetes, or high blood pressure.

Please be aware that retinal tears and haemorrhaging can threaten your sight and require immediate medical attention. It’s worth noting, you should immediately notify your eye doctor if you experience any loss of vision.

What causes floaters?

Over time, the vitreous gel shrinks and may detach from the retina. The pulling can cause tiny amounts of bleeding. This is a common cause of floaters in very nearsighted people or for people who’ve undergone a cataract operation.

Less often, floaters may result from other eye surgery, eye disease, eye injury or crystal-like deposits that form in the vitreous.

What causes flashes of light?

Seeing flashes of light is usually not cause for alarm. However, this may indicate a medical condition that can threaten your sight. Therefore, it is best to take these, and any changes in your vision seriously until you get an eye examination and the doctor tells you otherwise.

Flashes of light that are accompanied by new floaters or a partial loss of the field of vision may be a medical emergency. We recommend you get your eyes examined immediately by an eye doctor to see if you have a retinal tear or detachment.

A complete eye examination will help determine the seriousness of floaters and the health of your inner eye.

During a complete eye exam, also called a dilated eye exam, the eye doctor widens the eye’s pupil with eye drops to allow a closer look at the inside of the eye.

Most people sometimes see spots, and these can become more noticeable with age. Surgical removal of floaters is rare and suggested in only the most severe cases.

Often, people learn to ignore their floaters. However, if a floater appears in your line of vision, move your eyes around.

This causes the fluid inside the eyes to shift and allows the floater to move out of the way. Since we usually move our eyes from side to side, looking up and down may be more helpful in removing floaters from your line of sight.

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Early diagnosis and treatment is key to preventing further damage and restoring vision. Come see us today for an assessment.

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“I found the service I received from Dr. Elalfy very good, having experienced problems with surgery elsewhere, he sorted out those problems and reassured me to go on and complete my treatment. A lovely person with a very high skill set in optical surgery.”

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Academic resources on Floaters

Learn more about floaters from authoritative sources

This encompasses all that you need to know about floaters and flashes, including causes, and what to expect at your appointment. Click here to read more.

Floaters look like small specks, dots, circles, lines or cobwebs in your field of vision. Whilst they seem to be in front of your eye, they are tiny clumps of gel or cells inside the vitreous, floating and filling your eye. Click here to read more.

This paper provides a comprehensive view of What floaters are, who it affects, what symptoms it displays and how to rectify them. Click here to read more.

Affiliations and memberships

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Mr Mohamed Elalfy

MBBCh, MSc, MD, DRCOphth, FRCS (Ed), FRCS (Glas), FRCOphth, FICO, FEBO
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon

Seeking eye treatment for a worrying eye condition can be stressful. Waitlists everywhere are long due to the lockdowns, and leaving the house to attend appointments can be a real inconvenience.

To make your experience as easy and stress-free as possible, we provide assessments in your local area. We also offer online appointments both before and after your treatment, so you don’t have to travel far to get the personalised support you deserve.

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