How is it Diagnosed?
Eye floaters are diagnosed primarily through a comprehensive eye examination. The
process begins with a detailed medical history, during which the ophthalmologist asks
about the onset, frequency, and nature of the floaters—such as whether they appear as
spots, threads, or cobweb-like structures. Visual acuity tests are performed to evaluate
any associated vision impairment.
A dilated eye examination is crucial. Using eye drops to widen the pupil, the doctor
examines the retina and vitreous humor with an ophthalmoscope or slit lamp to detect
any abnormalities like retinal tears, detachment, or vitreous hemorrhage, which may
accompany floaters.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) may be used for detailed imaging of the retina if
structural problems are suspected. In cases where retinal tear or detachment is
suspected, ultrasonography (B-scan) is conducted, especially if the view of the retina is
obscured by hemorrhage or dense floaters.
In most cases, floaters are benign and age-related, due to vitreous degeneration.
However, sudden onset of floaters, especially if accompanied by flashes of light or
vision loss, warrants urgent evaluation to rule out serious conditions like retinal
detachment or posterior vitreous detachment.