Floaters

  • Like veils, webs, rings, or specks that float in and out of view
  • Patients first think that "my glasses are dirty"
  • Tiny specks of uncertain origin that appear against blue sky or white walls from time to time
  • If floater is new or disturbing, refer promptly to ophthalmologist because of concern for retinal tear and detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, or vitreous inflammation or cancer
  • Vitreous detachment could bring about retinal tear or detachment which requires urgent repair to prevent vision loss
  • Vitreous hemorrhage could reflect diabetic retinopathy, uncontrolled hypertension, or low platelet count
  • Vitreous cells could reflect intraocular inflammation or cancer