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 Huo Ze Jun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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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
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Can flying mosquito disease go untreated for over twenty years?

If it is physiological floaters, generally there is no special treatment, and they are relatively stable and do not affect vision. Patients mainly experience floating shapes that vary in appearance in front of their eyes. Typically, these floaters are more visible under bright light and less visible or invisible under dim light. If there are not many floaters, it is advised to rest and treat the symptoms accordingly. If the patient requests treatment, therapies like amino iodine eye drops or sodium hyaluronate eye drops can be used. Treatment can improve the patient's mood, but generally, the condition does not worsen.

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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 teenagers get floaters?

Floater syndrome can also occur in adolescents. Floater syndrome is also known as vitreous haze. Mild vitreous haze does not affect vision, but it is more noticeable under bright light. The shapes vary, and they seem to fly in front of the eyes, typically not visible in darker environments, which means they are hard to see at night. In such cases, it is important to rest properly and use one's eyes correctly. If there is any refractive error, it should be correctly addressed with appropriate glasses. If conditions like myopia, hypermetropia, or astigmatism are not actively treated, they can lead to varying degrees of amblyopia or strabismus, thus they should be taken seriously.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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The difference between transparent and black flying mosquito disease

Floaters appear before the eyes as either transparent or opaque, black objects—it's a matter of severity, generally not affecting vision. Floaters can be classified as physiological or pathological. Physiological floaters generally require only rest, reducing close-up tasks, and avoiding eye fatigue. Treatments can include using Ametiodine eye drops and Sodium Hyaluronate eye drops. If the floaters are pathological, one should visit an ophthalmologist for examinations such as an ultrasound (B-scan), intraocular pressure test, uncorrected visual acuity, corrected visual acuity, and fundus photography. Active treatment and regular follow-ups should be pursued, with close attention to vision changes. (Please use medication under medical supervision.)