What are floaters?

• Dark specks or shapes that drift across your field of vision
• Floaters are very common, especially with ageing
• They are generally harmless, however if you are concerned or experience a sudden increase in floaters, consult with your Optometrist and if necessary, they will refer you on for specialist care

What causes floaters?

•  As you age, the vitreous humour (gel-like fluid in the posterior chamber of the eye) changes, becoming more liquefied
• Strands of vitreous humour clumping together can cause shadows to be cast on your retina
• Injuries or trauma to the eye can cause floaters to appear
• Floaters can sometimes be the first signs of retinal tears or detachments (PVD or retinal detachment), which can be more serious

What is the treatment for floaters?

• They are generally harmless and don’t require treatment in most cases
• If they become particularly bothersome or impair your vision significantly, there are surgical options available:
  • Vitreolysis: a laser procedure that breaks up and dissolves floaters
  • Vitrectomy: only recommended in severe cases where floaters significantly impair vision and cannot be treated by other means. The vitreous humour is surgically removed, and it is usually replaced with a suitable fluid or gas bubble. It carries more risks than other treatments

What is a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)?

• A PVD occurs when the vitreous humour detaches from the retina
• As it pulls away, you can experience symptoms such as floaters, flashes of light (photopsia), or a sensation of a curtain or veil moving across your vision

What causes PVD?

• As the vitreous humour liquifies with age, it also shrinks, making it more likely to separate from the retina
• Short sighted (myopic) people are at a higher risk of developing PVD due to their eye being more elongated compared to far sighted (hypermetropic) eyes

What is the treatment for PVD?

• PVD typically doesn’t require treatment as it is a natural process
• Retinal tears or detachments can occur as a result of PVD, if this occurs, they require prompt treatment to prevent vision loss