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Dr. Edward Boshnick |
FAQ About Spots and FloatersWhat are Spots and Floaters ? Spots(often called floaters) are small semi-transparent or cloudy specks or particles within the eye that become noticeable when they fall within the line of sight. They may also appear with flashes of light. Does everyone have spots? Almost everyone sees a few spots at one time or another. They can occur more frequently and become more noticeable as you grow older. If you notice a sudden change in the number or size of the spots, contact our office right away, so that you can be sure they are not the result of a more serious problem. What causes spots? The inner part of your eye is made up of a clear,jelly-like fluid known as the vitreous. Occasionally, small flecks of protein and other matter become trapped during the formation of the eye before birth and remain in the vitreous body. Spots and floaters may also be caused by the deterioration of the eye fluid or its surrounding parts, or by certain injuries or eye diseases. What do spots look like? Spots are generally translucent specks of various shapes and sizes. They may also appear as threadlike strands or cobwebs within the eye. Since they are within the eye, they may move as the eye moves and seem to dart away when you try to look directly at them. Can these spots cause blindness? Most spots are normal and rarely cause blindness. But, spots can be indications of more serious problems,\ and if you see them you should call our office for a comprehensive eye examination to determine the cause. How can spots be detected? During your comprehensive examination we will look at and into the interior of your eyes. This is usually done after your eyes are dilated with special eye drops. The instruments used to aide us in studying the interior of the eye is the slit-lamp(biomicroscope) and the ophthalmoscope. |