The difference between floaters and cataracts

Written by Li Zhen Dong

Ophthalmology

Updated on September 01, 2024

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Floater disease is a vitreous opacity, while cataract is a lens opacity; these two conditions are not the same issue.

Vitreous opacities can be classified as physiological or pathological. Physiological vitreous opacities appear as moving objects in front of the eyes, which are less noticeable in the dark and more noticeable under bright light; cataracts gradually affect vision. Physiological vitreous opacities in floater disease generally do not affect vision, but pathological vitreous opacities do affect vision. An eye ultrasound shows severe vitreous opacities and retinal changes, whereas the cloudiness in the lens, namely cataracts, usually means the vitreous and retina are normal.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong

Ophthalmology

54sec

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Can Polyfax eye drops be used for floaters?

Floaters generally result from vitreous opacification. For physiological floaters, it is usually not necessary to use proparacaine eye drops; instead, amide iodine eye drops and sodium hyaluronate eye drops should be used for treatment. Pathological vitreous opacification that affects vision requires further examination by an ophthalmologist and active treatment. Physiological vitreous opacification typically does not affect vision. It is only under bright light that moving objects may be seen floating in front of the eyes, which are less noticeable or disappear in dim light. Normally, taking care to rest, reducing close-up tasks, and avoiding eye fatigue should gradually lead to improvement, along with regular follow-up consultations. (Note: The use of medications should be carried out under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Li Zhen Dong

Ophthalmology

55sec

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How to treat blurry vision and floaters?

Blurry vision and floaters should prompt an examination by an ophthalmologist. Physiological vitreous opacities generally do not affect vision, but if they do, active treatment is required. Vitreous cloudiness can also be seen in patients with refractive errors, which include myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. In these cases, correct pupil dilation and optical correction should be done. After alleviating the issues with glasses, it is important to use the eyes properly, and orthokeratology can also be used. Once the prescription stabilizes, surgical treatment can be considered. However, surgical treatment generally only relieves the refractive condition and does not solve the nature of eye surrounding issues. Hence, it is crucial to use the eyes correctly and be cautious of further increase in the prescription.

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Written by Huo Ze Jun

Traditional Chinese Medicine

1min 14sec

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Where to apply moxibustion for floaters?

After developing floaters, it is essential to first visit a hospital for an examination to determine the underlying cause. If there's a serious issue, such as retinal or ciliary body pathological changes, it must be addressed promptly. Some cases of floaters are due to the degeneration of the eyes, which occurs with aging, leading to problems with the vitreous. In such cases, treatments like acupuncture and moxibustion can be beneficial. Moxibustion usually targets acupoints around the eyes. Be careful not to burn the skin. Useful acupoints include the temples, which are located on the outer side of the eyes, and others like Cuanzhu point and Sibai point. More distal points, such as Fengchi at the back of the head, and Hegu on the hand, also benefit the eyes. There's also a beneficial acupoint on the outer side of the lower leg, five cun above the lateral malleolus, called the Guangming point, which is very beneficial for the eyes and can be treated with moxibustion. Additionally, frequent moxibustion at the Jiaji point, located about 0.5 cun (approximately 0.5 to nearly 1 cm) next to the midline of the cervical spine, can also benefit those with floaters.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong

Ophthalmology

49sec

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Is floaters related to the liver?

Floater syndrome is generally not associated with the liver, but Traditional Chinese Medicine theory believes it is related to the liver. The liver in Traditional Chinese Medicine is not the physical liver in our body, but rather a theoretical concept. Floater syndrome can generally be divided into physiological floaters and pathological floaters, also known as vitreous opacity. Physiological vitreous opacity generally does not require special treatment; it is sufficient to rest, use eye drops regularly, such as Amiodone eye drops, or conduct regular check-ups. If it is pathological vitreous opacity, one should visit an ophthalmology clinic for an eye ultrasound and a fundus photography examination to receive active treatment.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong

Ophthalmology

54sec

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What eye examinations are needed for floaters?

Common eye examinations for floaters typically include B-ultrasound of the eye, fundus photography, uncorrected visual acuity, corrected visual acuity, and intraocular pressure measurements, which help assess the extent of vitreous opacities. If the vitreous opacities are mild, meaning they are physiological, they generally do not affect vision and don’t require special treatment. Routine rest, proper eye usage, or treatment with amino iodine peptide eye drops may suffice. If the vitreous opacities are pathological, it is important to actively pursue medication or surgical treatments to attempt to restore some of the vision. Common pathological conditions associated with vitreous opacities include increased intraocular pressure, vitreous hemorrhage, and retinal pathology. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor)