DEAR READER: “Floaters” have an increased level of air and gas, making them less dense. There’s also a connection with gastrointestinal infections causing buoyant feces. Diet enters the picture here and makes a difference that can vary the results from day to day. Overall, more people have “sinkers” than “floaters,” but don’t ask me who performed that survey!

I live a healthful lifestyle. I don’t smoke or drink. I have changed my eating habits and consume very little sugar and red meat. I do eat a lot of chicken, fish, juice and vegetables.

Is there anything I can do to get rid of the eye floaters? What can I do to prevent more from occurring? Is there a dietary change I can make?

DEAR READER: Floaters are small spots that occur around the field of vision. They typically appear as dots or cobwebs and drift when the eye moves.

Floaters are caused by the shadows of debris floating freely within the vitreous of the eye. As we age, the normally gel-like vitreous begins to liquefy, causing the center to become watery. As bits of undissolved vitreous float around in the fluid, they can cross into the range of vision, causing the eye to see the shadow.

Floaters are common and are generally harmless, but annoying. If, however, you see a “shower” of floaters, which may be accompanied by flashes of light, you should see an ophthalmologist immediately. These symptoms are often a sign that the vitreous is pulling away from the retina or that the retina itself is detaching from the back of the eye. If this occurs, an eye surgeon must work quickly to repair to reattach the retina to prevent permanent vision loss.

The only treatment available is surgical removal of the vitreous, which is usually replaced with saline solution. Eye doctors consider this drastic treatment only when floaters severely hamper vision.

If your floaters continue to worsen, see an ophthalmologist. If everything checks out OK, you will just have to adjust to them unless the physician agrees that your vision is obstructed severely.

He was seen by a board certified ophthalmologist who diagnosed him with “floaters” and said he can go blind from this condition.

DEAR READER:
Floaters are spots, strings or cobweb-like shadows that occur within the line of vision. They move as the eyes move so if trying to look at them, they disappear. They are painless and usually harmless.

Most people over the age of 40 will experience floaters to some degree. This is because of age-related eye shrinkage. The jelly-like substance that fills the eye (vitreous or white part of the eye) starts to liquefy, pulling away from the outer layer of the eye and retina (part of the eye responsible for sight). This causes the fine fibers within to clump together which in turn creates shadows over the retina. Other causes of floaters include eye trauma, cataract surgery complications, nearsightedness, eye inflammation and diabetic retinopathy.

In most cases, this process occurs slowly and the fibers will eventually settle to the bottom of the eye, out of the line of vision and needs no treatment. Rarely, it can occur rapidly causing the fibers the pull tightly or completely detach. This can lead to a sudden increase in the number of floaters and may cause a sensation of flashing lights. These are symptoms of a retinal tear or detachment.

If your husband has any increased symptoms, he must see his ophthalmologist immediately because even a span of a few days can lead to permanent loss of vision if the retina cannot be repaired.

To the best of my knowledge there is only one procedure that may be able to eliminate floaters but it is fairly risky. During the procedure a hollow needle is used to remove the vitreous and replace it with a saltwater solution. However, there are some risky side effects such as retinal detachment (leading to blindness) and cataracts. There is also a chance that not all the floaters will be eliminated so this procedure is only for individuals who have numerous floaters that severely interfere with normal vision.

All that being said, I agree with your husband’s current eye specialist that the surgery is not an appropriate option. As I stated before, most floaters may clear with time so your husband should wait and (pardon the pun) watch. If symptoms worsen, he needs to see his specialist immediately. If not, nothing needs to be done. If you wish, you can always seek a second opinion from another ophthalmologist.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Medical Specialists”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.