Over the years, there are changes our bodies go through that can’t be helped. Unfortunately, this includes our eyesight – but there are things that can be treated which we should all be on the lookout for. Floaters tend to appear as we get older, but many people may know nothing of this particular eye disorder and whether or not it is dangerous. Here’s a guide. Floaters are quite literally what you might think they are – little specks that appear to float across our vision. These tiny shapes occur in the vitreous jelly of the eye and are pieces of debris that cast shadows onto the retina. However, while you may think this is simply something that happens to all of us every day, floaters are more closely associated with age. They are mainly caused by changes to the clear gel found between the lens of the eye and the retina, which is known as the vitreous humour. As floaters sit behind the actual eyeball, they can’t simply be got rid of by rubbing. They are usually semi-transparent and will move around freely – particularly when you move your eyes about. As they can drift slowly from one place to another, it’s best to seek advice from your optometrist or eye doctor to get rid of them permanently. That said, while floaters can be pretty annoying, they aren’t usually considered dangerous and may need no treatment at all. If, however, larger more prominent ones are causing you problems, laser vitreolysis may be recommended. The only time you could face something more serious is if you see a large number of floaters suddenly appear. This could mean that there has been a tear in the retina – something which should be dealt with as speedily as possible as it can lead to a retinal detachment. In this case, you should speak to a doctor immediately should you experience sudden flashes of light or pain, as this can be very serious if left untreated. Like most eye conditions, it’s a good idea to ask an expert if you are unsure and you should never diagnose yourself based on what you think might be the problem. By seeking professional advice, you could help protect your eyesight. And as vision is one of the most precious and irreplaceable things about the human body, it’s always wise to be cautious.
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floaters, eye care, eye health, eyes, opticians, optometrist, local opticians, lens, retina, cornea, retinal detatchment,
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