Eye Floaters (cont.)
How common are eye floaters?
Eye floaters are extremely common in adults and are a leading symptom that causes
people to see an ophthalmologist. Almost everyone has eye floaters by age 70,
although some people are much more aware of them than others. It is unusual for
children under 16 years of age to notice eye floaters.
What eye diseases are associated with eye floaters?
Eye floaters are associated with the retinopathy of diabetes, retinal tears,
retinal detachment, and large degrees of nearsightedness. They occur more
commonly in people who have had injury to the eyes, surgery to remove cataracts,
or YAG laser surgery after cataract surgery. Tuberculosis, sarcoidosis,
syphilis, and toxoplasmosis of the eye are other diseases that are associated
with eye floaters. An unusual ocular condition called asteroid hyalosis is also a
cause of eye floaters. Primary or secondary tumors in the eye, including lymphoma
and leukemia, are associated with eye floaters, but these are extremely rare.
What are the risk factors for developing eye floaters?
Being nearsighted (myopic) is a risk factor for eye floaters occurring earlier in
life. The process of vitreous syneresis is accelerated in eyes that are highly
myopic, and posterior vitreous detachments occur at a younger age in people who
are significantly nearsighted. Diabetes is a risk factor for the development of
eye floaters that arise due to diabetic retinopathy. Eye injury is an additional
risk factor.
Next: Are eye floaters dangerous? »
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