Floaters Video

One of the most common symptoms that presents in an optometrist's office is that of floaters.  Floaters that have been experienced for awhile are less concerning than new floaters, however, any symptoms of floaters require evaluation of the inside health of the eye.  New floaters, especially within the first two weeks of noticing the floaters, need to be evaluated carefully as they can have an association with retinal holes, tears and detachments.  Any new floaters resulting from head or eye trauma or associated with flashes of lights also need to be evaluated immediately.   Any new floaters demand a dilated evaluation of the retina to rule out any retinal involvement. 

 

 There is a gel inside of the eye called the vitreous.  This vitreous is part gel and part water and it is common for there to be debris or collapsed gel that can cast a shadow onto the back of the eye if light comes into the eye at just the right direction and intensity.  So, the debris is always there but you only see the floater if light entering the eye causes the debris to cast a shadow onto the retina.  The debris inside of the eye can look like specks, cobwebs or veils. There can be a single piece of debris or a collection of debris.  Looking at certain colored backgrounds with yellow, white or blue tones can enhance the visibility of these floaters.

 

When we look inside of the eye, we often see this debris floating around with every movement of the eye.  Depending on the size and location of the debris will dictate how visibly annoying the floater is.

 

Below is a great floater video that I found on YouTube with the view of the optic nerve, blood vessels and the retina in the background.  As this patient moves their eye with each blink, you will see the debris in the clear vitreous gel move around. 

 

Make sure you let your eye doctor know if you are experiencing any floaters, new or old.  If you are experiencing any new floaters, make an immediate appointment with your eye doctor to rule out any retinal involvement that may coexist with these new floater symptoms.