Got Floaters?

Often patients either complain of or casually mention that they see little floating spots in front of their eyes.  They are often described as worms, dust, spiders, gnats, cobwebs, or ghosts (okay, no one has ever called them ghosts to me but it would be interesting).  But why do we see them?

If you have ever put your hand in front of a beam of light, you’ve seen the shadow it makes on the wall.  Now let’s think of light entering the eye.  Anything in the path of the light will create a shadow on the retina (or inside wall of the eye).  So “floaters” are actually inside of the eye and creating a shadow on the retina.  But how do they get there?

The eye is filled with a gel-like substance called vitreous humor. It is common for the collagen fibers that make up the vitreous to clump together or change shape.  We see these as a few strings (or worms, floaters, etc.) that usually come and go and for the most part are not too bothersome or noticeable. 

But, as part of the normal aging process, this vitreous humor becomes more liquid and begins to shrink so that it no longer completely fills the space it originally did. As the gel shrinks, it pulls away from the retina and this event is called a posterior vitreous detachment or PVD.  It is usually signified by new larger floaters and even sometimes flashes of light.  In most cases, these new visual changes are annoying and concerning for a period of time but eventually go away without causing any further problems. 

However, as the vitreous pulls away, there is a possibility that it will tear the retina or cause one of the blood vessels of the retina to hemorrhage. A retinal tear, if detected early, can often be treated with lasers to reinforce the retina and prevent a subsequent retinal detachment.  It is important to not ignore any new floaters or flashes of light and always have them checked out to determine if they are being caused by something usually benign like a PVD or something more serious like a retinal tear or detachment.

While We’re on the Topic of Allergies…

As we begin Spring allergy season, another season is also starting…allergy medication commercial season.  Have you ever wondered why the commercials say, “consult your doctor before taking this medication if you have glaucoma”?

 

The truth is that antihistamines (allergy medications) do not pose a risk for most people with glaucoma.  The most common type of glaucoma is called “open-angle glaucoma” which means that the “drain” inside of the eye is open but there is still a problem with eye pressure.  This type of glaucoma is not affected by allergy medications. 

A less common type of glaucoma is called “narrow-angle glaucoma”.  This means that the “drain” of the eye is partially closed off and therefore it is harder for fluid to exit the eye.  Antihistamine medications may cause the drain to actually close off which in turn causes the eye pressure to increase dramatically.  This “angle closure” usually accompanied by significant pain and blurred vision.

The good news is that narrow angle glaucoma can be detected with a comprehensive eye health examination.

Spring Has Sprung!

And allergy season is in full-bloom!  If you have the itchy-red-watery-eye blues, here are three quick tips to get you on the right track.

 

1. Daily disposable contacts: Contact lenses are like magnets for allergens in the air.  Allergens, such as pollen, grab onto the contact lens and are then held against the surface of the eye all day.  If you wear contacts and have allergies, it is generally much more comfortable to have a new, clean lens every day instead of a dirty one.  Daily disposables are very affordable these days too.  And you don’t have to bother with solutions!

2. Prescription allergy eye drops: Tests done in the office can determine if you would benefit from a prescription eye drop.  There are some great ones, and usually they work well with only one drop in each eye once a day.  Not too hard to do!  Whatever you do though, please avoid over-the-counter drops that “get the red out”.  They cause the blood vessels in the eye to temporarily constrict but do nothing to help fix the problem.  And, due to a “rebound” effect, can cause your eye to get even redder when you stop using them.

3. Don’t rub your eyes:  Rubbing itchy eyes is a natural response. However, rubbing usually worsens the allergic reaction due to the physical impact on the mast cells, which causes them to release more histamine. Translation: Do not rub your eyes!

For even more tips for allergy eyes, check out one of our first blog entries.  If you feel like you might benefit from a prescription allergy drop or daily disposable contacts, give us a call at 217-345-6600.