Will you go blind from floaters as you get older?

Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 19, 2024
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Floaters generally do not cause blindness or loss of vision. Floaters can be divided into physiological floaters and pathological floaters. Physiological floaters generally do not cause changes in vision; their symptoms primarily appear under bright light, where one can see fixed floating objects in front of the eyes, appearing in various shapes, which become unclear in darker environments. In such cases, it is important to rest and use some aminoacyl iodine eye drops for improvement. Pathological floaters should prompt a visit to the ophthalmology department for serious and thorough examinations, proactive treatment, and can completely recover vision with regular follow-ups.

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Written by Wang Hui Zhen
Ophthalmology
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What is the most effective treatment for floaters?

Clinically known as vitreous opacity, floater disease may require treatment depending on whether it is physiological or pathological. Physiological floaters refer to the observation of floating black shadows in front of eyes when looking at objects or a blue sky. Eye examinations reveal no pathologies, thus no treatment is necessary and there are no specific treatments available. In severe cases, consideration may be given to treatments such as iodamide eye drops or laser therapy. Pathological floaters occur when floaters suddenly appear in one eye, dramatically increase in number, or there are persistent black shadows that even diminish central vision, often associated with retinal vascular rupture, vitreous hemorrhage, or vitritis. It is advisable to seek ophthalmologic care to diagnose the cause and treat accordingly. Common and effective treatments include retinal laser photocoagulation, intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF drugs, or vitrectomy.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
41sec home-news-image

Are the floaters in floater eye disease always black?

Floaters generally appear as black, fixed, variously shaped materials floating in front of the eyes, and are more visible in bright light than in dim light. This condition is called physiological vitreous opacity. If the color turns red or brown, it should be considered as vitreous hemorrhage or retinal pathology, and a further eye examination at an ophthalmology department is recommended. This usually indicates pathological vitreous opacity, which can severely affect vision. For physiological vitreous opacities, it is important to rest, reduce close-up activities, and appropriately use some Ametin iodide eye drops. Treatment can generally lead to improvement.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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Severe cases of floaters can lead to what outcomes?

Floaters, also known as vitreous opacities, can be divided into physiological and pathological types. Physiological vitreous opacities, even if severe, do not affect vision, but simply result in a higher number of floating objects seen in the field of vision. Pathological vitreous opacities, on the other hand, can significantly decrease vision and may even lead to blindness. Therefore, during an examination, it is important to first check the uncorrected visual acuity, corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, ocular B-ultrasound, and fundus photography. If there are any underlying eye conditions, they should be actively treated to potentially restore vision as soon as possible. It is also advisable to ensure adequate rest, reduce close-up activities, and maintain a light diet.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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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
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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)