Eye Floaters

Some patients experience floaters, as they get older, which are shadows and shapes drifting across their vision.

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What are Eye Floaters?

Causes

Treatments

Symptoms

Treatments

Procedures

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Reviews

What are Eye Floaters?

The vitreous is the gel-like transparent substance in the back of the eye. As we get older, the vitreous becomes more liquid. Any remaining solid debris in the vitreous casts shadows onto the retina which we see as floaters. Floaters tend to increase as we get older. A posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) is a natural age-related change in the eye, where the vitreous gel peels away from the retina. This occurs in 70% of people by the age of 70.

People with a new PVD often are aware of a cobweb or net curtain-like floater that can be quite intrusive at first. Floaters due to a PVD are harmless, although occasionally annoying. They usually become much less obvious with time as the brain adjusts to the change and eventually filters them out.

[British and Eire Association of Vitreoretinal Surgeons – Floaters, see www.beavrs.org]

Causes

In rare cases, a PVD causes a tear in the retina, which can progress to a retinal detachment, causing floaters. This uncommon event occurs in approximately 1 in 10,000 people per year.

A tear in the retina causes a sudden increase in small dot-like floaters, and flashes in the peripheral vision. Some people also notice a curtain effect coming in from their peripheral visual field. If you notice these symptoms, you should seek urgent attention by an eye doctor.

Inflammation in the eye is a rare cause of floaters

[British and Eire Association of Vitreoretinal Surgeons – Floaters, see www.beavrs.org]

Symptoms

Floaters can take a variety of appearances such as small black dots, short squiggly lines, or even large cobweb shapes.

Treatments

Usually floaters are not treated, because they are harmless and do not cause significant visual problems. Surgery to remove floaters is an option for people who have very severe floaters or who have great difficulty adapting to them.

Procedures

Vitrectomy

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MY Eye Clinic

5.0

Based on 37 reviews

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Ann Heslop

11:04 06 Sep 24

I was absolutely petrified but all the staff and Mr Gosh put me at ease had my corneas and cataracts done and never felt a thing. They were always there when I needed them. Many thanks to you all.Ann Heslop one of the owners of Heslop Appliances

Daren Knipe

15:24 27 Aug 24

I nervously agreed to get this surgery done after pressure from my wife as I kept getting irritated by my Glasses always getting in the way of my life. I made my appointment at MY Eye Clinic. All the team were extremely informative and took time to answer all my questions. I had full lens replacement and the surgery was painless and I really don’t understand why I was worried. The results are fantastic and I now have 20/20 vision at the age 50! I went diving again this year and just amazed by the difference. Biggest difference has been in everyday life, looking at my phone, reading food labels etc. don’t wait get it done it’s a life changer and the team and after care at MY Eye are the best !

PAULINE HAMPTON

12:18 19 Aug 24

I have recently had a clear lens extraction with a multifocal lens implant procedure carried out by Mr Ghosh. In my initial appointment everything was explained in depth about the procedure and the after care. My experience from start to finish was exceptional, all the staff in my eye clinic were professional, helpful and very welcoming. My goal was to be glasses free and that is my position since my operation. My only regret is that I didn’t have my lens exchange procedure done earlier!! I would like to thank Mr Ghosh and his team for my first class treatment. This procedure has definitely been life changing for me!

Rohit Lawrence

08:35 18 Aug 24

Fantastic service. Got lasik surgery done here, couldn't have gone any better. Very professional team with a high standard of care. Follow up has been easy to arrange and any queries I had post-operation were dealt with quickly.

George Barrett

19:16 15 Aug 24

The whole experience, from my initial telephone enquiry, the consultation and the procedure, to the follow up appointment was first class. Abbie, Eyelid Service Manager, was extremely helpful and professional, explaining everything fully over the telephone, which instilled confidence in me. My consultation with Mr Boyce was thorough assessing the problem and explaining what the procedure entailed. The procedure was a great success and Mr Boyce and his nursing staff were brilliant.I would highly recommend My Eye Clinic without any hesitation.

