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Floaters are small dots, specks, spots or flecks that float around one’s field of vision. You may observe that these small black spots in your eyes drift around as you move your eye. Floaters tend to be more visible when one is looking at a white background or under bright sunlight.
Floaters are tiny clumps of gel or cellular debris that are inside the vitreous that fills the inner back portion of the eye. When we are younger, the vitreous has a gel-like consistency. As we age, the vitreous begins to degenerate, resulting in floaters.
Floaters are a result of the natural aging process and, although annoying, are generally not a cause for concern. They usually diminish over time.
However, sometimes floaters may be an indication of a more serious eye condition. A sudden onset of floaters or bleeding in the eye may be indicative of:
If not treated promptly, this may lead to partial or complete loss of vision. If you notice a sudden increase in the number of floaters in your eye, you should consult an eye doctor immediately.
There is no way to prevent floaters that are caused by aging. If a floater persistently appears in your line of vision, try looking up and down, or moving your eye around. This may help get the floater out of the way. Floaters usually diminish over time. However, it is important to get your eyes checked regularly in order to maintain good eye health.
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Lee Hung Ming Eye Centre
