What is the most effective treatment for floaters?

Written by Wang Hui Zhen
Ophthalmology
Updated on February 13, 2025
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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 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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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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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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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 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.