What eye examinations are needed for floaters?

Written by Li Zhen Dong

Ophthalmology

Updated on September 20, 2024

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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)

Other Voices

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Written by Wang Hui Zhen

Ophthalmology

1min 25sec

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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

45sec

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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

51sec

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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 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.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong

Ophthalmology

54sec

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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.)