Can slit lamp examination detect floaters?

Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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Floaters generally do not require examination with a slit lamp microscope; they are examined using A-scan or B-scan ultrasonography to assess the extent of vitreous opacity, posterior vitreous detachment, and the status of the vitreous in relation to the retina. Floaters are also known as vitreous opacities and can be categorized into physiological and pathological vitreous opacities. Physiological vitreous opacities generally do not affect vision but appear as some floating objects in front of the eye, which do not change vision. These are more visible in bright light and less visible or absent in low light. If the vitreous opacity is pathological, it can affect vision and requires further ophthalmologic examination and active treatment.

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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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Can Polyfax eye drops be used for floaters?

Floaters generally result from vitreous opacification. For physiological floaters, it is usually not necessary to use proparacaine eye drops; instead, amide iodine eye drops and sodium hyaluronate eye drops should be used for treatment. Pathological vitreous opacification that affects vision requires further examination by an ophthalmologist and active treatment. Physiological vitreous opacification typically does not affect vision. It is only under bright light that moving objects may be seen floating in front of the eyes, which are less noticeable or disappear in dim light. Normally, taking care to rest, reducing close-up tasks, and avoiding eye fatigue should gradually lead to improvement, along with regular follow-up consultations. (Note: The use of medications should be carried out under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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Is there a connection between floaters and kidney deficiency?

In Western medicine, floaters are not significantly related to kidney deficiency, and the concept of kidney deficiency in Chinese medicine is different from that in Western medicine. Therefore, the treatment for floaters primarily involves resting sufficiently, reducing close-up work to alleviate eye strain, using eyes correctly, and appropriately using some peptide iodine eye drops, which generally yield good results. If the floaters are pathological, it is necessary to visit an ophthalmology department for further examination, including an eye ultrasound, fundus photography, intraocular pressure, uncorrected visual acuity, and corrected visual acuity, to actively treat and monitor the development of the vision, aiming to restore normal vision.

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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.