< b>Floater: A blurry spot that seems to drift in front of the eyes but does
not block vision. The blur is the result of debris from the vitreous of the eye
casting a shadow on the retina. The spot is the image formed by a deposit of protein
drifting about in the vitreous, the clear jelly-like substance that fills the middle
of the eye.
Floaters are often described by patients as spots, strands, or little flies.
Floaters are usually benign (not serious). They can, however, occasionally result
from a separation of the vitreous gel from the retina. This condition is called
a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). Although a PVD occurs commonly, there are
no retinal tears associated with the condition most of the time.
No treatments are available for floaters although they tend to become less annoying
over time. Remember also that floaters are usually not associated with serious eye
problems.
Permanent or recurring white or black spots in the same area of your field of
vision may, however, be an early warning sign of cataracts or another serious eye
problem. If you experience a shadow or curtain that affects any part of your vision,
this can indicate that a retinal tear has occurred and has progressed to a detached
retina. In this situation, you should immediately consult an ophthalmologist since
time is of the essence.
medical
dictionary, online medical dictionary, medical
terminology dictionary, free online medical
dictionary, medical dictionary, online medical
dictionary, medical terminology dictionary, free
online medical dictionary, dictionary medical,
dictionary medical online, dictionary medical
terminology, dictionary free medical online,
dictionary free medical, dictionary medical
terms, dictionary drug medical medicine,
dictionary health illustrated medical nursing
profession stedmans, dictionary English medical,
dictionary medical online terminology,
dictionary encyclopedia medical online,
condition dictionary medical, dictionary
medical, dictionary drug medical, medical
dictionary software, cyclopedic dictionary index
medical tabers thumb, medical dictionary, online
medical dictionary, medical terminology
dictionary
