It happens that a person is faced with such an unpleasant phenomenon as “fly spots” floating before his eyes. They become brighter if you look at sparkling snow, sky or other light surface. As a rule, the flashing of “floaters” before the eyes is associated with a change in the structure of the vitreous body. Let's look at why this problem occurs.
Between the lens and the retina of the human eye is the vitreous body - a cavity filled with a special gel-like substance. It contains 99% water and 1% other substances, including collagen, hyaluronic acid, etc. In its normal state, it is completely transparent. This is due to the specific structure and specific composition of molecules.
Under the influence of various unfavorable factors, clouding or destruction of the vitreous body may occur. In this case, it changes its composition and volume, and also loses its optical transparency due to a violation of the structure. Various cloudiness appears in it, and it seems to a person that “flies” are flying before his eyes.
Flashing “flies” before the eyes: causes
In most cases, “fly spots” flashing before the eyes is associated precisely with vitreous disease. This phenomenon can be caused by a number of reasons, one of which is the age-related characteristics of the body. Often “floaters” appear before the eyes after 40 years of age due to the fact that some of the cells of the vitreous body lose their transparency and unite into clumps, which, when light penetrates into the eye, are perceived by a person in the form of “flies”, “chromosomes”, “octopuses”, etc.
It is impossible to say unequivocally that the reason for the appearance of this pathology is related to natural age-related processes in the body. In some cases, it can appear in youth. For example, in case of severe injuries to the organ of vision, blood can enter the vitreous body, which also contributes to the disruption of its transparency. As a result, brown or black “floaters” appear in the eyes. In this case, there is a strong decrease in vision clarity. In addition, this effect can be observed if a medicine or other substance gets inside the vitreous. “Flies” fly before the eyes if there are infectious and inflammatory processes in the organs of vision. This phenomenon is usually accompanied by painful symptoms, redness of the eyes and decreased clarity of vision. Another reason for the appearance of pathology is the movement of the vitreous body (its departure from the back wall of the eye). This process is accompanied by periodic flickering and flashes with a gradual increase in the number of “flies”.
“Floaters” before the eyes: causes:
- Destruction of the vitreous body associated with age-related characteristics of the body (observed after 40 years);
- Serious eye injuries in which particles of blood or other substances enter the clear fluid;
- An infectious process in the organs of vision, accompanied by inflammation;
- The departure of the vitreous body from the back wall of the eye.
How dangerous are “floaters” before your eyes? They are not a dangerous symptom only if their appearance is caused precisely by age-related changes in the visual system. In other cases, the pathology requires surgical treatment, as serious complications can occur, including loss of vision.
Treatment
To get rid of midges in the eyes, treatment is carried out aimed at eliminating the causes of their appearance, which means that therapy is preceded by differential diagnosis. According to indications, the doctor chooses medicinal, surgical, and hardware methods. The vitreolysis procedure is performed for patients with diagnosed destruction of the vitreous substance.
During the procedure, the doctor uses a laser beam to specifically destroy visible formations in the vitreous zone, which provoke the feeling that there are floaters running around in the organs of vision. Exposure to a laser beam leads to the crushing of foreign inclusions to microscopic sizes, when they are no longer able to form a shadow and interfere with vision. Anesthetics are used locally and dropwise for pain relief.
The vitrectomy procedure involves partial or complete removal of the vitreous body from the organ of vision. During surgery, pathological formations, blood particles, and scar changes that provoke tension in the retina and the appearance of the sensation that flies are flying are removed. The removed fragments of the vitreous are replaced with a special solution of salts and polymers that hold the retina in its normal position - at the back wall of the organ of vision.
Drug therapy
Drug treatment of black floaters in the eyes is carried out taking into account the causes of their occurrence. Usually the doctor prescribes drops of Taufon and Emoxipin to be instilled into the organs of vision. These drugs are indicated for dystrophy and traumatic injuries of the cornea, as well as for cataracts. Medicines slow down or stop the progression of destructive processes in the tissues of the organs of vision, promote cell regeneration and restoration of the normal structure of damaged parts of the eye.
In addition to eye drops, therapy aimed at getting rid of floaters in the eyes involves instilling an ophthalmic composition - potassium iodide (3%), and taking the immunomodulating, anti-inflammatory drug Wobenzym, made on the basis of proteolytic enzymes of animal and plant origin, as well as rutoside.
Folk remedies
Treatment of eye floaters with folk remedies is carried out using a decoction of dill seeds, alcohol tinctures of peony and geranium. Homemade preparations made from rose hips and turmeric roots, rich in vitamins and antioxidants, are useful.
It is recommended to take decoctions, teas and infusions from medicinal plants that improve cerebral blood flow. These include ginkgo biloba and blueberries. To quickly get rid of an unpleasant symptom, you should look away to the side, up and down, and repeat the exercise several times.
