Floaters: Common Concerns and Visual Phenomena Explained

Questions related to floaters?

Hello Doctor,
I am a first-year college student with approximately 700 degrees of myopia and have been experiencing floaters for about ten years.
A few days ago, I had my retina examined, and the doctor said there were no issues.
My floaters appear spiderweb-like, and I have them in both eyes.
I would like to ask the following questions:
1.
Recently, I noticed that whenever the floaters pass through bright light areas, such as looking from indoors towards a window or a light source, they create a phenomenon similar to refraction, giving a halo effect.
Does this indicate a change in the shape of objects? However, under normal conditions (like in a lit room), the objects that the floaters pass by do not exhibit halos or changes.
Could this be due to the vitreous humor being too dense, causing refraction under intense light? Is this considered a distortion of shape? In normal situations, I see objects clearly, and straight lines remain straight, even with the floaters present, but there is a halo effect when light is involved.
2.
Sometimes, when I look at the sky, I see many small bright spots moving around.
However, during my eye examinations, no issues were detected.
Why is this happening?
3.
When I close my eyes at night, I see colorful lights (I also see this when my eyes are open in a dark room, but not in a lit area).
I can manipulate these lights or shapes in my mind, and they take on the forms I imagine.
I have asked classmates and family members, and those without floaters said that when they close their eyes at night, it is not completely dark; they also perceive different colors.
Is this not an eye issue but rather a phenomenon related to the brain constantly thinking or imagining?
4.
I understand that floaters cannot be completely eliminated.
Is there any way to alleviate the symptoms or improve the condition? For example, are there specific foods to eat or activities to engage in?
5.
I have noticed that family members and friends with myopia experience similar phenomena.
When they remove their glasses and look at red-green lights or car headlights, the lights appear to fluctuate in size.
Why does this happen? Is there a connection? Almost everyone I have asked has reported this issue.
I apologize for asking so many questions at once.
Thank you for your assistance!

A-Rui, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/05/03

Dr. Wang Zhangji reply Ophthalmology

It seems that many issues may be troubling you, but rest assured that the problems you've mentioned do not appear to have serious consequences, so there is no need to worry too much.

1.
It is advisable to avoid looking at bright lights, as this can put significant strain on the macula.
The halos you are seeing could be due to refraction, diffraction, or reflection.

2.
Those small bright spots are also a form of floaters.

3.
Even in very dark places or with your eyes closed, there is not complete absence of light; the retina may still detect some faint light sources.

4.
Children should avoid activities that may increase myopia, while adults should refrain from rubbing their eyes and have regular eye examinations.

5.
This may be due to the eyes struggling to find focus.

Reply Date: 2010/05/03

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your detailed questions regarding floaters and visual phenomena. It’s great that you’re taking an active interest in understanding your eye health, especially as a university student with high myopia and a long history of floaters. Let’s address your concerns one by one.

1. Floaters and Light Refraction: The phenomenon you describe, where floaters appear to create a halo effect or distortion when viewed against bright light, can indeed be attributed to the properties of the vitreous gel in your eye. Floaters are tiny clumps of gel or cells that cast shadows on the retina, and when they pass through bright light, they can create a visual effect that resembles distortion or halos. This is not necessarily a change in the shape of the objects you’re viewing, but rather a result of how light interacts with the floaters. The vitreous gel can become more liquid with age or due to certain conditions, which may increase the visibility of these floaters, especially in bright conditions.

2. Seeing Bright Spots in the Sky: The small bright spots you see when looking at the sky could be a variety of things. They might be additional floaters or even entoptic phenomena, which are visual effects that originate within the eye itself. These can include the shadows of red blood cells moving through the capillaries in your retina. If your eye examinations have shown no abnormalities, it’s likely that these bright spots are benign and related to the normal functioning of your visual system.

3. Seeing Colors with Eyes Closed: The colorful lights you see when your eyes are closed, especially in a dark room, are often a result of the brain's activity rather than an issue with your eyes. This phenomenon can be related to the brain's visual processing and is known as phosphenes. When you close your eyes, the lack of visual input can lead to spontaneous activity in the visual cortex, which can manifest as colors or patterns. This is a normal experience and varies from person to person.

4. Managing Floaters: Unfortunately, there is currently no definitive treatment to eliminate floaters completely. However, there are some strategies that may help you manage your symptoms. Staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy diet rich in antioxidants (like fruits and vegetables), and protecting your eyes from UV light can be beneficial. Regular eye exams are crucial to monitor any changes in your condition. If floaters become bothersome or if you notice a sudden increase in them, it’s important to consult with an eye care professional.

5. Visual Distortion with Glasses Off: The phenomenon of lights appearing to change size or shape when you remove your glasses is common among individuals with significant refractive errors, such as myopia. This occurs because your eyes are not focusing light correctly without corrective lenses, leading to visual distortions. The brain interprets these signals, which can result in the perception of lights fluctuating in size or intensity. This is a normal response to changes in visual input.

In summary, while floaters can be concerning, they are often a benign condition, especially if your eye exams have not revealed any serious issues. It’s essential to continue monitoring your symptoms and maintain regular check-ups with your eye care provider. If you experience any sudden changes in your vision, such as a sudden increase in floaters or flashes of light, seek immediate medical attention. Your proactive approach to understanding your vision is commendable, and I encourage you to keep asking questions and seeking knowledge about your eye health!

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