Hong Kong Ophthalmological Society

Floaters are a symptom, not a disease. One may see dots, lines or web-like shadows. They may move with or without eye movements. They may be more obvious on looking at a white wall or the sky.

Causes

The commonest cause is due to degeneration of the vitreous humour in the eye related to aging or near-sightedness. It may also be a symptom of retinal hole or detachment. In that case, patients may have other symptoms including flashes, blurring of vision or distortion of objects.

Other causes include bleeding in the vitreous , which is common in diabetic patients or after eye injury.

Attention

Floaters will not disappear. There are no medications or operations to treat them. One should not be over anxious as most floaters are caused by vitreous degeneration only. However, if there is a sudden increase in floaters, or flashes of light are seen, one should consult an ophthalmologist to exclude retinal detachment or vitreous bleeding.

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