Does floaters need surgery?

Written by Zheng Xin

Ophthalmology

Updated on September 23, 2024

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The commonly mentioned "floaters" in ophthalmology refer to the turbidity in the vitreous body of the eyes. In most cases, this phenomenon is normal; it is a normal physiological degenerative change of the vitreal body and generally does not have much impact on vision. In such cases, surgery is not needed. However, if there is a pathological change in the eye, such as bleeding at the base of the eye, and blood flows into the vitreous body, causing turbidity, surgery can be considered if this severely affects vision.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong

Ophthalmology

50sec

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What tests should be done at the hospital for floaters?

To diagnose floaters, hospitals primarily use ultrasound B-scans, which are the most objective and non-invasive examinations, providing insights into the condition of the vitreous body. Floaters can be either physiological or pathological. Physiological floaters generally do not affect vision, and addressing them usually involves rest and proper eye care. If needed, treatment options may include Amniotic Iodine eye drops or oral intake of Lecithin Iodine complexes. However, if the floaters are pathological, proactive eye examinations and rigorous treatment are necessary. In severe cases, surgical intervention might be considered to preserve vision, as the causes of pathological vitreous opacities are diverse.

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Written by Zheng Xin

Ophthalmology

32sec

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Does floaters need surgery?

The commonly mentioned "floaters" in ophthalmology refer to the turbidity in the vitreous body of the eyes. In most cases, this phenomenon is normal; it is a normal physiological degenerative change of the vitreal body and generally does not have much impact on vision. In such cases, surgery is not needed. However, if there is a pathological change in the eye, such as bleeding at the base of the eye, and blood flows into the vitreous body, causing turbidity, surgery can be considered if this severely affects vision.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong

Ophthalmology

51sec

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Can flying mosquito syndrome be detected by B-ultrasound?

Floaters, also known as vitreous opacities, can be categorized into physiological and pathological vitreous opacities. Physiological vitreous opacities generally do not affect vision, whereas pathological vitreous opacities can severely impact vision. In cases of physiological vitreous opacities, patients typically see unfixed, floating objects in their vision, which vary in shape and become more noticeable in bright light, but less clear in the dark. Examinations mainly include ocular B-ultrasound, fundus photography, and fibroscope examination, which can fully assess the extent of vitreous opacity. Once vitreous opacities occur, it is important to rest, seek active treatment, and have regular follow-up examinations.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong

Ophthalmology

51sec

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What will happen if the floater condition becomes severe?

Floater, also called vitreous opacity, can affect vision if it is severe. Vitreous opacity can be divided into physiological and pathological types. Physiological vitreous opacities, generally referred to as floaters, do not affect vision. They are more visible in bright light and less visible in dim light or at night. Treatment primarily involves rest, proper eye usage, and the appropriate use of Amiodine eye drops, with regular check-ups recommended. If vision is affected, further examination in an ophthalmology department is advised, including checks of intraocular pressure, an ocular B-scan ultrasound, and fundus photography, with treatment adjusted according to the condition and regular reviews. (Please use medication under the guidance of a physician.)

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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.