meta

Causes and Treatment of Floaters: An Eye Health Checkpoint

  • Written Language: Korean
  • Country: All Countriescountry-flag
  • Others

Created: 2024-12-21

Created: 2024-12-21 19:02

What is a Floater?

Floaters are small spots, lines, or specks that appear to float in your field of vision. They are most noticeable against bright backgrounds like a clear sky or a white wall, and become more common with age.

While floaters can be a normal age-related change, they can sometimes be an early sign of a serious eye condition. Therefore, understanding and addressing them properly is essential.

Main Causes of Eye Floaters

Natural Aging Process

The vitreous humor, a jelly-like substance filling the inside of the eye, liquefies with age. In this process, some fibrous tissues clump together, blocking or refracting light, causing floaters.

Eye Diseases

  • Retinal detachment and tear: When the retina tears or detaches, floaters may appear along with flashes of light. This is an emergency requiring immediate treatment.
  • Diabetic retinopathy: Eye bleeding caused by diabetes can manifest as floaters.
  • Uveitis: Inflammation inside the eye can cause clouding of the vitreous humor, leading to floaters.

External Factors and Others

  • Post-cataract surgery complications
  • Eye trauma or infection
  • Side effects of certain medications

Common Symptoms of Eye Floaters

  • Spots, lines, or specks floating in your vision
  • The feeling that floaters move with your eye movements
  • More noticeable against bright backgrounds (sky, walls, etc.)
  • Sudden worsening of symptoms or flashes of light require immediate examination

Treatment Methods for Eye Floaters

Observational Approach

In most cases, the brain adapts over time by ignoring the floaters, resulting in reduced symptom perception.

Laser Treatment

If the floaters are large or significantly impair vision, laser treatment can be used to break them down. However, this requires careful consideration due to potential side effects such as retinal damage.

Surgical Method (Vitrectomy)

If symptoms are severe or significantly affect daily life, surgery to remove the vitreous humor and replace it with a substitute may be performed. While effective, this carries risks of infection, bleeding, and retinal detachment and is considered a last resort.

Prevention and Management of Eye Floaters

Diet for Eye Health

Adequate intake of vitamins A, C, and E and omega-3 fatty acids can help maintain eye health. Carrots, spinach, and fish are excellent examples of eye-healthy foods.

Regular Checkups

Regular eye exams are recommended for individuals with high myopia or underlying conditions like diabetes to detect and manage the causes of floaters early.

Lifestyle Changes

Avoid prolonged screen time, rest your eyes periodically, and use sunglasses to protect against UV rays.

Recommended Supplements for Eye Floaters

Lutein and Zeaxanthin

  • Essential nutrients that protect the macula and improve eye health.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

  • May help protect the vitreous humor and retina, potentially alleviating floaters.

Vitamin A

  • Plays a crucial role in maintaining vision and improving retinal function.


While most floaters are a natural occurrence, if symptoms worsen suddenly or are accompanied by flashes of light, professional ophthalmological care is essential. Consistent management and prevention can help alleviate or prevent worsening of symptoms.

For more detailed information, please refer to Causes and Symptoms of Eye Floaters.

Comments0