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| Spots
and Floaters |
Do you occasionally see specks or threadlike strands drifting
across your field of vision? Then, when you try to look at
them, do they seem to dart away? If so, you're seeing what
eye care practitioners call spots or floaters. While almost everyone sees a few
spots at one time or another, they can occur more frequently
and become more noticeable as you grow older. If you notice
a sudden change in the number or size of spots, you should
contact us right away so you can be sure they are not the result
of a more serious problem.
What
are spots or floaters?
Spots are small, semi-transparent or cloudy specks or particles
within the eye that become noticeable when they fall within
the line of sight. They may also appear with flashes of light. The
inner part of your eye is made up of a clear, jelly-like fluid
known as the vitreous. As time passes the jelly-like fluid
gradually becomes more liquid in nature and cells and structural
fibres detach and float around in this jelly, resulting in
the floaters that we commonly observe. When
flashes of light occur causing spots to become noticeable,
it can be a result of the jelly-like vitreous shrinking and
pulling on the retina. This tugging action stimulates the retinal
receptor cells to "fire," causing the perception
of light flashes.
Can
these spots cause blindness?
Most spots are normal and rarely cause blindness. But
spots can indicate more serious problems. If you notice
a change in the number and size of spots, a comprehensive
eye examination is in order to determine the cause. On
rare occasions, vitreous detachment can cause small tears
or holes in the retina. The damaged part of the retina
subsequently does not work properly and a blind or blurred
spot in vision results. If untreated, retinal tears or
holes can continue to worsen and severe vision loss can
result if the retina becomes detached.
How
are spots diagnosed?
In a comprehensive eye examination, your eyes will
be evaluated with special instruments that allow
an examination of the health of the inside of your
eyes and possible observation of the spots. This
is often done after special drops are put in your
eyes to make the pupils larger (called dilation)
to allow a larger view of the inside of your eyes.
These procedures provide the relevant information
to detect spots.
How are spots treated?
While flashes and floaters are normally not serious or treatable,
they can be symptoms or signs of either vitreous or retinal
detachment. In either of these cases, treatment with lasers
and/or surgical intervention may be necessary to preserve
your vision. If you notice a sudden increase or change in
the number and type of spots and floaters, contact us immediately. |
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