Claire Burns

17:08 02 Aug 24

I’m 58 years old and have one good eye for close sight and one good eye for far sight. I was investigating laser eye surgery, to at least one eye, to make at least one side work better.The surgery is easy to find, immaculately clean and a calm oasis of tranquility, on the hot day I got there.The booking process had been easy, I had rang and booked in person and unlike Optical Express in Newcastle, I hadn’t been diagnosed over the phone and pushed towards the most expensive treatment in two minutes.Optical express did this when I made the appointment and I felt so untrusting of them giving me impartial advice I cancelled the appointment before I went, I just had a bad feeling about them.My Eye Clinic were different. I was greeted by reception, taken to the optometrist and my eyes tested and then taken to see Dr Ghosh.One word of warning. They put drops in your eyes and it does make everything blurry and believe me, you won’t want to be driving after that. Get the bus from Regents Center, the stop is just outside the clinic, it’s the way forward.He looked at my tests, did some more checks and finally said basically “ you’ve got an excellent eye on alternate sides for each type of vision, the brain is compensating and you don’t need this surgery right now- I’d be reluctant to take you as a patient”How often does a businessman say that?He spent a long time explaining this to me, I was disappointed at first but then I understood what he was getting at. Patient outcome and satisfaction is most important to him. He’s in it for the long term.“ Come back” he said, “if one of your good eyes deteriorates” and we will look again then and that is exactly what I will do.I know this is a long review but I would trust the advice Dr Ghosh gives you.My 19 year old daughter has very short sighted eyes and I will be bringing her to Dr Ghosh when she is 21 and her sight has stabilised.The whole experience was edifying.Thank you to reception and Anita Murphy as well. They were lovely.

Duncan Allen

16:09 18 Jul 24

Absolutely totally professional service from start to finish. Had my cataracts removed and bifocal lens fitted, the final results are fantastic, no need for glasses anymore. Also the follow up and after care service has been brilliant.

Hazel McDiarmid

10:40 14 Jun 24

Andrew has been patient and explained things well. His manner is gentle and kind.I am still adapting to my hearing aids and so far they have helped a little but not as much as I had hoped in noisy environments.

Anthony Toole

12:56 16 Apr 24

Alistair Quinn

13:07 09 Apr 24

First class recommendation for My Eye Clinic and in particular Andrew Peel who was professional, knowledgeable very thorough. A pleasure to deal with!

Holly Robinson

12:16 28 Mar 24

So helpful and reassuring. My site is amazing. The whole process was so smooth, I understood everything that I was told and knew of any risks and potential side effects before agreeing to anything. Couldn't be happier.

Dawn Raffle

19:10 21 Feb 24

I recently had permanent lens procedure carried out by Mr Ghosh. Having glasses as a child and contact lenses for many years, this has been an absolute revelation for me. Mr Ghosh was absolutely brilliant and very professional from the start. All the staff are lovely and especially like to thank Dianne, Anita and the team. This has changed my life for the better thanks.

Anis Finn

09:35 29 Mar 23

Beautiful clinic, really nice atmosphere, prompt service and really friendly and professional staff. Fernando was particularly great!I would definitely recommend.

Mrs Tiger

17:51 17 Jan 23

Excellent care, all staff very courteous and helpful. YAG surgery clearly explained to me by Mr Morgan, who did a brilliant job. I'd highly recommend this clinic.

Arya Dani

14:43 22 Dec 22

Good location

Audrey Giles

08:58 23 Nov 22

I visited the My Hearing Clinic knowing I needed a hearing assessment but thinking it was just a build up of wax. It came as a shock that I heard a hearing loss which needed addressing. The service I received from Andrew was outstanding! He explained my hearing loss and went through all my options. He recognised that it was a lot of information to take in so made a follow up appointment, giving me sufficient time to think about what I wanted to do. From start to finish the service has been excellent, efficient, professional and friendly from the moment you walk through the door and meet Lee. The clinic is well located, parking on site, high standard of cleanliness. Definitely a recommendation from me. Thank you!

Andrea Booth

19:55 22 Nov 22

Absolutely first class treatment and experience at this wonderful clinic. Staff were exceptionally welcoming and friendly Mr Morgan the consultant was lovely explaining everything. I had YAG laser treatment painless no discomfort and almost immediate corrected vision. Thank you all so very very much.

Glynis Gallagher

16:41 17 Nov 21

Visited clinic today with a totally blocked left ear. Had micro suction to remove a huge build up of ear wax. It was over in minutes. Excellent, efficient and friendly service from start to finish. Would recommend 100% Worth every penny!

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Eye Floaters

Some patients experience floaters, as they get older, which are shadows and shapes drifting across their vision.

What are Eye Floaters?

Causes

Symptoms

Treatments

Procedures

Vitrectomy

Unsure what you need? Get in touch