What causes floaters in the eyes, and can they be treated?
Feb 24, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Shuai
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the causes of floaters include vitreous degeneration, posterior vitreous detachment, retinal tears, retinal hemorrhage, intraocular inflammation, and others. If the floaters are physiological or mild pathological cases, they can generally be treated effectively through conventional treatments, medication, laser therapy, and other methods. However, severe pathological floaters typically cannot be cured.
Generally, the causes of floaters include vitreous degeneration, posterior vitreous detachment, retinal tears, retinal hemorrhage, intraocular inflammation, and others. If the condition is caused by mild metabolic changes in the vitreous, it can usually be treated effectively. However, if it results from severe retinal degenerative diseases, it typically cannot be cured. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Causes of Floaters
1. Vitreous Degeneration: With aging, the vitreous gradually undergoes degeneration, changing from a gel-like substance into a more liquid state or accompanied by liquefaction. During this degenerative process, opaque materials or bubbles may form within the vitreous body, casting shadows on the retina and causing floaters.
2. Posterior Vitreous Detachment: Posterior vitreous detachment refers to the separation between the vitreous and the retina. This condition may occur in elderly individuals or those with high myopia. During the separation process, the vitreous may pull on the retina, causing retinal blood vessels to rupture or minor tears to develop, resulting in floaters.
3. Retinal Tears: Retinal tears refer to small ruptures in the retina. These tears may be caused by trauma, high myopia, vitreous traction, or other factors. Retinal tears can allow vitreous fluid to enter the subretinal space, leading to the formation of floaters.
4. Retinal Hemorrhage: Retinal hemorrhage may be caused by ocular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, or trauma. The hemorrhage may enter the vitreous, forming opaque substances that result in floaters.
5. Intraocular Inflammation: Intraocular inflammation may lead to inflammatory exudation or clouding of the vitreous. These exudates or opacities cast shadows on the retina, causing floaters.
2. Can Floaters Be Treated?
If floaters are caused by mild vitreous metabolic changes, such as temporary eye strain, fatigue, or trauma resulting in minor vitreous opacity, appropriate rest and improved eye habits can lead to resolution of the floaters. Measures such as reducing prolonged screen time, engaging in more outdoor activities to allow the eyes adequate rest, and using eye drops that relieve eye fatigue may result in improvement of floater symptoms in some patients.
If floaters are caused by severe retinal degenerative diseases or optic nerve atrophy, due to the irreversible nature of the pathological processes involved, the symptoms of floaters are also difficult to completely cure. Although certain treatments may help slow the progression of the disease, complete elimination of floaters is challenging.
Patients with floaters should seek timely medical evaluation and undergo detailed examinations to determine the underlying cause and implement appropriate treatment measures. During treatment, patients should maintain a positive mindset and actively follow medical advice. Regular eye examinations are important for the early detection and management of ocular issues, which can help prevent the onset and progression of floaters.
