Spot that appears in the visual field when one stares at a blank wall. Floaters are due to bits of protein and other debris that move in front of the retina. Usually they are harmless, but a sudden in crease in the number of floaters may indicate an abnormal condition (e.g., detached retina).
Clumps of gel or cellular debris within the vitreous; these are experienced as small specks seen moving across the visual field.
Small specks, threads, circles, cobwebs, clouds, or other shapes moving in a person’s field of vision. Floaters are most easily seen against a plain background, like a blank wall or the sky. They are actually small clumps of material that form inside the clear jellylike fluid (vitreous) filling the cavity of the eye and cast shadows on the retina (the thin layer of light- sensitive tissue at the back of the eye). Floaters may be annoying, but they require no treatment. If a new floater appears suddenly, if the number of floaters increases, or if quick flashes of light also appear, these symptoms can signal damage to the retina, which requires prompt medical attention to prevent vision loss.
Particles that appear to be floating in a person’s field of vision. They move quickly as the eye moves, but when the eye is still they seem to drift. Vision is not usually affected. Most floaters are shadows on the retina from minute particles in the vitreous humour which lies in the main part of the eyeball behind the lens. As a person ages, the jelly-like vitreous humour usually shrinks a little and becomes detached from the retina; this produces floaters which vanish over time. If a person notices a sudden cloud of floaters, sometimes accompanied by flashes of light, it is likely that a tear in or detachment of the retina has occurred. This requires prompt medical attention.
A translucent speck that passes across the visual field. Floaters vary in size and shape. They are due to small bits of protein or ceils floating in the vitreous. Most people have these benign materials in their eyes. They can also be associated with posterior vitreous detachments, retinal hemorrhages, inflammation, or detachment.
Translucent specks that drift across the visual field are a result of small objects suspended within the vitreous humor, giving rise to floaters.
Floaters are tiny fragments that appear to be drifting in the field of vision. These small specks move swiftly with eye movement but may drift slightly when the eyes are stationary. Typically, floaters do not significantly impact vision.
Most floaters are caused by shadows created on the retina due to microscopic structures present in the vitreous humor, a jelly-like substance located behind the lens of the eye. As people age, the vitreous humor tends to shrink slightly and detach from the retina, leading to more noticeable floaters. However, these floaters often decrease over time.
When a sudden cloud of dark floaters emerges, particularly if accompanied by light flashes, it may indicate a retinal tear or retinal detachment. On the other hand, a large red floater that obstructs vision is typically caused by a vitreous hemorrhage.