The attending physician, who will also prescribe the correct treatment based on the results of a diagnostic examination, will help you find out the causes of the condition when floaters constantly appear before your eyes.
“Floaters” in the eyes: other causes
The flickering of “floaters” before the eyes associated with vitreous disease is systematic and does not go away on its own over time. If the pathology occurs periodically, it can be caused by a number of diseases, among which the most common are: diabetes mellitus, anemia and cervical osteochondrosis.
In addition, due to a sharp change in pressure, as well as traumatic brain injury, “spots” often appear before the eyes.
It is impossible to independently determine the cause of the pathology at home. To choose the right course of treatment, a reliable diagnosis is necessary. Therefore, it is important to contact a specialist in a timely manner. Especially if the flickering of the spots is accompanied by an increase in blood pressure, as well as redness and pain in the eyes.
“Floaters” in the eyes can occur when:
- High degree of myopia;
- Metabolic disorders;
- Diabetes mellitus;
- Anemia;
- Sudden changes in blood pressure;
- Internal bleeding;
- Cervical osteochondrosis;
- Traumatic brain injury;
- Migraine;
- Intraocular tumor;
- Taking hormonal drugs;
- Psycho-emotional stress;
- Poisoning.
When to see a doctor
You should consult a doctor immediately if floaters appear suddenly after a fall or blow, during an attack of migraine or headache. In this case, in addition to flies, the following symptoms are noted:
- dizziness;
- headache;
- redness of the eyes;
- decreased visual acuity;
- tinnitus;
- increased blood pressure.
But even if the pressure is normal and there have been no injuries, but floaters are constantly bothering you, it makes sense to consult with an ophthalmologist to know exactly what condition the organs of vision are in.
If myodesopsia is accompanied by severe headaches, blurred vision, red eyes, and these symptoms were preceded by a head injury, there is every reason to immediately seek medical help
Important: a large number of dots, spots and lines before the eyes, especially in old age, is a reason to immediately consult a doctor. This is how detachment and rupture of the retina manifests itself; if measures are not taken, such a phenomenon can lead to complete blindness of a person.
“Flies” are flying before my eyes: what to do?
If the spots in front of your eyes do not go away for a long time, you should consult a general practitioner, take a urine and blood test, and then undergo a comprehensive examination. When the cause of the pathology is associated with the destruction of the vitreous body, there is no therapeutic treatment. As a rule, surgical intervention is performed to get rid of the woven fibers using a laser (their destruction and evaporation). In severe cases, in the presence of significant opacities of the vitreous body, which contribute to decreased vision, vitrectomy is indicated - removal of the vitreous body with the aim of partially or completely replacing it with sterile saline solution.
If the cause of “fly spots” flashing before the eyes is associated with some other disease, then, as a rule, the problem goes away on its own with the correct selection of a course of treatment for the underlying disease.
Treatment methods for eye floaters:
- Laser destruction and evaporation of fused fibers in the vitreous body;
- Vitrectomy is a complete or partial replacement of the vitreous body with a clear sterile liquid.
- Diagnosis and selection of a course of treatment for the underlying disease that caused the appearance of “floaters” in the eyes.
Preventive actions
The presence of structural elements of the light-optical apparatus depends on general well-being. Prevention of myodesopsia involves a healthy lifestyle. The neuropsychological state, a balanced diet and regular physical activity are of great importance. It is advisable to give up smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages, and promptly cure ophthalmological pathology.
A person should be extremely careful about his health and wear sunglasses. If cloudiness appears or the image is blurry, immediately contact an experienced ophthalmologist in a specialized clinic.
To exclude vegetative crises and pathological symptoms, doctors recommend walking more and taking walks in the fresh air.
Ophthalmologists have developed simple gymnastics that help fight flying objects and stimulate tissue nutrition.
When do black spots before the eyes not require treatment?
In some patients, in poor lighting or in complete darkness, white or black “floaters” appear simultaneously in front of the left and right eyes. Moreover, the problem is not associated with any diseases, including eye diseases. In this case, it is recommended to undergo an examination by a neurologist in order to determine possible pathologies that provoke the unpleasant phenomenon. If a specialist cannot determine why “floaters” appear before the eyes, we can assume that this phenomenon is an individual feature of a person’s perception of the world. At the same time, he can be completely healthy.
When floaters appear, it is not recommended to lift weights, make sudden movements, or bend down headfirst. Also, you should not try to get rid of the presence of a foreign body in the eye on your own. This can lead to damage to the tissues of the organs of vision, the appearance of an inflammatory process and other adverse consequences.
Many people are interested in how to protect themselves from this pathology. Ophthalmologists say that there is no way to prevent this problem from occurring.
However, you can reduce the risk of spots appearing before your eyes at an early age by following simple recommendations:
- Systematic examinations by an ophthalmologist;
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle;
- Taking vitamin complexes for the eyes;
- Protect your eyes from serious injury.
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