Floaters: Causes, Symptoms, and Management Tips

Q: Floaters: Causes, Symptoms, and Management Tips

Hello Peter： 1. The symptoms of eye discomfort, redness in the sclera, and a sensation of dryness or irritation may be due to conjunctivitis, fatigue, or insufficient tear production. These issues are likely unrelated to your concerns. 2. It is advisable t

Floaters, white haze, parallax, dizziness?

Dear Dr.
Gao,
First of all, I would like to thank you for your previous response to my questions.
Thank you.
After my retinal repair surgery, I experienced floaters, particularly a prominent one in my left eye that resembles a long line with black dots at both ends.
My right eye has less noticeable floaters.
Subsequently, based on information I found online, I underwent eight sessions of YAG laser treatment at the Banqiao Cai Wufu Ophthalmology Clinic.
Unfortunately, my condition worsened, and the YAG laser caused various types of floaters in both eyes, including spider web-like, cloudy, dot-like, and line-like shapes, which appear very large.
Whenever light passes through my field of vision, it becomes blurry, especially in my left eye, where multiple floaters appear as wavy patterns without glasses, and as cloudy floaters with glasses.
This frequently obstructs my central vision, causing disparity between my eyes, soreness, sharp pain (especially in the left eye), photophobia, and nighttime glare, which can lead to dizziness in severe cases.
Regarding the appearance of my eyes, after the last four YAG laser treatments, which were performed consecutively over four days, I noticed many blood vessels in the sclera.
I am unsure if this is due to the contact lenses or the increased burden from the floaters.
It has been nearly four months, and there has not been much improvement.
This is different from the issue of dense vascularity I previously inquired about, which can only be observed in the left eye's corner when looking to the right, whereas the blood vessels can be seen directly.
Based on your previous response and the recommendations from my ophthalmologist, I understand that floaters cannot be cured except through vitrectomy, which carries risks such as cataracts and changes in intraocular pressure, and is generally not recommended.
Maintaining good lifestyle habits, avoiding staring at the floaters, and supplementing with lutein, astaxanthin, and fish oil may help reduce their visibility, or as the floaters gradually liquefy, their impact may lessen.
Currently, my eye condition has improved compared to right after the YAG laser treatment, and the floaters appear lighter.
Thank you for your previous advice and suggestions.
Although the soreness and sharp pain in my left eye have improved somewhat, they still occur quite frequently, and focusing does not feel as natural as in my right eye.
When uncomfortable, I sometimes feel dizzy, especially when the cloudy floaters obstruct my view of bright lights, such as car headlights, streetlights, and neon signs, or when I need to quickly refocus on different objects, as it becomes blurry and unfocused.
If I stare for a bit longer, I feel a sharp pain, and afterward, my left eye starts to feel tense and sore, accompanied by an increase in blood vessels and redness.
It usually takes until the next day or after applying a warm compress for the condition to alleviate, but sometimes I still feel slightly uncomfortable even after a night's sleep.
Therefore, I would like to ask you:
1.
Will the soreness and sharp pain in my left eye, along with the numerous blood vessels in the sclera, affect its function, such as the accommodation of the ciliary muscle? I understand that the ciliary muscle, anterior chamber, and aqueous humor are part of the eye's circulation, and poor circulation or blockage could potentially lead to glaucoma and other diseases.
Additionally, conditions like corneal hypoxia seem to increase blood vessel visibility.
2.
I have gradually accepted the presence of floaters, but I simply hope that my left eye does not feel so sore and painful every day and that the sclera is not so filled with blood vessels, allowing me to live my life normally.
What can I do to help my left eye return to normal and alleviate the soreness and sharp pain?
Thank you very much for reading and responding to my lengthy message.
Thank you.

Peter, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/31

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello Peter:
1.
The symptoms of eye discomfort, redness in the sclera, and a sensation of dryness or irritation may be due to conjunctivitis, fatigue, or insufficient tear production.
These issues are likely unrelated to your concerns.

