Floaters Treatment London

Floaters can be an annoyance, especially when you look at a bright, plain background like a blue sky or a white wall. While often harmless, floaters can sometimes signal a more serious eye condition. Miss Anna Grabowska provides the expertise and floaters treatment London patients can access and manage their symptoms effectively.

What are Floaters?

Floaters are tiny shadows cast on the retina by microscopic particles within the vitreous, the gel-like substance that fills the eye. These particles are often collagen fibres or cells that have broken loose within the vitreous.

What Causes Floaters?

Floaters are a common occurrence, and their prevalence increases with age as the vitreous naturally changes consistency. The most common causes include:

Age-related Changes: As we age, the vitreous can shrink and pull away from the retina, sometimes causing small pieces of debris to form.
Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD): This is a common condition where the vitreous separates from the retina. It often occurs naturally with age but can also be caused by eye injury or inflammation.
Eye Diseases: Conditions like diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears, or inflammation within the eye (uveitis) can cause floaters.
Eye Injury: Trauma to the eye can lead to floaters.
Near-sightedness: People who are nearsighted (myopic) may experience floaters at a younger age.

When to Seek Treatment for Floaters

In most cases, floaters are harmless and require no treatment. However, it’s important to see an ophthalmologist promptly if:

You experience a sudden increase in the number of floaters.
You see flashes of light.
You have a loss of peripheral vision.
Floaters are accompanied by eye pain.

These symptoms could indicate a retinal tear or detachment, which requires urgent attention.