How should acute floater syndrome be treated?

Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 19, 2024
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Vitreous opacity, also known as floaters, generally does not have acute attacks. Floaters can be divided into physiological and pathological types. Physiological floaters generally do not require special treatment because they do not affect vision. It's important to rest properly, use eyes correctly, and use Amupeptide eye drops when necessary. Pathological vitreous opacity affects vision and must undergo further ophthalmic examinations, such as tests for uncorrected visual acuity, corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, ocular ultrasound, and fundus photography. Treatment should be tailored according to the condition, especially treating the underlying cause. Vitreous opacity can affect vision, but with active treatment, vision generally can be partially restored.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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Can people with floaters drink alcohol?

Floaters refer to vitreous opacities, which can be classified into physiological vitreous opacities and pathological vitreous opacities. Physiological vitreous opacities generally do not affect vision. Their main symptom is that objects floating in front of the eyes become more noticeable in bright light and less visible in darker environments or at night. Drinking alcohol does not affect physiological vitreous opacities. However, pathological vitreous opacities do affect vision and require active treatment and examination to alleviate their impact on vision. For pathological vitreous opacities, it is generally advised not to consume alcohol, to follow a light diet, to rest adequately, and to undergo regular check-ups.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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What eye examinations are needed for floaters?

Common eye examinations for floaters typically include B-ultrasound of the eye, fundus photography, uncorrected visual acuity, corrected visual acuity, and intraocular pressure measurements, which help assess the extent of vitreous opacities. If the vitreous opacities are mild, meaning they are physiological, they generally do not affect vision and don’t require special treatment. Routine rest, proper eye usage, or treatment with amino iodine peptide eye drops may suffice. If the vitreous opacities are pathological, it is important to actively pursue medication or surgical treatments to attempt to restore some of the vision. Common pathological conditions associated with vitreous opacities include increased intraocular pressure, vitreous hemorrhage, and retinal pathology. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor)

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Written by Huo Ze Jun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Where to apply moxibustion for floaters?

After developing floaters, it is essential to first visit a hospital for an examination to determine the underlying cause. If there's a serious issue, such as retinal or ciliary body pathological changes, it must be addressed promptly. Some cases of floaters are due to the degeneration of the eyes, which occurs with aging, leading to problems with the vitreous. In such cases, treatments like acupuncture and moxibustion can be beneficial. Moxibustion usually targets acupoints around the eyes. Be careful not to burn the skin. Useful acupoints include the temples, which are located on the outer side of the eyes, and others like Cuanzhu point and Sibai point. More distal points, such as Fengchi at the back of the head, and Hegu on the hand, also benefit the eyes. There's also a beneficial acupoint on the outer side of the lower leg, five cun above the lateral malleolus, called the Guangming point, which is very beneficial for the eyes and can be treated with moxibustion. Additionally, frequent moxibustion at the Jiaji point, located about 0.5 cun (approximately 0.5 to nearly 1 cm) next to the midline of the cervical spine, can also benefit those with floaters.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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Are the floaters in floater eye disease always black?

Floaters generally appear as black, fixed, variously shaped materials floating in front of the eyes, and are more visible in bright light than in dim light. This condition is called physiological vitreous opacity. If the color turns red or brown, it should be considered as vitreous hemorrhage or retinal pathology, and a further eye examination at an ophthalmology department is recommended. This usually indicates pathological vitreous opacity, which can severely affect vision. For physiological vitreous opacities, it is important to rest, reduce close-up activities, and appropriately use some Ametin iodide eye drops. Treatment can generally lead to improvement.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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Is floater related to wearing colored contact lenses?

Floaters are not related to wearing cosmetic contact lenses at all. Floaters are due to vitreous opacity, which can be categorized into physiological and pathological vitreous opacity. Physiological vitreous opacity generally does not affect vision, whereas pathological vitreous opacity significantly impacts vision and requires further examination by an ophthalmologist. Additionally, cosmetic contact lenses are worn on the cornea and mainly cause corneal damage, such as keratitis and conjunctivitis. Therefore, when wearing cosmetic contact lenses, one should handle them correctly, gently, and ensure the lenses are regularly cleaned and soaked as per guidelines.