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 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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Is floater related to wearing colored contact lenses?

Floaters are not related to wearing cosmetic contact lenses at all. Floaters are due to vitreous opacity, which can be categorized into physiological and pathological vitreous opacity. Physiological vitreous opacity generally does not affect vision, whereas pathological vitreous opacity significantly impacts vision and requires further examination by an ophthalmologist. Additionally, cosmetic contact lenses are worn on the cornea and mainly cause corneal damage, such as keratitis and conjunctivitis. Therefore, when wearing cosmetic contact lenses, one should handle them correctly, gently, and ensure the lenses are regularly cleaned and soaked as per guidelines.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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The difference between floaters and cataracts

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 Jiang Wen Min
Ophthalmology
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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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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.