$Unique_ID{BRK01547}
$Pretitle{Nervous System and Sense Organs}
$Title{Different Causes for "Floaters"}
$Subject{vision floaters eyes}
$Volume{F-1}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Different Causes for "Floaters"


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QUESTION:  I have two wonderful maiden aunts that have had the same problem,
but each was treated in a different way.  They complained of specks jumping
around in front of their eyes.  One aunt had it for years, and her doctor told
her that there was nothing to worry about.  However, when the second aunt
suddenly began to see the same things, her doctor put her in the hospital as
an emergency and then treated her there.  Can you explain to me what happened?

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ANSWER:  The condition known as "floaters" is generally a simple, benign
situation with little cause for alarm.  They are caused by tiny flecks of
material in the jelly like "vitreous" that fills the globe of the eye.  Many
people have this experience especially in brightly lit environments.  However
the sudden appearance of floaters, particularly when accompanied by flashes of
light, are entirely another thing.  They speak of an acute problem within the
retina, the light sensitive tissue that lines the eye.  When a pathological
condition produces a yanking on the retina, it interprets the pulling as a
flash of light.  This precedes a "detached retina" a condition in which the
retina is pulled away from its normal position against the wall, of the
eyeball.  The floaters may be caused by blood cells that have escaped from a
leak in the vessels of the retina or as a result of a tear in the retina
itself.  Prompt treatment can stop the progression of the detachment and
preserve the vision of the patient.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
