Causes Of Eye Floaters

Eye floaters can be classified into two main types, with different causes for each. Eye floaters are either benign, the most common type, or pathological. The only way to differentiate between the two is via qualified, professional advice, so as soon as eye floaters develop or multiply, assessment is essential.

In order to appreciate the causes of eye floaters, gaining an understanding of eye anatomy may be useful. The eye is filled with a substance called vitreous humour, which is a clear gel consisting of about 99% water and 1% protein. This vitreous humour is connected to the eye at the head of the optic nerve, situated at the rear part of the eye, and at the forward part of the eye orbit. But, severance of these points of connection is fairly common, which can occur as a result of eye injury, arduous exercise or for no reason other than normal wear and tear.

The disconnection from the posterior part of the eye is the most frequent cause of benign eye floaters. Following detachment, the vitreous humour moves around and on occasions, may touch the retina. When this occurs, flashes will be seen by the sufferer, which is called photopsia. Due to this freedom of movement, the gel becomes increasingly less transparent because the proteins tend to amalgamate. This amalgamation results in the appearance of eye floaters.

When the disconnection of the vitreous humour occurs at the anterior attachment, then pathological eye floaters will arise. If this happens, the retinal tissues may get pulled so much that a hole is created in the retina. This can lead to blood leaking into the eye cavity, thus causing the development of eye floaters. This version of eye floaters can be very dangerous because retina detachment can happen if left untreated. This will require surgical correction, and non-treatment may lead to blindness.

Diabetics who fail to manage their condition properly, are susceptible to leakage of blood into the eye cavity. This is called proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Other conditions that can result in eye floaters are foreign bodies, parasites and macular degeneration.
 
Visit Eye Floaters and Flashes to find out more about the causes of eye floaters, their prevention, and how it is possible to cure them without needing drugs or surgery.