The eye condition known as "Degenerative Vitreous," also referred to as "Eye Floaters," manifests as small dark particles that appear over time or suddenly in front of your eyes. It occurs as a result of the vitreous fluid, which is completely transparent at a young age and located between the lens and retina, deteriorating as the eye ages and losing its shape and liquefied form.
How Are Floaters in the Eye Detected?
With the breakdown of the vitreous structure, floaters in the eye appear due to the collapse of collagen fibers within this gel structure. The particles casting shadows on the retina due to this collapse can resemble spots, strings, or webs in various forms.
Floaters, when they move with eye movements and come to the forefront, can cause temporary blurred vision and glare, posing difficulties in activities like driving, reading, and working closely. They usually attract attention when looking at a bright area like the sky. Affecting the visual comfort in daily life, this condition, which until now did not have a treatment option, can now be addressed with laser treatment or its effects can be reduced.
Who Experiences Floaters in the Eye?
The shadows created by small particles in the fluid sac located at the back of the eye cause floaters and can disturb 7 out of every 10 individuals at some point in their lives. Floaters can be seen at any age. Examination of young individuals is particularly important in this regard.
The proximity of these particles to the lens and retina within the eye is a barrier to laser application. However, most floaters emerge distant from the natural lens and retina, generally appearing in the central portion of the vitreous. In this case, it can be stated that the patient meets the suitable conditions for Vitreolysis treatment. This assessment should be done by a specialist physician and the treatment should be initiated based on the evaluation outcome.
Not every type of eye floater may be suitable for laser treatment. A full eye examination is necessary to identify the suitable types of floaters for laser application. If the type of floater is suitable for laser treatment, one or more sessions of laser application can be performed to eliminate or reduce the small particles causing these floaters at the back of the eye.
Types of Floaters in the Eye
- Filamentous Floater: These fine, dense floaters resulting from the clumping of collagen fibers in the vitreous can appear in many dots and/or string forms resembling webs. These floaters, usually seen in young patients, can be treated with Vitreolysis Laser depending on their size and location.
- Diffuse Floater: This type of floater appears as clouds and occurs as a result of the individuals' natural aging process. Achieving successful results in the treatment of this type of floater generally requires more Vitreolysis laser sessions.
- Weiss Ring Floater: This ring-shaped floater is usually a large floater that is safely distant from the lens and retina. Due to its safe distance, it can be treated safely and effectively with Vitreolysis.
What is Vitreolysis Treatment?
Vitreolysis is a type of laser treatment applied to reduce the floaters in the eye, performed externally to the eye, painless, and aimed at restoring the vision comfort reduced by floaters. The primary goal of Vitreolysis treatment is to enhance the daily vision comfort of the person by eliminating the obstacle of floaters in the eye.
How is Vitreolysis Treatment Performed?
Before the procedure begins, a specialist doctor numbs the eye with a mild anesthetic eye drop to ensure that the eye does not feel pain during the procedure. During the treatment, the laser beam is directed to the eye via a specially designed microscope and special lenses. The procedure is performed in sessions depending on the nature of the particles within the vitreous gel structure in the eye and each session can take approximately 15 minutes.
Based on the sizes and numbers of the observed particles, 2 or 3 sessions may be required to complete the treatment. Vitreolysis laser treatment is fundamentally based on the elimination of the floaters in the eye using nanosecond laser pulses that disrupt the visual comfort. The collagen and hyaluronic molecules of the floaters are transformed into gas by laser. At the end of the process, most or a significant portion of these particles is eliminated or reduced to a size that does not significantly obstruct vision. It is normal for the patient to observe small and dark spots in the lower part of the visual field after the treatment. This condition, caused by the gasified molecules, disappears within a short time.
Who is Suitable for Vitreolysis Treatment?
To date, ongoing clinical studies have shown that vitreolysis laser method is an effective and reliable treatment option for many patients in eliminating or reducing floaters in the eye. However, some individuals may not be suitable for this procedure due to their eye structure. A specialist physician can determine whether individuals are suitable for vitreolysis treatment.
In addition to Vitreolysis Laser treatment, a decision for surgical intervention can also be made based on the diagnosis of the condition. Through a surgical procedure performed under the supervision of an experienced specialist, a portion of or, if necessary, the entire vitreous fluid is removed and replaced with a special electrolyte saline solution.
If an eye floater does not adversely affect a person’s vision comfort in daily life, treatment is not deemed necessary. However, a solution can be offered to patients disturbed by these floaters through the Vitreolysis Laser procedure.
Are Eye Floaters Permanent?
The small black spots, filamentous structures, or bright particles floating in front of the eye can sometimes be temporary but can become permanent in some individuals. Especially with aging, as the degeneration in the vitreous fluid progresses, the intensity of these floaters might increase.
Not every floater in the eye is permanent. In some individuals, floaters become less noticeable over time as the brain adapts. However, if the floaters become permanent, especially affecting vision, treatment may be necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are floaters in front of the eye a sign of a serious illness?
Floaters in front of the eye mostly emerge as a natural process with age and may not indicate a serious illness. However, if there are complaints such as sudden flashes of light, vision loss, or a curtain phenomenon along with these floaters, urgent intervention-requiring conditions like retinal tear or detachment may be present.
Is there a natural solution for the floaters in the eye?
Bubbles and filamentous structures floating in front of the eye generally may persist unless intervened with laser treatment or surgical methods. However, some individuals may gradually become less aware of these floaters over time.
When are black spots floating in front of the eye dangerous?
If the floating black spots suddenly increase, a large shadow emerges within the field of vision, or flashes of light accompany them, this may indicate serious conditions such as retinal tear or vitreous detachment. In this case, a detailed eye examination should be conducted without delay.
Can floaters in the eye be completely eliminated with a laser?
With Vitreolysis laser treatment, floaters in the eye can be largely eliminated or their effects reduced. However, each case is different. Depending on the structure of the eye, and the location and nature of the floaters, more than one session may be required for some patients. Not all floater types are also suitable for laser, hence a detailed evaluation is necessary.