Floaters (Flying flies)

“Flying flies” are most often harmless and represent a normal stage in the aging process. Find out what the causes are and how you can reduce the symptoms.

How do floaters appear?

The cornea and lens, components at the front of the eye, direct light towards the retina, which is located at the back of it. As light enters the eye, it passes through the vitreous body, a gelatinous substance inside the eyeball.

This substance, which is denser in childhood, youth, and adulthood, begins to liquefy with aging, leading to the gradual accumulation of residues inside the eye.

Over time, the microscopic fibers in the vitreous body begin to clump together. As this process progresses, the formations can interfere with the passage of light through the eye, casting shadows on the retina and creating the sensation of “flying flies” in the visual field.

Floaters: Symptoms

“Flying flies” are shapes that you notice when you look at a bright surface. Patients most frequently report floaters when looking at the sky, white walls, or sheets of paper. They can appear in several forms:

  • Black or gray spots
  • Wavy lines
  • Spots
  • Thin threads, which can be knotty and almost transparent
  • Spiders or cobwebs
  • Rings
  • Small shadowy shapes

It is possible for the “flying flies” to be accompanied by flashes of light at the same time. These are called photopsias.

A symptom of floaters is seeing a bright aura, accompanied by a headache. For this reason, some patients confuse “flying flies” with optic migraine, although they are two completely different conditions.

Floaters: Causes

As mentioned above, the main cause of floaters is aging. At first, they can be quite bothersome, but over time, patients say they notice them less and less or even not at all, although they still exist.

Sometimes, “flying flies” can signal more serious vision problems, caused by the shrinking of the vitreous body and the tension created in the eyeball. The most common disorder is retinal detachment, which can even lead to blindness if not treated in time.

Other, less common causes of floaters are:

Serious eye disorders associated with flying flies are:

  • Hemorrhage in the vitreous body
  • Vitreous body or inflamed retina due to an infection or autoimmune disease
  • Ocular tumors
  • Retinal detachment

Floaters: Treatment

Floaters are harmless and usually, no ophthalmologic treatment is prescribed for them. Once you start seeing them, they are permanent, but over time, you cease to notice them. One recommendation would be to try to get them out of your field of vision. Move your eyeball constantly as this will move the gelatinous fluid inside. It’s more effective to move your eyes up and down, than left to right.

Floaters: Surgery

If floaters obstruct your vision, your doctor may recommend an eye surgery called a vitrectomy. During the procedure, the vitreous body will be replaced with a saline solution.

The risks of the surgery are extremely rare, but include:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can floaters worsen?

Generally, floaters do not worsen. However, if you notice a new cluster of “flying flies” or if they are accompanied by flashes of light, it is advisable to contact your ophthalmologist.

2. Can “flying flies” appear in both eyes at the same time?

“Flying flies” tend to appear in one eye at a time. Both eyes can be affected, but not simultaneously.

When should you go to the doctor?

Immediately contact an ophthalmologist if you have the following symptoms:

  • You see more “flying flies” than usual
  • You notice a sudden appearance of new “flying flies”
  • You see flashes of light for the first time, in the same eye where there are floaters
  • You have the sensation that a dark curtain is blocking your vision, or there is an area that you cannot see clearly
  • You are losing your peripheral vision (it’s dark on the sides of your visual field)

These painless symptoms may indicate a retinal tear and, if an emergency retinal detachment surgery is not performed, vision may be compromised for the rest of your life.

Schedule an appointment at Dr. Holhoș clinics and benefit from the best eye examinations. You can find us in Cluj-Napoca, Turda, Sibiu, Mediaș, and Alba-Iulia.

Text medically reviewed by Dr. Teodor Holhoș, Ophthalmic Surgeon
Written by Dr. Holhos Team
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