Question 1

what causes eye floaters?

Accepted Answer

The Vitreous: The vitreous is composed of a clear liquid called hyaluronic acid and fibers called collagen. As we age the vitreous becomes less solid and the collagen fibers become more visible (synuresis). The spots you see are these collagen fiber clumps. They do not cause harm to the eye, they just get in the way. If they are very prominent and reduce visual function  they can be removed with a vitrectomy.

Question 2

what is the cause of eye floaters?

Accepted Answer

Eye tissue renewal: Most floaters are fragments of the normal renewal process in the back of the eye with an occasional fragment getting out of the normal clean up channels and appearing in the visual axis.  This is more common with changes in the vitreous composition in older age.  We get concerned when there are many floaters at once especially if accompanied by vision loss or light flashing.

Question 3

what is the main cause of eye floaters?

Accepted Answer

Floaters: Floaters are thickenings in the vitreous jelly inside the eye.  They are common with age, myopia, inflammation, trauma, and other issues.  They are benign and do not damage your vision.  Rarely, they can cause retinal tears which may require laser treatment.  Otherwise, no treatment is needed.  In very rare cases, the floaters can become dense enough to block vision and may need surgical removal.

Question 4

eye floaters and flashing lights, can the lights cause you to have floaters?

Accepted Answer

Vitreous detachment: It sounds as if you have had a posterior vitreous detachment.  This is a situation where the vitreous(jelly) of the eye detaches (not a retinal detachment), it then "crumples" up leaving dots, spots, strands of blurry vitreous; i.e. The "floater".  You should have an exam to ensure the incident did not tear the retina, which could lead to a retinal detachment.  Wait one year then consider surgery.

Question 5

what are the causes of eye floaters in a 23yo female doesnt happen all the time?

Accepted Answer

Have your eyes: examined and make sure there is nothing significant going on.  However, floaters are very common, they are little tissue remnants. They are annoying, but we just live with them.  You get used to them over time.  You urgently need to see an eye doctor if your vision is impaired by them, if you notice flashes of light in your peripheral vision or you have pain with your floaters.

Question 6

what illnesses or diseases can worsen eye floaters cause it to become more disturbing?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Changes inside of your eye can worsen a floater.  Changes with your floater should prompt a visit with your eye doctor for a dilated exam as this may indicate a problem.

Question 7

how does glaucoma cause eye floaters?

Accepted Answer

Usually not: Glaucoma does not affect the vitreous fluid and does not cause floaters

Question 8

docs, could a cold cause 'eye floaters'?

Accepted Answer

Eye floaters: The cause of the cold symptoms could also be associated with causing inflammation in your eyes. Most floaters are not a concern, but some require treatment. Its best to check in with an eye doctor for a dilated exam, especially if there is any decreased vision, pain, redness or flashing lights. Good luck.

Question 9

can lifting heavy objects cause eye floaters?

Accepted Answer

No: Vitreous separation ; traction on the retina causes retinal tears-causing vitreous floaters ; hazy vision.  Untreated, these tears allow fluid to flow behind the retina amd it falls off the back of your eye-like wallpaper coming off a wall.  This causes a veil in your side vision then painless central vision loss.  Lifting or straining does not cause these problems.  Hitting your head can.

Question 10

are there any drugs or dietary habits that causes eye floaters?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Use of certain blood thinners such as Coumadin (warfarin) or  Plavix can result in bleeding if levels are elevated due to changes in absorption or other interfering illness. Various drugs prescribed for mood disorders may affect ability of the eye to focus normally and may worsen the appearance of floaters.

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