Q: I'm
69 years old and I have a large gray floater in my left eye. Are there any
medications or herbs that will dissolve the floater, or is there an operation
that can remove it? |
A: No.
Floaters are tiny condensations in the vitreous, the jellylike substance inside
the eye; they appear as tiny clumps or strands that float in the field of
vision. The most common cause of floaters is the aging process, which can cause
the vitreous to shrink and pull away from the retina, the light-sensitive layer
at the back of the eye. A blow to the head can also separate the vitreous from
the retina, allowing the unanchored jelly to shrink. While some floaters last
for years, many fade with time and become more tolerable. You could try
repeatedly moving your eyes around, to shake up the vitreous and possibly push
the floater out of your field of vision. Note that in rare cases the retina may
tear as the vitreous pulls away. So anyone who experiences a sudden increase in
the number of floaters, particularly if they're accompanied by sudden flashes
of light, should see an ophthalmologist. |
Q: Do
my children need a regular eye examination every year even though they have
vision screenings at school? |
A: An
eye exam is much more thorough than a vision screening. A vision
screening only checks the ability to see at distances and up close, whereas an
annual eye exam is an important part of your total program of preventative
medicine. A thorough eye exam will not only check the visual ability
and health of your child's eye, but it will provide insight into his or her
overall health and learning ability. Children need regular eye exams
to detect any problems that might impair their abilities in school or
athletics, or that may even threaten their general health. Did you
know that histoplasmosis is most common in Indiana and the Ohio Valley, and has
very serious ocular manifestations? If your child has not had an eye
exam, contact the Dr. Tavel's One Hour Optical location closest to you and make
an appointment today. |
