How to treat blurry vision and floaters?

Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 12, 2024
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Blurry vision and floaters should prompt an examination by an ophthalmologist. Physiological vitreous opacities generally do not affect vision, but if they do, active treatment is required. Vitreous cloudiness can also be seen in patients with refractive errors, which include myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. In these cases, correct pupil dilation and optical correction should be done. After alleviating the issues with glasses, it is important to use the eyes properly, and orthokeratology can also be used. Once the prescription stabilizes, surgical treatment can be considered. However, surgical treatment generally only relieves the refractive condition and does not solve the nature of eye surrounding issues. Hence, it is crucial to use the eyes correctly and be cautious of further increase in the prescription.

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Written by Wang Hui Zhen
Ophthalmology
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Is the risk of surgery for floaters high?

Whether surgery is needed for floaters and whether the risks of surgery are significant depends on whether the condition is physiological or pathological. There are many treatment methods for pathological floaters. Some surgeries have higher risks, such as vitrectomy; while others have lower risks, such as intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF drugs. Clinically, floaters are referred to as vitreous opacities and can be divided into physiological and pathological types. Physiological floaters occur when one observes floating black spots in front of the eyes while looking at objects or the blue sky, with no pathological changes found in ophthalmological examinations, thus requiring no treatment. Pathological floaters manifest as a sudden appearance of floaters, a rapid increase in floaters, a fixed black shadow blocking vision, or even a decrease in central vision. These are often seen in conditions such as retinal vascular rupture, vitreous hemorrhage, or vitritis, and it is advisable to consult an ophthalmologist to determine the cause and receive targeted treatment.

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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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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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What will happen if the floater condition becomes severe?

Floater, also called vitreous opacity, can affect vision if it is severe. Vitreous opacity can be divided into physiological and pathological types. Physiological vitreous opacities, generally referred to as floaters, do not affect vision. They are more visible in bright light and less visible in dim light or at night. Treatment primarily involves rest, proper eye usage, and the appropriate use of Amiodine eye drops, with regular check-ups recommended. If vision is affected, further examination in an ophthalmology department is advised, including checks of intraocular pressure, an ocular B-scan ultrasound, and fundus photography, with treatment adjusted according to the condition and regular reviews. (Please use medication under the guidance of a physician.)

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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.