Floaters: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Vision deterioration and floaters?

Hello, doctor! Last year, I suddenly noticed hundreds of circles of varying depths in my right eye, some overlapping, creating a visual obstruction that resembled a wrinkled film, making everything unclear, even on darker asphalt surfaces.
The left eye had fewer circles, almost unnoticeable.
This condition has persisted since December 2021, lasting nearly four months.
In early February, I visited a clinic for an examination, and after dilation, the retina of my right eye was found to be normal.
The doctor described it as floaters.
At that time, my vision was gradually declining.
In my previous year's vision test, my left eye was 0.8 and my right eye was 1.0, but this year, the results showed my left eye at 0.4 and my right eye at 0.7.
The sensation of vision decline feels like my eyes cannot focus; the smaller the object, the more pronounced the double vision becomes.
I previously experienced mild astigmatism at night.
Occasionally, I also see one or two solid dots that appear briefly and disappear with eye movement, passing through the existing circles, which do not move with the solid dots but remain constant.
After reviewing many responses, I feel that my situation is quite different from the typical descriptions of floaters.
In early March, I went to the hospital for another examination, and both retinas were again found to be normal.
The doctor mentioned eye allergies and a corneal hole, suggesting that what I see as a hole might be a corneal perforation.
Two weeks later, during a follow-up, the cornea had healed, but I still see the circles.
Two days after the follow-up, a long, branch-like black shadow appeared in my right eye, similar to the circles, fixed in my field of vision as I move my eyes.
I would like to ask the doctor: 1.
Given my situation, is this truly floaters? Does the long, branch-like black shadow also count as a type of floaters? 2.
My job requires prolonged computer use, but it's impossible to have all backgrounds in black.
The appearance of the long black shadow exacerbates my difficulties at work, and I feel nauseous when my eyes are constantly moving.
It also affects my daily life, such as my judgment while riding a bike.
Is there a way to resolve this issue? 3.
I've read online that traditional Chinese medicine can treat floaters; is this information accurate?

Xiao Wu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/03/24

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology

1.
It can be considered.

2.
Use your eyes less and take more breaks.

3.
I haven't heard of it.

Reply Date: 2022/03/24

More Info

Floaters, or "muscae volitantes," are common visual disturbances that many people experience, particularly as they age. They appear as small spots, circles, or cobweb-like structures that drift across the field of vision. Your description of seeing hundreds of circles and overlapping shapes, along with the sensation of a film over your vision, suggests that you are experiencing a significant number of floaters, which can be quite distressing.

1. Is it really floaters? Based on your symptoms and the examinations you've undergone, it seems likely that you are experiencing floaters. Floaters can take various forms, including the long, branch-like shadows you described. These are often caused by changes in the vitreous gel that fills the eye, which can become more liquid and allow collagen fibers to clump together, casting shadows on the retina. While floaters are typically harmless, the sudden appearance of a large number of them, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like vision loss or flashes of light, can indicate more serious conditions, such as retinal tears or detachments. Given that your retina has been examined and found to be normal, it is reassuring, but the persistence and change in your symptoms warrant close monitoring.

2. Impact on daily life and work: The presence of floaters, especially in a work environment that requires prolonged computer use, can indeed be challenging. The fact that you experience nausea when your eyes move around suggests that your brain may be struggling to process the visual input effectively. Unfortunately, there are no definitive treatments for floaters, especially if they are not associated with any retinal issues. However, some strategies may help manage your symptoms:
- Visual Adaptation: Over time, many people find that they become less aware of their floaters as their brain learns to ignore them. This process can take time, so patience is essential.

- Lighting Adjustments: While you cannot always control the background color on your computer, adjusting the brightness and contrast settings may help reduce the visibility of floaters.

- Frequent Breaks: Taking regular breaks from screen time can help alleviate eye strain and may reduce the discomfort you feel.

3. Alternative treatments: Regarding the claims that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can treat floaters, it's essential to approach this with caution. While some individuals report subjective improvements with herbal remedies or acupuncture, scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of TCM for floaters is limited. It's crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before pursuing any alternative treatments, as they may not address the underlying issue and could potentially interfere with conventional care.

In conclusion, while floaters can be bothersome, they are often benign. However, given your symptoms and the impact on your daily life, it would be wise to maintain regular follow-ups with your eye care provider. If your symptoms worsen or if you experience any new visual disturbances, seek immediate medical attention, as these could indicate a more serious condition.

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