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Explanation about floaters in the field of vision - Strategies for Staying Healthy. Also refer to eyesight, retina, optician, ophthalmologist, vitreous gel, cells, blindness, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions

Floaters in the Field of Vision

by Ron Kurtus (revised 11 May 2002)

Many people see tiny objects floating in their field of vision. These are called floaters. Seeing these objects seems to happen more often during middle age, although children may also observe them. Floaters are not usually harmful, although they can indicate other problems if they occur in excess.

Questions you may have about floaters are:

• What causes floaters?
• When do floaters indicate problems?
• What can you do about floaters?

This lesson will answer those questions. There is a mini-quiz near the end of the lesson. Health Disclaimer

What causes floaters?

Floaters are tiny clumps of material that are floating in the fluid inside the eye. Some are simply blood cells or parts of other cells that have gotten loose in the fluid. After middle age, the vitreous gel in the eye degenerates and forms microscopic clumps that float around in the eye.

The current in the fluid causes the floaters to move about. Although they are microscopic in size, their location between the lens of the eye and the retina magnifies their appearance in the field of vision.

Do floaters indicate problems?

Floaters are usually just annoying, but if there is a sudden increase in them, it may be an indication of a detached retina.

If you witness a sudden increase in floaters--especially if you also experience flashing lights in you vision--you should see your ophthalmologist, optician or eye doctor.

Can anything be done about floaters?

Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done about floaters. Many of them slowly diminish in time. Otherwise, you just get used to the floaters and start to ignore or live with them.

Summary

Floaters are very small clump of material floating in the fluid in your eye. They are an annoyance that increases with age. If there is a sudden, drastic increase in floaters, you should see an eye doctor.

Answers to Readers' Questions

You only have two eyes-- take care of them

Resources

The following are resources on this subject.

Websites

Flashes and Floaters - Harvard Medical School

Floaters and Flashes - Retina Vitreous Associates

Floaters - Medem Health Care

Floaters - Eye Centers of Florida

Floaters in the Eyes: There is Hope - by Dr. Marc Grossman - Holistic approach, with suggested vitamins and herb that will help

General Health Resources

Books

Top-rated books on Eye Health

Top-rated books on General Health

Miscellaneous

Mini-quiz to check your understanding

1. How big are the floaters seen in the eye?

2. How can a detached retina result in seeing more floaters?

3. Should you be concerned if you see an occasional floater in your eye?

If you got all three correct, you are on your way to becoming a Champion in being Healthy. If you had problems, you had better look over the material again.

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Floaters in the Field of Vision