Some of the symptoms that occur in our eyes during the day may be ordinary signs or they may indicate much more important eye diseases. Seeing floaters in the eye can also be one of these symptoms. Although most of the time it is not a symptom that indicates an important eye disease, it may be necessary to consult a specialist doctor, especially in frequently recurring complaints. So why do we see floaters in our eyes? Which diseases can this be a sign of?
Why do floaters appear in the eye?
We can say that there are multiple reasons for this frequently encountered condition. It can be a sign of a simple natural process or it can be among the symptoms of some important eye disorders. We list the most common causes immediately below.
Change in the vitreous fluid due to aging
On the inside of our eye is a gel that protects the shape of our eye, which we call vitreous fluid. This gel, which is not completely liquid, not only protects the shape of the eye, but also acts as a protective cushion against minor physical impacts.
We can see that the structure of this gel deteriorates over time due to aging. The deterioration of the gel causes the gel to gradually turn into liquid, and in this case, the protein particles in the structure of the gel can oscillate in tiny bodies in the liquid.
These objects are sometimes noticed during vision and we are confronted with an image as if there are flying objects in front of our eyes. This condition, which we can say is harmless most of the time, is also considered as a natural process experienced with aging.
Retinal Tear Condition
There is a membrane separating the gel from the surface of the eye. We can say that the membrane looks like a shell from the outside. In some cases, the membrane, which is attached to the retina, is pulled towards the outer edges of the retina. During the pulling, damage may occur. Situations such as tears or the formation of tiny holes may occur.
In this condition, which is referred to as retinal detachment, symptoms such as blurred vision and the appearance of objects in the eye can often occur. Flashes of light in the eye are also a common symptom. In the event that other symptoms are seen along with flying objects in the eye, the person should urgently consult a specialist doctor and have the necessary checks done. This is because retinal detachment is one of the conditions that should be taken seriously and can have serious consequences.
Intraocular Hemorrhages
It may also be possible to see floaters in the eye, especially in intraocular hemorrhages caused by diseases such as diabetic retinopathy. In such cases, the floaters will disappear over time.
These and other reasons may cause floaters in the eye. If your complaint is at a level that interferes with your vision and persists, you should definitely consult a specialized ophthalmologist. As we said at the beginning, you may be facing an eye condition that requires urgent intervention.
