Floaters drifting in front of your eyes... The cause is 'this'

◇ Floaters are originally a natural aging phenomenon

In your 40s to 50s, the vitreous body can change like water, contract, and develop various types of cloudiness. As a result, different shadow shapes such as black dots, spider webs, flies, and clouds may appear in your vision.

If the floaters are severe, they may cause some impairment of vision, but when present in very small amounts, they do not significantly affect vision.

However, if floaters suddenly increase in number or size, an eye doctor should be consulted. There may be an issue with the retina. This could be due to a part of the vitreous detaching from the retina or a tear in the retina. If the retina tears or develops a hole, permanent vision loss can occur, so caution is necessary.

In particular, individuals with a history of high myopia, trauma, or cataract surgery, or those with a family history of retinal detachment, should be cautious as they have a higher risk of developing retinal tears or retinal detachment when experiencing floaters.

◇ Recently, it has also become common among people in their 20s and 30s.

These days, even among the 20s and 30s who are far from aging, floaters are seen quite frequently. Excessive use of electronic devices is increasing the risk of floaters.

Looking at screens up close for extended periods can weaken the eye's focusing ability and, in the long term, may worsen myopia.

In particular, high myopia is associated with degenerative changes in the retina, increasing the risk of retinal detachment. Additionally, persistent eye fatigue and stress lead to structural weakening inside the eye. This indirectly raises the likelihood of retinal damage.

Ignoring symptoms like floaters can lead to 'young presbyopia' or other related conditions, so caution is necessary.

◇ Floaters, treatment and prevention?

Floaters cannot be removed artificially, and vitreous opacity is a natural phenomenon that occurs with aging, so there is no need to worry too much. If it becomes uncomfortable, looking up for a moment and then refocusing can temporarily make them disappear.

Paying less attention to floaters helps alleviate the symptoms.

It is important to frequently rest your eyes for healthy eyesight.

If you have been looking at a monitor or smartphone for about 20 minutes, rest your eye muscles by gazing at a distant mountain for about 20 seconds. It is also good to gently press your eyes with warm hands for 5 seconds while keeping your eyes closed and to softly massage around the pupils.

Repeating the exercise of moving the pupils in the four directions (east, west, south, north) for 10 seconds each 2 to 3 times, and slowly drawing the number 8 with the eyes while looking at a distant object can also be helpful.