Floaters are opaque (i.e. too dense to
see through) areas, such as small particles of debris, that float
in the
vitreous humour of the eye.
Floaters can occur in various different shapes and sizes, such as:
- small dark/black dots
- small shadowy dots
- larger ‘cloud-like’ areas
- longer, narrow strands e.g. with the appearance of tiny lengths of
thread.
Such opacities called "floaters" cast shadows
onto the retina that may be perceived as dark shapes or blobs "floating"
in the field of view.
Causes and effects:
Floaters can develop as part of the normal ageing process.
Although some people may find them irritating or distracting (especially
when tired), floaters do not usually interfere significantly
with the affected person's overall vision.
More about Ophthalmology: This section includes short definitions
of many diseases, disorders, and conditions of the eyes and visual system.
For definitions of other terms in this category, choose from the list
to the left (but note that this is not a complete/exhaustive list).
Other related pages include the diagram
of the eye, and definitions
of parts of the eye, a description
of the human retina, and definitions
of parts of the retina, and the section of short definitions
of clinical and surgical procedures re. eyes and human visual system.
For further information see also our section of Books
about Ophthalmology. |
 |
This Section
is about
Diseases
and Disorders of the Eyes and Visual System.
To read about other diseases, disorders, or conditions of the eye and
human visual system, use the links on the left-side of this page.
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