What causes the sensation of seeing floating black shadows in front of the eyes?

　　Black shadows moving in the field of vision may be caused by aging, excessive eye use, uveitis, floaters, retinal detachment, etc., and appropriate management can be selected based on specific circumstances. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention at a hospital promptly and follow medical advice for treatment.

　　1. Aging: With increasing age, the vitreous gradually ages and degenerates. Its internal collagen fiber framework collapses, forming opacities, which cause black shadows moving in the field of vision. This condition is generally irreversible, but symptoms can be alleviated by nutritional supplementation, particularly foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, etc.

　　2. Excessive Eye Use: Prolonged focusing on electronic screens or reading without sufficient rest can lead to eye fatigue and physiological vitreous opacity, causing black shadows in the visual field. Rest your eyes for 10-15 minutes every hour by gazing into the distance, looking at green plants, or applying a warm towel compress to the eyes.

　　3. Uveitis: Inflammation of the uvea caused by infection, autoimmune disorders, or other factors may lead to inflammatory exudates entering the vitreous, interfering with light transmission and causing black shadows in the visual field. Symptoms may also include eye pain, redness, and vision loss. It is recommended to use medications such as tobramycin dexamethasone eye drops, pranoprofen eye drops, and compound tropicamide eye drops under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms.

　　4. Floaters: Besides physiological factors, pathological conditions such as intraocular inflammation or hemorrhage can also cause vitreous opacity, resulting in floaters. Symptoms include moving black shadows in the visual field with variable shapes, and a sudden increase in the number of shadows. Medications such as iodopeptide eye drops, vancomycin hydrochloride for injection, and ceftazidime for injection may be used under medical supervision to improve symptoms.

　　5. Retinal Detachment: Separation of the retinal neurosensory epithelium from the retinal pigment epithelium leads to impaired retinal function. Patients may experience moving black shadows resembling a curtain covering the visual field, often accompanied by flashes of light and sudden vision loss. Immediate medical attention is required if retinal detachment is suspected. Surgery, such as scleral buckling or vitrectomy, is typically the main treatment approach.

　　In daily life, it is recommended to increase outdoor activity time to allow the eyes to fully relax. Adequate rest should also be taken to promote ocular recovery.

　　References:

　　[1] Zhu Wenxue, Cai Yan. Research on the Etiology and New Advances in Treatment of Floaters[J]. International Journal of Ophthalmology, 2025, 25(03): 446-450.

　　[2] Zhuo Hongmin, Zhang Fan, Gao Qing, et al. Bibliometric Analysis of Research on the Pathogenesis of Uveitis Over the Past 20 Years[J]. Heilongjiang Science, 2024, 15(22): 118-123+127.