Myodesopsias: floating spots that obscure vision

Myodesopsias are small spots that appear in the vitreous humor. of the eye, whose appearance is similar to that of a fly. Although they cause some vision difficulties, they are usually harmless; however, they can sometimes indicate the presence of an ocular pathology.

They constitute one of the most frequent reasons for ophthalmological medical consultation, although they are not usually dangerous. In this article we will see an explanation of what floaters are, what are the main causes and the most common treatments.

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The human eye system

Our eyes are made up of a very complex ocular system. Made up of an outer layer, a middle layer, and an inner layer of cells, tissues, and nerve terminals responsible for carrying electrical signals to our brain.

In turn, each layer is made up of other segments that have specific functions. The inner layer, for example, is made up of three distinct chambers or sections; an anterior chamber between the cornea and the iris, a posterior chamber between the iris, the ciliary body, and the lens; and a vitreous chamber, between Christianity and the retina.

It is in the latter where it is found a colorless, gelatinous mass called the vitreous humor or vitreous body, which has a protective and cushioning function with which it is possible to maintain the shape of the eye and its internal pressure.

What are floaters?

floaters are an ocular disorder that causes spots, dots or threads of different size and consistency within the vitreous humor of the eye, that is, in the gelatinous mass that is between the lens and the retina.

In formal terms, floaters are defined as an entopic phenomenon (that is, originating and manifesting in the inside the eye), caused by some defects in the vitreous gel that reflect, absorb or scatter light, thus interfering his step.

On the other hand and in more colloquial words, floaters They are known as “floaters” or “floaters” because they have the shape of a cobweb, a fuzz or a small point, usually black or gray in color, that moves and floats inside the eye.

For this reason, in some investigations, floaters of the cell type or floaters of the filament type are recognized. Although they can obscure vision, and are one of the most common reasons for ophthalmological consultation, floaters are not particularly harmful.

They occur more frequently during aging due to important changes in the cellular composition of the vitreous humor caused by the natural passage of time.

However, if the number of floaters increases suddenly and is accompanied by flashes of light, they could indicate the presence of a more serious pathology (such as retinal detachment), so in any of these cases it is important to immediately consult a specialist.

Main causes

Myodesopsies are the result of the accumulation of cellular debris in the vitreous humor, that is, they are caused mainly by changes in the cells that produce the gelatinous substance of the vitreous humor within the eyes.

During aging, this substance becomes more liquid, so that the fibers and eye cells clump together easily, generating spots or shadows on the retina that at first glance look like small flies.

On other occasions, the presence of floaters may be an indicator that the eyes are inflamed or injured, so they can be accompanied by internal bleeding that in the worst case causes loss of the vision.

Likewise, they can appear as a consequence of a detachment of the posterior vitreous, or because of ocular trauma, surgical interventions in the eye, or as one of the effects of myopia.

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Most frequent treatments

Floaters usually go away on their own after a few weeks, without causing significant discomfort. That is, they do not require special treatment and there is no definitive medical treatment.

However, since they occur more frequently during aging, which in turn increases the probability of a retinal detachment, it is advisable to go to the ophthalmologist whenever there is a sudden increase in the size of the spot, a peripheral shadow in the visual field or a sudden decrease in vision.

From there, the treatments recommended by the specialist will be appropriate to the pathology detected, which which may include a vitrectomy (surgery to remove the vitreous humor to replace it with a solution saline). In the meantime, what is recommended is not to chase the spots with your eyes, since this can worsen the quality of vision.

Bibliographic references:

• Myodesopsias (2018). What are floaters? Retrieved March 4, 2018. Available in http://miodesopsias.com
• Castilla, M., Borja, C. & Garcia-Arumi, J. (2016). Impact of floaters on visual quality. Doctoral Thesis, Autonomous University of Barcelona.
• Castillo Ophthalmology Clinic. (2013). Spots or floaters. Retrieved March 4, 2018. Available in http://www.oftalmologiacastillo.com/enfermedades/manchas-o-moscas-flotantes/
• Puel, C. (Y/A). physiological optics. The optical system of the eye and binocular vision. Complutense University of Madrid [Electronic Version]. Retrieved March 4, 2018. Available in http://eprints.sim.ucm.es/14823/1/Puell_Óptica_Fisiológica.pdf