People often notice that small moving objects begin to appear in their field of vision. Such objects can have completely different shapes: circles, dashes, lines, zigzags. But especially often, they take the form of completely ordinary floating black dots. What is it, how dangerous is it and can anything be done to get rid of such a scourge?
Actually, it all depends on the circumstances under which such points and objects appear in the field of view, as well as on their number or concentration. Very often, this does not pose any particular danger, but in some cases it can be a symptom of a dangerous disease that can not only significantly impair vision, but also cause complete blindness. Next, we will look at the main causes of this problem and the best options for getting rid of it without compromising the health of the eyes and the body as a whole.
Destruction of the vitreous body
As a rule, non-disappearing moving black dots may indicate the onset of destructive changes in the vitreous humor of the eyes. When light passes through, destructive elements can cast shadows on the retina. These shadows are seen by a person as peculiar objects and “sights” of different sizes and shapes.
In other cases, black dots may appear when casting a shadow:
- Blood clots (with hemorrhage in the eye);
- Crystal elements;
- Tumor cells.
Depending on the distance of the foci of opacification from the retina, floating objects appear stronger or weaker. At the same time, having made a movement with your eyes, you can notice that the points begin to move towards the direction of your gaze, and then smoothly return to their original position.
Why does it appear?
A white or brown spot on the iris does not always indicate the development of a pathological process. Sometimes a person develops pigment spots in the iris area that do not require special treatment, provided that they do not cause discomfort and do not in any way affect the quality of visual function. There are the following reasons due to which spots may appear on the eyes in the iris area:
- Small hematomas. If a spot appears on the iris or pupil, this may indicate a slight hemorrhage. This spot is the size of a speck and is colored dark red. The deviation is caused by increased intraocular pressure or mechanical damage to the iris.
- Retinal detachment. Often small spots indicate a violation of such an ocular structure, as a result of which a person feels the presence of a foreign body.
- Nevus. Such neoplasms are benign in nature, and the site of formation of spots on the iris is of great importance. The deviation can appear at any age, and the speck is no more than 2 mm in size and has a flat shape.
- Leukoma. A disorder occurs due to an inflammatory reaction, mechanical damage to the iris, or after an incorrectly performed operation. Such a spot is usually called a cataract, which can be congenital or acquired.
- Cataract. The problem is characterized by clouding of the lens. In this case, a small white area forms on the cornea.
If a nevus has formed on the iris, then it is worth monitoring it regularly, since it often grows rapidly, which causes deformation of the pupils.
Risk factors
The appearance of pigment spots does not always indicate a disease.
Pathological causes do not always mean that the disease will necessarily manifest itself in a person. For a spot to form, a number of specific factors are required that contribute to the development of the disorder. A ring around the iris or small specks may appear under the influence of the following negative sources:
- increased melanin levels;
- hormonal imbalance in the body;
- adolescence;
- bearing a child;
- taking oral contraceptives;
- impaired metabolism;
- constant mental or physical fatigue;
- prolonged oxygen starvation.
Causes of destructive changes
As a rule, the destruction of the vitreous body is caused by age-related changes in the human body. Therefore, in most cases, moving black dots appear in the field of vision of older people. True, recently, a similar problem is increasingly occurring among fairly young people. Moreover, destruction of the vitreous body is not the only cause of its occurrence. The appearance of such visual interference can also result from:
- A rise or fall in blood pressure (hypertension, hypotension);
- Spasms of cerebral vessels, circulatory disorders, stroke;
- Prolonged visual stress;
- Smoking, drug addiction, excessive alcohol consumption;
- Vitamin deficiencies;
- Eye or head injuries;
- Gastrointestinal diseases, liver damage;
- Inflammation processes in the eye structures;
- Metabolic disease;
- Physical fatigue, stress;
- Prolonged oxygen starvation.
In any case, if floating black dots appear before your eyes, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. First, schedule a visit to the ophthalmologist. And if his examination does not reveal ophthalmological problems, he will have to visit other specialists.
