Eye Floaters (Mouches Volantes)

Mouches Volantes, also known as vitreous opacities or floaters, are small shadowy points or spots in the field of vision caused by changes in the vitreous body of the eye. Often, these "flying flies" are noticed in the visual field starting from the age of 40 or older.

What Are Eye Floaters?

The term "Mouches Volantes" comes from French and literally translates to "flying flies." They appear in the field of vision when an object in the eyeball, specifically in the vitreous body of the eye, casts a shadow on the retina, the back part of the eye. As a result, several objects floating in the outer visual field can be perceived. These can appear as dots, threads, or shadows.

Most people notice eye floaters but are not disturbed or impaired by them in daily life. These changes can float around in the visual field and cast shadows on the retina, perceived as curved, short, or long threads or streaks. Over time, they settle in the lower part of the eye due to gravity and are only visible during quick head movements, which can take several weeks or months.

Are Eye Floaters Normal?

Although eye floaters are often perceived as disturbing, they are generally normal to a certain extent and occur in many people. There are different forms of eye floaters, which can be perceived as differently shaped stripes or threads. However, in rare cases, they can also be signs of more serious eye problems. It is advisable to consult an ophthalmologist to assess the opacity.

What Causes Eye Floaters?

The most common cause of eye floaters is age-related vitreous opacities. As you age, fine fibers in the vitreous body of the eye can clump together and cast shadows on the retina. This is a normal aging process. However, there are also more serious causes of these phenomena:

Stress: Stress is known to play a role in the development of eye floaters. Unfortunately, there are no studies yet that scientifically confirm the role of stress in the formation of eye floaters. It is also important to emphasise that stress-related eye floaters are usually temporary and regress after a relaxation phase.

Myopia: Eye floaters can occur earlier in people with myopia (nearsightedness) than in those with normal vision. In myopic individuals, the eyeball is longer, and the lens of the eye is more curved. This puts more strain on the vitreous body, which can lead to changes that cause eye floaters.

Contact lenses: Wearing contact lenses can cause irritation to the eye, which can exacerbate the appearance of eye floaters. Contact lenses carry risks, so wearers should regularly have their eyes examined to ensure that any potential eye problems are detected and treated early.

Dry eyes: There is evidence that eye floaters can be caused by dry eyes. A lack of tear fluid can lead to inadequate nutrient supply to the vitreous body of the eye, which can lead to opacities. It is recommended to treat dry eyes to reduce the risk of eye floaters**.**

Inflammation: Another possible cause of eye floaters is inflammation in the back of the eye. This inflammation is called uveitis and affects the middle tissue layer of the eye wall, known as the uvea. When the inflammation reaches the back of the eye, floaters can occur in the vitreous body as the shadow of the inflamed areas falls on the retina. Infections, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory conditions are some of the causes of such inflammation.

Diabetes: Diabetes can be a risk factor for developing eye floaters. People with diabetes often have problems with blood circulation and fluid exchange in the eye, which can promote the development of floaters.

Hypertension: Hypertension can be associated with changes in the blood flow in the small blood vessels that supply the eye with blood. These changes can lead to small haemorrhages in the eye, which can appear as floaters. Additionally, hypertension can increase the risk of retinal detachment, which can also lead to eye floaters.

Eye Floaters Symptoms

The initial stage of eye floaters can vary but usually manifests as occasional single floaters or fine thread-like structures in the visual field. At first, these are usually only visible under certain lighting conditions or backgrounds but may become more frequent and noticeable over time.

Eye floaters can present themselves in different ways. Most people describe them as small, moving points or threads floating through the visual field. The floaters can be transparent or dark and appear in various shapes and sizes. Some floaters may look like cobwebs, threads, or bubbles, while others resemble dots.

They are particularly noticeable against bright backgrounds, such as a white wall, a computer screen, or the sky. They move within the visual field, resembling flying flies or seeming to swim. They cannot be fixed in place and move with eye movements. Floaters in eyes are not visible to others.

In most cases, eye floaters do not impair vision. However, they can sometimes be perceived as annoying and impair vision, especially when they occur in large numbers or make it difficult to see in certain situations, such as reading or looking at bright backgrounds.

How to Treat Eye Floaters

To date, there is no specific medical treatment for Mouches Volantes. However, in some cases, the underlying causes, such as diabetes or hypertension, can be treated. Most affected individuals find ways to cope with the symptoms. The phenomenon usually does not impair vision, but it can be perceived as bothersome.

Eye Drops for Mouches Volantes

There are currently no specific eye drops that can be used specifically against Mouches Volantes. Most eye drops used for dry eyes or other eye problems have no effect on Mouches Volantes. However, in some cases, the underlying condition causing Mouches Volantes can be treated to alleviate the symptoms.

Laser Treatment (Laser Vitreolysis) for Mouches Volantes

One possible treatment method for Mouches Volantes is laser treatment, also known as laser vitreolysis. In this procedure, the disturbing floater in the vitreous body is broken down with a special laser beam, so it dissolves or becomes smaller and is thus perceived as less bothersome.

According to a study by Shah and Heier (2017), laser vitreolysis showed a significant improvement in symptoms due to Mouches Volantes in 53% of the patients studied. However, other studies have not found a significant improvement in Mouches Volantes with laser treatment.

Surgical Treatment (Vitrectomy) for Mouches Volantes

The surgical treatment of Mouches Volantes is called a vitrectomy. In this operation, the vitreous body of the eye is removed and replaced with a clear fluid. The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia and takes about an hour.

A small incision is made in the eye, through which a small instrument is inserted to remove the vitreous body. After removal, the eye is filled with a clear fluid to maintain intraocular pressure and stabilise the eye. Most patients can resume normal activities after a few days. However, it can take several weeks to fully recover.

It is important to note that vitrectomy is an invasive procedure that carries some risks. Therefore, the operation is usually only performed on individuals whose Mouches Volantes significantly impact their vision or quality of life. A careful risk assessment and discussion with an ophthalmologist are essential before deciding on a vitrectomy.

Are Eye Floaters Dangerous?

In general, eye floaters are not dangerous and do not impair vision. However, they can be a warning sign of other eye problems, such as a vitreous detachment or retinal detachment.

If eye floaters suddenly appear in large numbers or are accompanied by other symptoms such as flashes of light or shadows, this may indicate a more serious eye condition that should be treated immediately. You should promptly see an ophthalmologist. A thorough examination by a doctor can help rule out or detect and treat other serious eye problems early.

Can Eye Floaters Disappear Completely?

In most cases, eye floaters remain for life, but there are cases where they completely disappear. This can occur through natural changes in the vitreous body, such as the gradual dissolution of collagen fibres. However, the complete elimination of eye floaters is not possible for everyone.

How Long Does it take for Mouches Volantes to Disappear?

In most cases, Mouches Volantes do not disappear on their own but remain permanently in the eye. However, there are cases where they become less noticeable over time and are filtered out by the brain. The duration varies depending on the cause and individual situation.

In some cases, laser treatment or vitrectomy can help reduce or remove Mouches Volantes. It is important to consult an ophthalmologist to find the best treatment option. To learn more about your laser eye treatment options with betterview, don’t hesitate to visit our website.