2.
It is advisable to use artificial tears and possibly corticosteroids or muscle relaxants, which should help improve your condition.

The Ophthalmology Department at Puzi Hospital in Taiwan is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and Wednesday afternoons from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Please note that online responses are for reference only; it is essential to seek medical attention at a healthcare facility if necessary.
I hope to have the opportunity to assist you.

Best regards,
Gao Pilin

Reply Date: 2016/03/31

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for sharing your detailed experience regarding your eye condition, particularly concerning floaters and the discomfort you are experiencing in your left eye. It is understandable that these symptoms can be quite distressing, and I appreciate your patience as we explore potential causes and management strategies.

Understanding Floaters
Floaters are small, shadowy shapes that can appear in your field of vision, often described as spots, threads, or cobwebs. They are typically caused by changes in the vitreous humor, the gel-like substance that fills the eye. As we age, the vitreous can become more liquid and may pull away from the retina, leading to the perception of floaters. In your case, the history of retinal surgery and subsequent laser treatments may have contributed to the increased visibility of these floaters.

Symptoms and Concerns
You mentioned experiencing a range of symptoms, including:
1. Blurry Vision: This can be exacerbated by floaters obstructing your line of sight, especially in bright light conditions.

2. Eye Discomfort: The sensation of soreness or pain in your left eye, along with the presence of bloodshot eyes, may indicate irritation or strain.

3. Visual Disturbances: The presence of various shapes and sizes of floaters, particularly after laser treatments, can be concerning.

Potential Impact on Eye Function
Regarding your concerns about whether the discomfort and bloodshot appearance of your left eye could affect its function, it is important to consider the following:
1. Ciliary Muscle Function: The ciliary muscle is responsible for adjusting the lens for focusing. While discomfort can lead to strain, it is unlikely that this alone will cause significant long-term issues with the muscle's ability to function. However, chronic discomfort may lead to compensatory behaviors that could affect your visual comfort.

2. Aqueous Humor Dynamics: The circulation of aqueous humor is crucial for maintaining intraocular pressure and overall eye health. While discomfort and irritation can be signs of inflammation or strain, they do not directly indicate a blockage in aqueous humor flow. However, persistent issues should be monitored, as they could lead to complications like glaucoma if left unaddressed.

3. Corneal Health: If you are experiencing discomfort due to contact lens wear or other factors, this could lead to corneal hypoxia (lack of oxygen), which can cause redness and irritation. Ensuring proper lens hygiene and allowing your eyes to rest can mitigate these effects.

Management Strategies
To alleviate the discomfort and improve your overall eye health, consider the following strategies:
1. Regular Eye Exams: Continue to have regular check-ups with your ophthalmologist to monitor your condition and adjust any treatments as necessary.

2. Eye Hygiene: If you wear contact lenses, ensure they are cleaned properly and consider giving your eyes breaks from lenses to reduce irritation.

3. Artificial Tears: Using preservative-free artificial tears can help lubricate your eyes and reduce dryness, which may alleviate some discomfort.

4. Diet and Supplements: While there is no definitive cure for floaters, maintaining a healthy diet rich in antioxidants (like lutein and zeaxanthin) and omega-3 fatty acids may support overall eye health.

5. Stress Management: Stress can exacerbate eye strain. Techniques such as mindfulness, regular breaks from screens, and proper lighting can help reduce discomfort.

6. Acceptance and Adaptation: As you mentioned, coming to terms with the presence of floaters can be beneficial. Engaging in activities that do not exacerbate your symptoms and focusing on what you can control will help improve your quality of life.

Conclusion
Your symptoms are certainly concerning, and it is commendable that you are seeking to understand and manage your condition better. While floaters can be bothersome, they are often benign, especially when associated with age-related changes. However, persistent discomfort should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying issues.

Please continue to communicate openly with your eye care provider about your symptoms and concerns. They can provide tailored advice and treatment options based on your specific situation. Thank you for your patience, and I wish you the best in managing your eye health.

Sincerely,
Doctor Q&A Teams
[Your Title]

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