Introduction
Eye floaters are dark-shaped spots or lines that float across the vision caused due to alteration in the vitreous fluid's thickness. They resemble spots or threads or are squiggly. This condition is usually caused due to aging and does not require any treatment. In rare cases, this may indicate other underlying eye conditions, such as bleeding or inflammation. If any new floaters occur suddenly and do not go away, they should be consulted with the doctor.
What Is Meant by Eye Floaters?
Eye floaters are small black spots or lines seen when looking at a clear sky or a clean blank paper. These dots or spots are called miodesopsias. Vitreous is a jelly substance at the center of the eye; when this fluid detaches from the surface and pulls the retina, it creates tension. This is called posterior vitreous detachment. This condition is caused due to aging. Eye floaters usually occur between the ages of 50 and 70. If they occur before the 50s, they must be consulted with a doctor.
Mild cases of this condition usually do not require any treatment, and some lifestyle changes can help. They are usually checked on regular visits to the doctor. Some severe cases of eye floaters require eliminating and replacing vitreous fluid called vitrectomy or require laser treatment.
Eye floaters are black spots or rings that cannot be seen directly but move back and forth as the eyeball moves. It appears to be in front of the person but is present within the eye. When these spots come in front of the retina, they block the light, and the shadows of these spots moving back and forth can be seen.
The two different eyes age differently and at different times. The alteration in the vitreous fluid occurs faster in one eye than the other. So the eye floater appears in one eye and not simultaneously in both eyes.
What Are the Causes of the Occurrence of Eye Floaters In Elderly People?
In a normal young eye, the vitreous fluid has a gel consistency. The usual cause of eye floaters is aging. Eye floaters are part of aging, which tends to be annoying initially, and their occurrence reduces over time. Floaters that occur in the eye will not go away and are permanent. Some conditions can be the reason for the alteration of the vitreous fluid; these are
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Aging.
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Few medications.
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Chronic illness.
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Surgical procedure.
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Inflammation of the eye.
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Bleeding in the eye.
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Torn retina, when the vitreous fluid losses volume, tends to pull away from the retinal surface. This causes exposure of the retina to damage and tears. If this condition is not treated, it may result in vision loss.
The inner part of the vitreous fluid becomes more liquid and is not thick enough to support the heavier gel on the outer region. These internal changes can result in some eye floaters, and many develop as vitreous fluid pulls away from the retina. In rare cases, eye floater may indicate severe eye conditions such as retinal tears or retinal detachment. Retinal detachment is caused when a retinal tear occurs due to pulling the vitreous fluid away from the retina.
Other Rare Causes of Eye Floaters Are:
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Diabetes-associated retinopathy.
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Inflammation of the eye.
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Tumors.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Eye Floaters In Elderly People?
Some common symptoms due to aging
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Eye floaters appear to be slight spots or lines in the vision, but these cannot be seen directly.
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These eye floaters are noticeable when the person looks at a clear sky or a clear paper.
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Eye floaters move around along with the movement of the eyeball.
Some symptoms must be consulted with the doctor immediately if,
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Eye floaters occur abruptly.
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When the person has only one or two initially, these multiply quickly.
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When these floaters occur along with light flashes.
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The vision is accompanied by darkness or shadowing.
How Is Eye Floater Diagnosed In Elderly People?
The ophthalmologist will conduct a complete eye examination to rule out the reason for the occurrence of eye floaters. An eye dilation test is done where the eye drops widen the eye, which helps the doctor view the eye's back region and the vitreous fluid.
How Is Eye Floater Managed In Elderly People?
In most cases, eye floaters are caused due to aging and do not require any treatment. In some conditions where the eye floaters are caused due to bleeding from diabetes or inflammation require treatment. Eye floaters may be annoying and frustrating initially, and it takes time for the person to adjust. Once they are sure that eye floaters will not cause any problems, the person will start ignoring them or noticing them less. In rare cases when the floater disturbs the vision, treatment may be recommended, such as replacing vitreous fluid or disrupting the floaters.
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Surgery to Remove and Replace the Vitreous:
A vitrectomy is a procedure done to eliminate the vitreous through a small incision. The removed vitreous is replaced with the help of a solution that maintains the shape of the eyes. This surgery will not prevent the occurrence of floaters, which may occur even after surgery. Vitrectomy may cause infection, retinal tears, or bleeding.
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Disruption of Floaters Using Laser:
The ophthalmologist disrupts the floaters by aiming a special laser at the floaters; this procedure is called vitreolysis. This procedure breaks the eye floaters and enhances vision. Those who underwent this procedure reported better and improved vision. Risks of this procedure include retinal damage if the laser is not aimed correctly. Some lifestyle changes also help to manage eye floaters, such as
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Healthy diet.
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Staying hydrated.
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Resting of the eyes if the person works for hours on the computer.
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Use of protective eyeglasses to protect the eye from ultraviolet light.
Can the Occurrence of Floaters Be Prevented In Elderly People?
This condition cannot be prevented if eye floaters occur due to aging. If they occur due to any other underlying condition like diabetes, high blood pressure, or inflammation, then treating these conditions can help to prevent the occurrence of floaters.
When to Visit the Doctor?
Eye floaters are not emergency conditions. It is normal if the person encounters eye floaters occasionally. But suppose any severe symptoms and signs of eye floaters are experienced. In that case, the person should consult a doctor, as this could indicate any retinal tear or damage that needs to be treated immediately. In rare cases, some complications caused due to eye floater can result in partial and permanent vision loss.
Conclusion
Eye floaters are small black spots or lines that occur due to aging, which are annoying in the initial stages and are ignored over time. This condition usually occurs due to alteration in the vitreous fluid, which does not require any treatment. In rare cases, eye floaters can be due to retinal tears, inflammation, diabetes, etc., which must be treated. It is not a very serious condition, but when the signs and symptoms are severe, it needs to be consulted with a doctor.
