If you’ve ever noticed a small black dot that seems to move with your eye, you’re not alone. This phenomenon, known as a “floaters,” is common and usually harmless. However, in some cases, it can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. In this article, we’ll explore the causes of floaters and the available treatments.
What are Floaters?
Floaters are small specks, spots, or squiggly lines that appear in your field of vision. They can be black, grey, or transparent, moving around as you move your eyes. Floaters are a common and usually harmless condition that most people experience at some point in their lives.
While floaters are generally harmless, they can sometimes indicate a severe underlying condition. If you notice a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or other changes in your vision, you must see an eye doctor immediately.
Common Causes of Black Dot in Vision Moves With Eye
Floaters are caused by small bits of debris that float around in the vitreous humor, the clear, jelly-like substance that fills the inside of the eye. This debris can be made up of a variety of things, including:
Age-related changes to the eye
The most common cause of eye floaters is age-related changes to the eye. The cornea and lens at the front of the eye focus light onto the retina at the back of the eye. As the light passes from the front to the back, it passes through the vitreous humor, a jelly-like substance inside the eyeball.
Changes to the vitreous humor can lead to eye floaters. This is a common part of aging and is known as vitreous syneresis. The thick vitreous begins to liquefy with age, and the inside of the eyeball becomes crowded with debris and deposits.
The microscopic fibers inside the vitreous begin to clump together, and the debris can cast shadows on the retina, causing eye floaters.
Other causes of eye floaters
While age-related changes are the most common cause of eye floaters, other factors may contribute to their development. These include:
Eye injury
Eye injury is a common cause of floaters, particularly among individuals who engage in contact sports or have experienced physical trauma to the eye area.
Small tears in the retina or vitreous humor can result from direct blows to the eye or sudden, forceful movements. When blood or other debris leaks into the vitreous humor, it can become trapped and cause floaters.
Nearsightedness
Nearsightedness, also known as myopia, is another common cause of eye floaters. Nearsighted people tend to experience floaters more frequently than those with normal vision.
This is because vitreous syneresis, the natural aging process that causes the vitreous humor to shrink and separate from the retina, occurs faster in people with nearsighted vision.
Inflammation
Swelling and inflammation in the eye, often caused by infection, can also lead to floaters. When the eye becomes inflamed, debris can accumulate in the vitreous humor, resulting in floaters. Inflammation may be caused by various factors, including allergies, infections, and autoimmune disorders.
Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina. Over time, this damage can cause the blood vessels to leak or become blocked, leading to vision problems, including floaters. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness.
Deposits
Crystal-like deposits may also form in the vitreous humor, leading to floaters. These deposits are most common in older adults and can interfere with the passage of light from the front of the eye to the back, resulting in blurry or distorted vision.
Intraocular tumors and ocular migraine
Sometimes, eye floaters may be caused by more severe conditions, such as intraocular tumors or ocular migraines. Intraocular tumors are growths that develop inside the eye and can cause various vision problems, including floaters.
Ocular migraines are a type of migraine headache that can cause temporary vision changes, including the appearance of floaters. If you are experiencing frequent floaters, it is essential to consult with an eye doctor to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
5 Best Home Remedies for Black Dot in Vision Moves With Eye
1. Eye exercises
Eye exercises may help break up floaters and improve overall eye health. One exercise involves sitting in a quiet room and focusing on a near object for several seconds, then shifting your focus to a far object for several seconds.
Repeat this exercise several times, several times a day. Another exercise involves moving your eyes in different directions, such as up and down, side to side, and in circles.
2. Adequate hydration
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water may help reduce the appearance of floaters. This is because dehydration can cause the vitreous humor to become more viscous, making it more likely to clump together and form floaters. In addition, drinking water can help flush out toxins from the body, which may help improve overall eye health.
3. Healthy diet
Eating a healthy diet rich in antioxidants and other eye-healthy nutrients may help reduce your risk of developing floaters and other eye conditions. Some good foods for eye health include leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, nuts and seeds, and fatty fish like salmon and tuna.
4. Reduce eye strain
Reducing eye strain by taking breaks from screens and reading material, practicing good posture, and using proper lighting can help reduce the appearance of floaters. For example, taking breaks from screens every 20 minutes, looking away from the screen, and focusing on a distant object, can help reduce eye strain.
5. Meditation and stress reduction
Meditation and other stress reduction techniques may help improve overall eye health and reduce the impact of floaters on vision. Stress can cause tension in the body, contributing to eye strain and other eye problems. Practicing meditation or other stress reduction techniques can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Medical Treatment for Floaters
In most cases, floaters don’t require treatment and will eventually go away on their own. However, if they’re particularly bothersome or if they’re affecting your vision, there are several treatment options available:
1. Vitrectomy
A vitrectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing the vitreous humor and replacing it with a saline solution. This can help to remove the floaters, but it also carries risks like cataracts and retinal detachment.
2. Laser Therapy
Laser therapy can be used to break up larger floaters into smaller pieces, which are then absorbed by the eye. This can be an effective treatment for some people, but it’s not suitable for everyone.
3. YAG Laser Vitreolysis
YAG laser vitreolysis is a newer treatment option that uses a laser to vaporize the floaters without removing the vitreous humor. This procedure is less invasive than a vitrectomy and carries fewer risks, but it’s not yet widely available.
When to see a doctor?
While most eye floaters are harmless, some may indicate a more severe problem. Call your ophthalmologist or eye care provider immediately if you see eye floaters and:
- They begin occurring more frequently, or the floater changes in intensity, size, or shape.
- You see flashes of light.
- You lose your peripheral (side) vision.
- You develop eye pain.
- You have blurred vision or a loss of vision.
Combined with eye floaters, these symptoms may be a sign of more dangerous conditions, such as:
- Vitreous detachment – As the vitreous shrinks, it slowly pulls away from the retina. If it pulls away suddenly, it may become completely detached. Symptoms of vitreous detachment include seeing flashes and floaters.
- Vitreous hemorrhage – Bleeding in the eye, also known as a vitreous hemorrhage, can cause eye floaters. The bleeding may be caused by an infection, injury, or blood vessel leak.
- Retinal tear – As the vitreous turns to liquid, the gel sac will begin to pull on the retina. Eventually, the stress may be enough to tear the retina completely.
- Retinal detachment – If a retinal tear is not treated quickly, the retina can become detached and separate from the eye. A retinal detachment can lead to complete and permanent vision loss.
Conclusion
Floaters are a common and usually harmless condition, but they can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition in some cases. If you notice a sudden increase in floaters or other changes in your vision, it’s essential to see an eye doctor immediately.
