Are insects flying in front of your eyes?
Still, wondering?
What is it?
It’s called Eye Floaters or myodesopsias or muscae volitantes
In latin, Myodesopsias or muscae volitantes means FLY FLIES
Flies? Not really!…
It looks like specks, strings, cobwebs, and black spots in vision. The color of the spots will be black or grey.
Do you want to experience eye floaters, just look at the sunny sky? The different shapes and colors of eye floaters move in your visual field and they just dart away when you try to focus it.
As it is a fast-moving world, nowadays, eye floaters are very common, from young adults to older people
Do black spots or black dots move in your vision?
The eye has many parts which play a vital role to give us a sense of sight. Vitreous, a jelly substance is one of the parts which maintains the shape of our eyes. In some people, this jelly substance liquifies and shrinks leading to clumps of collagen fibers formation. So these collagen fibers can cause shadows in the retina which are reflected as floaters commonly known as black spots or dots in our eye and cause disturbances in vision.
These black dots(floaters) are most common in aged people and are considered a natural aging process. It starts mildly which they are able to avoid initially. It will be a bit annoying if the eye floaters start to progress or when you are unable to avoid them. These floaters sometimes will be permanent or sometimes they will vanish.
It is advisable to consult an eye doctor if the floaters spike rapidly and experience visual disturbances.
Other rare causes of eye floaters are diabetic-related retinopathy and uveitis.
Are eye floaters too dangerous?
It is not too dangerous if it is mild and avoidable with good eye health; on the other hand, it is dangerous if there is sudden progress of eye floaters.
Due to the continuity of vitreous shrinkage, it starts pulling away from the retina which causes breakage, retinal tears, and retinal detachment. These retinal tears and detachment cause flashes associated with severe floaters.
So, regular eye check-ups with an optometrist and eye doctor or ophthalmologist are very important at least yearly once.
What causes eye floaters in young adults?
Most eye floaters occur between the ages of 50 and 70 due to deterioration of age-related eye conditions. Occasionally these floaters occur in young adults too, this is because nearsightedness
If being nearsighted!… means, Myopia- a refractive power of the eye causes blurring of vision for distance and clear for near. Nearsightedness can also cause floaters due to the elongation of the eyeball to have a chance of pulling off vitreous floaters. So it may occur in young adults too.
Other than this an increase in digital device usage nowadays causes retinal changes due to overexposure to blue light.
If the persistent floaters occur in age below 50 it is advisable to take an option with eye doctors or optometrist
How will eye care professionals evaluate eye floaters?
During an eye check-up, vision quality is measured followed by dilation with dilating eye drops which helps to look inside the eye. This allows the examiner to evaluate your retinal health, if the retinal health is damaged these floaters will be one of the signs on the other hand some floaters are not involved in the retinal issues.
However, on a precautionary basis, you have to keep your eye health on track to prevent serious damage to your eyes which may occur later.
5 Effective Ways to Prevent Eye Floaters
- Healthy diet:
A planned diet helps to keep your body healthy and as it ensures nutrition passes all over the body including the eyes. Continuous taking deep-fried foods and high sugar content foods causes damage. It is important to understand that our eyes require proper care and nourishment. Leafy greens,omega-3 fatty acids, and fruits like pineapple are natural remedies to reduce eye floaters. Include nutrient-rich food to maintain optimal vision and overall well-being.
- Reduce smoking and alcohol consumption:
Cigarettes and alcohol are composed of several chemicals that slowly damage the organs of the body. Among the negative effects, these substances cause the premature aging process to the vitreous humor which causes floaters. For individuals already experiencing this eye condition, it is advisable to avoid excessive smoking and drinking, as indulging in[ these habits will worsen them. Make a conscious effort to reduce our consumption of cigarettes and alcohol to improve overall ocular health.
- Minimize your screen time
One of the main causes of eye floaters is excessive exposure to digital screens which has become increasingly prevalent in our modern society. These specks or lines move in your visual field and are more noticeable in bright backgrounds and you likely have to pay attention to them in these settings. If possible reduce your screening time whenever possible it is advisable to take breaks between your working hours. These proactive measures keep your overall eye healthy in today’s digitally-driven world.
- Avoid stress and anxiety
Stress and anxiety take a toll on both your professional and personal life. Minimize your stress and anxiety by regular exercise or spending time on your hobbies that help to reduce floaters. However, pursuing activities that you are passionate about can relieve the daily stresses of life
- Get your regular eye check-up.
It is possible to get your eye check-up at least yearly or depending on the eye doctor’s advice. This helps to detect any eye problems earlier and the latest technology like laser procedure is a possible treatment for eye floaters in the severe stage. By keeping up with these routine check-ups, you not only ensure the overall health of your eyes but also stay vigilant in monitoring regular check-ups in preserving your vision. Remember your eyes are precious and a professional eye examination is key to maintaining optimal health
Conclusion:
“Proactive measures hold greater significance.”
Eye floaters are not considered to be curable but it has several effective ways to tackle it. Try one or more effective tips depending on your individual needs
However, it is always recommended to make an appointment with your eye doctor every year to ensure your eye health is in check and to stay on the safe side.
An-Noor Eye Hospital is the best eye hospital for treating eye floaters in chennai and helps you to keep your eyes proactive with regular check-ups, you can effectively manage and address any concerns related to eye floaters. So, take the necessary steps and prioritise your eye health today.
Book an Appointment for the Best Treatment for your Eyes.
