Seeing Spots
Floaters, also known as spots, are a common phenomenon that occurs when you see small specks, dots, or thread-like objects floating in your visual field. These spots are typically seen when you look at a bright, plain background, such as a clear blue sky or a white wall. Although floaters can be normal, sometimes they can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. And you may also Seeing yellow spots in your vision can be a concerning symptom, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as vision loss, pain, or sensitivity to light. There are several possible medical causes of yellow spots in your vision, and it is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause. Read more on this website.
In this article, we will discuss the medical causes of floaters and related symptoms.
- Age-related changes: As you age, the jelly-like substance inside your eyes, known as vitreous, begins to shrink and become more liquid. This process can cause clumps of cells or debris to form inside your vitreous, leading to floaters. These floaters can be normal and are usually harmless. However, if you suddenly see an increase in the number of floaters or experience flashes of light in your visual field, it could be a sign of a serious condition, such as a retinal tear or detachment.
- Eye diseases: Floaters can be a symptom of various eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, uveitis, and macular degeneration. Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that affects people with diabetes and can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision problems, including floaters. Uveitis is an inflammation of the eye that can cause floaters, along with eye pain, redness, and sensitivity to light. Macular degeneration is an eye disease that causes damage to the macula, the part of the eye responsible for central vision. This condition can cause floaters, as well as other symptoms such as blurred vision, distorted vision, and difficulty reading.
- Head injuries: Floaters can also be a symptom of a head injury. If you experience floaters after a head injury, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately, as it could be a sign of a serious condition, such as a retinal tear or detachment.
- Migraine: Migraine is a neurological condition that can cause visual disturbances, including floaters. These floaters are usually temporary and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and sensitivity to light.
- Infections: Floaters can be a symptom of certain infections, such as toxoplasmosis and cytomegalovirus. Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection that can affect the eyes and cause floaters, along with other symptoms such as blurred vision and eye pain. Cytomegalovirus is a virus that can cause inflammation of the retina and lead to floaters, as well as other symptoms such as blurred vision and light sensitivity.
If you experience floaters, it’s important to pay attention to any accompanying symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary. In some cases, floaters can be a sign of a serious condition that requires prompt treatment.
Treatment for floaters depends on the underlying cause. In many cases, floaters are harmless and require no treatment. However, if your floaters are severe and affecting your vision, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove them. This surgery is known as a vitrectomy and involves removing the vitreous and replacing it with a saline solution.
In conclusion, floaters can be a normal part of aging or a symptom of an underlying medical condition. It’s important to pay attention to any accompanying symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary. If you have any concerns about your vision or experience any sudden changes in your visual field, contact your eye doctor immediately.
