(March 24th, 2008)

Definition of Floater

Floater: A blurry spot that seems to drift in front of the eyes but does not block vision. The blur is the result of debris from the vitreous of the eye casting a shadow on the retina. The spot is the image formed by a deposit of protein drifting about in the vitreous, the clear jelly-like substance that fills the middle of the eye.

Floaters are often described by patients as spots, strands, or little flies.
Floaters are usually benign (not serious). They can, however, occasionally result from a separation of the vitreous gel from the retina. This condition is called a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). Although a PVD occurs commonly, there are no retinal tears associated with the condition most of the time.

No treatments are available for floaters although they tend to become less annoying over time. Remember also that floaters are usually not associated with serious eye problems.

Permanent or recurring white or black spots in the same area of your field of vision may, however, be an early warning sign of cataracts or another serious eye problem. If you experience a shadow or curtain that affects any part of your vision, this can indicate that a retinal tear has occurred and has progressed to a detached retina. In this situation, you should immediately consult an ophthalmologist since time is of the essence.

WebMD Medical Reference from MedicineNet

Newly-acquired floaters are pretty worrisome. All of a sudden there's this blob floating past your field of vision, changing directions with your own gaze. Other floaters can look like dark meteors.

Anyone familiar with our WebMD Vision & Eye Disorder member board appreciates what folks endure when they have floaters. Floater behavior can be very unpredictable: clear as a bell in the morning, sitting behind a boulder in the afternoon.

Naturally, those fighting floaters want a cure. Does such a thing exist?

Other than time the answer is a polite "No!"

There are plenty of websites touting laser evaporation of floaters, even intraocular surgery (vitrectomy) to physically remove the troublemakers. Scrutinize those websites carefully and you will discover there are no guarantees of:

EFFICACY: The floater will completely, permanently disappear... it won't
EFFICIENCY: The treatment will not create new floaters... it might
SAFETY: The treatment is free of potential complications... it ain't!

The litmus test: Insurers do not reimburse for such treatments. You'll need to bring your checkbook.

What about eyedrops to dissolve the floaters? Same story, different verse.

WEB MD