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

Written by Jiang Wen Min
Ophthalmology
Updated on January 28, 2025
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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
52sec home-news-image

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.)

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Written by Zheng Xin
Ophthalmology
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Does floaters need surgery?

The commonly mentioned "floaters" in ophthalmology refer to the turbidity in the vitreous body of the eyes. In most cases, this phenomenon is normal; it is a normal physiological degenerative change of the vitreal body and generally does not have much impact on vision. In such cases, surgery is not needed. However, if there is a pathological change in the eye, such as bleeding at the base of the eye, and blood flows into the vitreous body, causing turbidity, surgery can be considered if this severely affects vision.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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Where is massage effective for floaters?

Floaters, also known as vitreous opacities, can be divided into physiological and pathological types. Massaging generally has no therapeutic effect on vitreous opacities. In cases of physiological vitreous opacities, it is important to rest, reduce close-up activities to avoid eye strain, and use treatments like amino peptide eye drops and sodium hyaluronate eye drops. Usually, physiological opacities do not affect vision. However, if the vitreous opacities are pathological and severely impact vision, one should visit an ophthalmologist for an eye examination, including tests for visual acuity, intraocular pressure, ocular ultrasonography, and fundus photography, and pursue active treatment to restore normal vision.

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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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What tests should be done at the hospital for floaters?

To diagnose floaters, hospitals primarily use ultrasound B-scans, which are the most objective and non-invasive examinations, providing insights into the condition of the vitreous body. Floaters can be either physiological or pathological. Physiological floaters generally do not affect vision, and addressing them usually involves rest and proper eye care. If needed, treatment options may include Amniotic Iodine eye drops or oral intake of Lecithin Iodine complexes. However, if the floaters are pathological, proactive eye examinations and rigorous treatment are necessary. In severe cases, surgical intervention might be considered to preserve vision, as the causes of pathological vitreous opacities are diverse.