Eye Floaters and Nearsightedness: Why Myopia Makes You More Susceptible
DO WHAT YOU CAN WITH WHAT YOU HAVE
Over 5,000 free eye surgical procedures were performed in Togo, Africa using surgical instruments sterilized by this contraption: a portable gas tank and a pressure cooker.
Many places in rural villages do not have stable electricty for us to use standard sterelizers that runs on electricty. We improvise and it works!
“A small axe can fell a big tree.” — Jamaican Proverb
Now to today’s article:
Eye Floaters and Nearsightedness: Why Myopia Makes You More Susceptible
Eye floaters are small, shadowy shapes that drift across your field of vision. While often harmless, they can be a source of concern, especially for individuals with myopia (nearsightedness). If you're nearsighted and experiencing eye floaters, you're not alone. Understanding why myopia makes you more susceptible to floaters and exploring both mainstream and holistic approaches can help you manage and possibly prevent them.
Understanding Eye Floaters
What Are Eye Floaters?
Eye floaters are tiny specks, threads, or cobweb-like shapes that appear in your field of vision. They are more noticeable when looking at a plain, bright background, such as a clear sky or a white wall.
Causes of Eye Floaters
Floaters are caused by tiny pieces of the eye's vitreous gel breaking loose within the inner back portion of the eye. As we age, the vitreous—a jelly-like substance filling the eye—begins to liquefy and shrink, leading to clumps that cast shadows on the retina.
What Is Myopia (Nearsightedness)?
Myopia is a common refractive error where distant objects appear blurry while close objects are seen clearly. It occurs when the eye is too long relative to the focusing power of the cornea and lens, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
The Link Between Myopia and Eye Floaters
Why Are Nearsighted Individuals More Susceptible?
Elongated Eyeball Structure
Explanation: In myopic eyes, the elongated shape stretches the vitreous humor and the retina.
Impact: This stretching can accelerate the liquefaction and shrinkage of the vitreous gel, increasing the likelihood of floaters forming at a younger age.
Increased Risk of Vitreous Detachment
Explanation: The vitreous gel detaches from the retina more easily in elongated eyes.
Impact: Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) is more common in myopic individuals and is a leading cause of new floaters.
Higher Risk of Retinal Tears and Detachments
Explanation: The stretched retina is thinner and more fragile.
Impact: This fragility can lead to retinal tears or detachments, often signaled by a sudden increase in floaters or flashes of light.
Mainstream Approaches to Managing Eye Floaters in Nearsighted Individuals
1. Regular Eye Examinations
Importance:
Early detection of changes in the vitreous and retina.
Monitoring the progression of myopia and potential complications.
Recommendation:
Annual comprehensive eye exams, or more frequently if symptoms change.
2. Medical Treatments
Vitrectomy: