Floaters
Floaters are very common and are due to opacities which develop in the vitreous, the gel-like substance which fills the eye. Floaters usually occur due to “vitreous syneresis,” an age-related process in which pockets of liquid form in the vitreous gel. As our eyes move, these pockets of fluid can be seen to move around.
Another common cause of floaters is a “posterior vitreous detachment (PVD).” In a PVD, the vitreous gel which fills the eye can pull away from the inner wall of the eye (retina) to which it is usually attached. A PVD can cause the sudden appearance of floaters. Occasionally when a PVD occurs, the vitreous can cause a tear in the inner wall of the eye (retina). If this occurs, the entire retina can come away from the wall of the eye causing a retinal detachment.
If a tear in the retina occurs due to a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), laser is required to prevent the tear from extending further.
If a retinal detachment occurs, an operation (vitrectomy) is required to repair the retina and return it to its usual position. Without this surgery vision can be permanently lost.
If a retinal detachment occurs, an operation (vitrectomy) is required to repair the retina and return it to its usual position. Without this surgery vision can be permanently lost.