Can slit lamp examination detect floaters?

Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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Floaters generally do not require examination with a slit lamp microscope; they are examined using A-scan or B-scan ultrasonography to assess the extent of vitreous opacity, posterior vitreous detachment, and the status of the vitreous in relation to the retina. Floaters are also known as vitreous opacities and can be categorized into physiological and pathological vitreous opacities. Physiological vitreous opacities generally do not affect vision but appear as some floating objects in front of the eye, which do not change vision. These are more visible in bright light and less visible or absent in low light. If the vitreous opacity is pathological, it can affect vision and requires further ophthalmologic examination and active treatment.

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Written by Wang Hui Zhen
Ophthalmology
1min 25sec home-news-image

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
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For floaters, should you use hot or cold compresses?

Floater, also known as vitreous opacity, generally does not require hot compresses, nor does it require cold or ice compresses. If floaters do not affect vision, it is called physiological floater; if they affect vision, it is called pathological floater. Once floaters occur, active examination and serious treatment should be carried out. If it is physiological floaters, it is important to rest, reduce close-range operations, avoid eye fatigue, and some dextranomer eye drops and lecithin complex iodine tablets can be used orally, which generally can improve after treatment; if it is pathological vitreous opacity, a detailed examination at an ophthalmology outpatient clinic should be sought for active treatment. (If medication is needed, please proceed under the guidance of a doctor)

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Written by Jiang Wen Min
Ophthalmology
1min 19sec home-news-image

What causes floaters in the eyes and what should be done about them?

The occurrence of floaters indicates vitreous opacification, where the vitreous body is affected by the pathological changes of the surrounding tissues, such as degeneration, bleeding, and exudation. This is known as vitreous opacification, also referred to as floaters, characterized by vitreous clouding, liquefaction, and the formation and contraction of fibrous membranes. In general, floaters in elderly people are mostly related to age-associated vitreous liquefaction. For myopic patients, particularly those with high myopia, a sudden onset of floaters or an increase in the number of opacities, accompanied by flashes of light, should raise concerns for potential retinal tears or retinal bleeding. It is essential to seek medical attention promptly and have a retinal examination performed by a doctor for diagnosis. Therefore, if the retinal condition is good and the floaters are merely due to vitreous liquefaction, one should overcome psychological stress and deal with it rationally. If the aforementioned retinal pathologies occur, one should immediately follow the doctor's advice to avoid delaying treatment.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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Will you go blind from floaters as you get older?

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 Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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Can people with floaters drink alcohol?

Floaters refer to vitreous opacities, which can be classified into physiological vitreous opacities and pathological vitreous opacities. Physiological vitreous opacities generally do not affect vision. Their main symptom is that objects floating in front of the eyes become more noticeable in bright light and less visible in darker environments or at night. Drinking alcohol does not affect physiological vitreous opacities. However, pathological vitreous opacities do affect vision and require active treatment and examination to alleviate their impact on vision. For pathological vitreous opacities, it is generally advised not to consume alcohol, to follow a light diet, to rest adequately, and to undergo regular check-ups.