Kudret Eye Istanbul’s Chief Physician, Dr. Nail Sönmez, warns about the phenomenon known as eye floaters: “These floaters can be due to structural changes in the eye or could signal eye diseases that might lead to vision loss.”
Can Lead to Permanent Vision Loss!
Dr. Nail Sönmez explains: “Seeing floaters can be caused by retinal tears, uveitis (eye inflammation), diabetes, high blood pressure, or natural changes in the vitreous fluid between the lens and the retina as we age. Diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure, which can cause retinal tears and eye inflammation, not only threaten our vision but also our overall health. It is crucial to consult an eye specialist to determine the cause of these complaints. If there are retinal tears or holes, vitreous fluid can enter these tears, causing the retina to detach from the eye wall, a condition known as retinal detachment. In retinal detachment, the separated layer’s nourishment is disrupted, leading to cell death and permanent vision loss. Patients should immediately consult a specialist if they experience symptoms such as floaters, flashes of light, or a gray or black curtain over their vision. Laser treatment is used when there are only tears without detachment, aiming to prevent the tear from progressing to detachment. In cases of retinal detachment, surgery is necessary.”
Who Is at Risk?
Dr. Nail Sönmez provides insights into the causes of retinal detachment: “The primary cause of retinal detachment is retinal tears and holes. The risk increases with age and is more common in middle-aged and older adults, though it can occur at any age. High myopia patients, those with a family history of similar conditions, and diabetics are at higher risk. If retinal detachment occurs in one eye, the likelihood of it occurring in the other eye is high. Sudden impacts to the head can cause retinal detachment, especially in children and young adults. It can also rarely occur during pregnancy, as high blood pressure during this period can cause retinal detachment. Straining during childbirth can also lead to retinal detachment in at-risk mothers. Therefore, it is important for expectant mothers to have a detailed eye examination early in pregnancy or even before becoming pregnant to assess the risk of retinal detachment and other eye diseases.”
Could It Be Harmless?
Dr. Nail Sönmez notes that floaters can be harmless when related to aging and structural changes in the eye: “One cause of floaters is age-related structural changes in the eye, commonly seen in patients over 50. As we age, the vitreous fluid between the lens and the retina changes. The tissues, blood cells, and proteins in the vitreous can clump together, casting shadows on the retina and creating the sensation of floaters. They are especially noticeable when looking at a plain, light-colored background. We generally consider this condition harmless when related to aging. However, in some patients, floaters can be so frequent and dense that they cause difficulty in vision. In these rare cases, if the doctor deems it necessary, laser or surgical treatment can be used to remove the floaters. Floaters can appear due to relatively harmless structural changes or serious causes that can lead to vision loss. As soon as these symptoms appear, a detailed retinal examination by an eye specialist is essential.”
Remember, these blog posts are for informational purposes only. If you have any medical concerns or questions, please consult a doctor.