What is the most effective treatment for floaters?

Written by Wang Hui Zhen
Ophthalmology
Updated on February 13, 2025
00:00
00:00

Clinically known as vitreous opacity, floater disease may require treatment depending on whether it is physiological or pathological. Physiological floaters refer to the observation of floating black shadows in front of eyes when looking at objects or a blue sky. Eye examinations reveal no pathologies, thus no treatment is necessary and there are no specific treatments available. In severe cases, consideration may be given to treatments such as iodamide eye drops or laser therapy.

Pathological floaters occur when floaters suddenly appear in one eye, dramatically increase in number, or there are persistent black shadows that even diminish central vision, often associated with retinal vascular rupture, vitreous hemorrhage, or vitritis. It is advisable to seek ophthalmologic care to diagnose the cause and treat accordingly.

Common and effective treatments include retinal laser photocoagulation, intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF drugs, or vitrectomy.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
50sec home-news-image

What tests should be done at the hospital for floaters?

To diagnose floaters, hospitals primarily use ultrasound B-scans, which are the most objective and non-invasive examinations, providing insights into the condition of the vitreous body. Floaters can be either physiological or pathological. Physiological floaters generally do not affect vision, and addressing them usually involves rest and proper eye care. If needed, treatment options may include Amniotic Iodine eye drops or oral intake of Lecithin Iodine complexes. However, if the floaters are pathological, proactive eye examinations and rigorous treatment are necessary. In severe cases, surgical intervention might be considered to preserve vision, as the causes of pathological vitreous opacities are diverse.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
55sec home-news-image

Severe cases of floaters can lead to what outcomes?

Floaters, also known as vitreous opacities, can be divided into physiological and pathological types. Physiological vitreous opacities, even if severe, do not affect vision, but simply result in a higher number of floating objects seen in the field of vision. Pathological vitreous opacities, on the other hand, can significantly decrease vision and may even lead to blindness. Therefore, during an examination, it is important to first check the uncorrected visual acuity, corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, ocular B-ultrasound, and fundus photography. If there are any underlying eye conditions, they should be actively treated to potentially restore vision as soon as possible. It is also advisable to ensure adequate rest, reduce close-up activities, and maintain a light diet.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
48sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
54sec home-news-image

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.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
51sec home-news-image

What will happen if the floater condition becomes severe?

Floater, also called vitreous opacity, can affect vision if it is severe. Vitreous opacity can be divided into physiological and pathological types. Physiological vitreous opacities, generally referred to as floaters, do not affect vision. They are more visible in bright light and less visible in dim light or at night. Treatment primarily involves rest, proper eye usage, and the appropriate use of Amiodine eye drops, with regular check-ups recommended. If vision is affected, further examination in an ophthalmology department is advised, including checks of intraocular pressure, an ocular B-scan ultrasound, and fundus photography, with treatment adjusted according to the condition and regular reviews. (Please use medication under the guidance of a physician.)