Vitreous floaters

Abstract

Floaters are a common presenting ophthalmic symptom that may accompany sight-threatening disorders. In most cases, they are often secondary to benign, degenerative changes in the vitreous. In this review, we briefly examine the anatomy of the vitreous and describe how degenerative vitreous change contributes to the development of floaters. The causality of floaters in the presence and absence of a posterior vitreous detachment is reviewed, as is the clinical significance of these symptoms and signs in relation to their predictive value for determining the presence of sight-threatening retinal tears and/or detachment. Finally, a brief review of management options for debilitating floaters is presented.