The complaint of seeing black spots in the eye mostly comes from older individuals. This eye condition can worsen over time and may become bothersome to the person. While some people think it’s due to psychological reasons or low blood pressure, it is actually an eye condition.
Why Do We See Black Spots in Front of Our Eyes?
The light entering the eye passes through the pupil, which is at the center of the iris that gives color to the eye. It then passes through the lens of the eye and the Vitreous before focusing on the retina. The Vitreous is a transparent, jelly-like substance. Inside the Vitreous are very fine and orderly fibers. Essentially, our ability to see clearly depends on the transparency of the Vitreous.
In some cases, the order among these fibers is disrupted, causing them to thicken and become visible. These floating black objects are not actually in front of our eyes but inside them. What we perceive as black spots in the eye are actually these fibers. This is usually more noticeable against bright or white backgrounds.
Seeing black spots in the eye can be triggered by:
- This condition is more common in people with myopia.
- Following eye injuries
- After cataract surgery
- Past intraocular inflammations
Is Seeing Floating Objects in Front of the Eyes a Disease?
Although this phenomenon is not a disease in itself, it can be a symptom of certain eye diseases. For instance, seeing black spots in the eye can be a symptom of a serious condition like a retinal tear. If a retinal tear is detected early, it can be treated with laser therapy.
If the condition of seeing black spots suddenly develops
If there are sudden flashes of light, you should immediately consult an eye doctor. Additionally, if you experience peripheral vision loss, it is beneficial to see a doctor immediately. Often, many people see floating objects and ignore them, which can lead to serious problems being detected late.
Is There a Treatment for Floating Objects?
If the cause of floating objects is a retinal tear, there is an opportunity for treatment with a laser if caught early. However, laser treatment is only aimed at preventing retinal tears. It does not treat seeing black spots in the eye.
Laser Vitreolysis is a technically demanding procedure requiring appropriate laser equipment, special laser lenses, and experience. Not all floating objects are treatable. The possibility of treatment primarily depends on the location of the floating objects as well as other optical characteristics of the eye. Rare risks of laser vitreolysis treatment in experienced hands include the development of retinal tears and retinal detachment.
Most people are not very disturbed by seeing black spots in the eye, so surgery is not recommended. If a person becomes unable to perform daily tasks, a vitrectomy surgery can resolve this issue, allowing the individual to continue their life without problems. For the correct solution and treatment, you can contact Batıgöz.
What Causes Floating Black Spots in the Eye?
The movement of dark objects in the eye is due to two different causes. A rare but quite important cause is retinal tears and intraocular hemorrhages. Another cause is the aging process of the vitreous gel inside the eye, which is jelly-like in consistency.
The Structure of the Eye and the Emergence of Black Spots
The light entering the eye passes through the pupil in the center of the iris, reaches the lens, and from there reaches the vitreous fluid filling the inside of the eye. Transparent, fine fibers are found within the Vitreous. Normally, these fibers are orderly and provide transparency. However, with age, these structures may thicken, shrink, and become irregular, leading to the perception of floating black spots in front of the eye.
Floating black spots are particularly noticeable when looking at bright surfaces such as a white wall or open sky. These objects are not in front of our eyes but are structures moving inside the eye.
Risk Factors and Triggering Conditions
Black spots in the eye are more frequently seen in some individuals. People with myopia may complain more about this condition.
- Eye injuries
- Post-cataract surgery period
- Intraocular inflammations can trigger this condition.
Are Floating Objects in Front of the Eye a Serious Condition?
Although this condition is not always dangerous, in some cases, it can be the first sign of a serious eye disease like retinal tears. If you notice suddenly developing black spots, flashes of light, or a reduction in your peripheral field of vision, you should urgently consult an eye doctor.
Is There a Treatment for Floating Black Spots?
If black spots are associated with a retinal tear, laser intervention can prevent the progression of the tear. The Laser Vitreolysis method can be used in some cases to treat floating objects. This procedure requires special equipment and experience. Not every black spot is suitable for this treatment.
In cases that seriously affect daily life, a surgical method called vitrectomy can be applied. This operation involves completely removing the vitreous fluid, allowing the black spots to disappear.
Frequently Asked Questions
I see floating black spots in front of my eyes, could this be due to low blood pressure?
Low blood pressure can manifest as sudden dizziness, weakness, or dimming vision. However, floating black spots in the eye are usually due to changes in the vitreous fluid inside the eye. It is not directly related to blood pressure, so it's important to see an eye doctor.
Do the floating objects in front of my eyes always remain stationary?
No. These black spots change position with eye movements. When the eye moves, these structures within the vitreous fluid also move, creating the sensation of "floating." They are more noticeable especially on bright backgrounds. Over time, a person may get used to these images, but if they increase, an eye doctor’s examination is necessary.
Can black spots in the eye be psychological?
Psycho-emotional factors can cause blurred vision or difficulty focusing, but floating black spots in the eye are a physical condition. They result from vitreous degeneration or retinal issues. Psychological factors do not mimic this condition but can happen simultaneously.
Is it possible to completely eliminate black spots?
Completely eliminating black spots may be difficult. In mild cases, treatment may not be necessary. However, in cases of significant discomfort, resolution is possible through vitrectomy surgery. The Laser Vitreolysis method is also effective in selected patients.