Floaters

The term ‘Floaters’ is a common name for those small dark shapes that appear before your eyes, seemingly ‘floating’ through your field of vision. The correct medical term for the condition is “Degenerative Vitreous Syndrome” (DVS).

It is reported that over 50% of people over 70 years of age report seeing floaters.

The vitreous humour is the gel-like substance which fills the space in the eye between the lens and the retina. It is transparent, enabling light to pass through. The gel itself provides protection to the retina, and helps the eye to hold its shape.

It is only when this vitreous gel begins to degenerate that it loses its form and liquefies. If this happens, the vitreous can peel away from the retina entirely in what is known as a “Posterior Vitreous Detachment” (PVD).

Without the gel intact, collagen fibres may collapse, bind together, and form clumps. These fibres then float around and appear as spots, squiggles, or strands in the field of vision. This is what we see as “floaters”.

This problem is not thought to be physically harmful. The only thing that may occur is that the shock-absorbing capability of the eye may be reduced.

Warning: If you suddenly notice new spots in your vision, see your eye doctor right away to rule out serious problems. A sudden increase of floaters can be an indication of a vitreous or retinal detachment. People who are very nearsighted and/or diabetic are particularly prone to floaters and retinal tears. If you suddenly see new floaters, make an appointment with your eye doctor immediately.

Causes

Reasons why the vitreous syneresis takes place is not precisely known. There does appear to be congenital causes, such as genetic disorders, as a possible root problem. As well as anecdotal reports of environmental causes.

Vitreous degeneration is usually associated with middle-age, but children and teens have been widely reported also.

Floaters are also believed to be more common in nearsighted eyes. Most people who have the problem in one eye will also have it in the other.

The HealthPoint acupressure approach for floaters and similar eye health problems is interesting. The liver traditionally governs the eyes. Therefore HealthPoint stimulation points would concentrate on the liver and gall bladder meridians, aiming to reopen blocked flows through these areas.

You’d know you’re on the right track if, after a few sessions, you find your overall vision improving slightly, along with your digestive health.