Reasons for the appearance of a dark dot on the iris of the eye
Dark red spots - small hematomas on the iris - are a sign of sudden changes in pressure. They are not treated, and may soon go away on their own , but their appearance is a reason to monitor your blood pressure. Microtraumas that occur when pressure increases during childbirth also have similar manifestations . This situation is usually temporary. After some time, the spots disappear on their own.
Increased eye pressure also leads to the appearance of dark spots on the iris. If spots appear, you should consult a doctor . The ophthalmologist will make a diagnosis and prescribe the right treatment.
Floating dots on the shell of the eyeball are a sign of incipient retinal detachment. Sometimes they feel like discomfort from a speck of debris in the eye. The diagnosis, in this case, will be made by an ophthalmologist. If retinal detachment is confirmed, you will have to resort to laser correction .
Nevus is a benign pigmented neoplasm in the eye , a relative of a freckle or mole. A nevus can appear at any age. Most often observed in fair-skinned people. The point can be flat or convex and measure 1-2 mm in diameter . The danger of a nevus is that it can deform the pupil.
Why do dark spots appear?
Factors contributing to their formation : accumulation of melanin, changes in hormonal levels (for example, in adolescents and pregnant women, women during menopause and taking hormonal contraceptives).
Stress and infections can cause excess pigmentation .
Nevi may remain unchanged or progress .
Those that do not change their size are benign in nature. Progressive ones can impair vision and develop into a malignant form.
Attention! The following situations require immediate consultation with an ophthalmologist: a sudden and rapidly growing nevus, a sharp change in its color, blurred vision, discomfort in the eye.
Reasons for the appearance of a white dot on the iris of the eye
White spots on the eye are associated with changes occurring in the lens and may indicate leukoma and cataracts .
If the problem is in the cornea , it’s leukoma; if the lens becomes cloudy it’s a cataract.
Photo 2: You can notice spots on the eye with the naked eye; it looks like a white spot or dot. Source: flickr (National Eye Institute).
Leukoma appears as a result of inflammatory processes , injuries, and unsuccessful surgical interventions. Leukoma is also called a thorn. It can be congenital or acquired. Today, laser technologies and surgery are used to treat cataracts .
It is important! Chemical burns also lead to the appearance of white spots, often leading to significant impairment of vision.
Cataract is clouding of the lens . It may be complete or appear as white dots. The disease can be congenital or acquired. Most often occurs due to age-related lens degeneration . Treatment is aimed at normalizing metabolic processes and improving tissue nutrition.
Treatment methods
A thorough diagnostic examination by an ophthalmologist will determine what caused the appearance of black spots before the eyes and which treatment option will be preferable in a particular case. So, when you first contact a specialist, when the spots in front of your eyes are small in size and have low concentration in the field of view, the doctor usually prescribes therapy with certain eye drops. As a rule, these drugs are: Taufon, Quinax, Emoxipin or Wobenzym.
The properties of these eye drops help stimulate the metabolic processes that occur in the vitreous body. In addition, some of them have a resolving effect. It should be noted that it is extremely difficult to predict the effectiveness of treatment when using eye drops. For some patients, they really help, while others do not notice any positive dynamics at all.
If there is no effect of conservative treatment, the doctor may suggest a surgical way to get rid of this problem. In this case, it is necessary to soberly evaluate all the pros and cons, because moving black dots during the destruction of the vitreous body do not pose a danger to health or vision. Still, when they are extremely irritating, it is worth considering surgery.
The problem of black dots in the field of view can be solved in two ways:
- A vitrectomy operation, when the vitreous body is surgically removed partially or completely (in the most difficult cases). Serious complications are possible when performing this operation, so an appropriate expert opinion is required to perform it.
- Vitreolysis surgery. It is performed using a medical YAG laser. During the intervention, the ophthalmologist targets the elements that interfere with vision, literally fragmenting them into ultra-small particles, which in the future will no longer be able to interfere with vision.
Necessary treatment
For minor dysfunctions, drops are prescribed, for example, “Taufon”.
Appearances on the iris of the eye must be treated promptly if they cause cosmetic discomfort to the patient and negatively affect visual function. For minor disturbances associated with fatigue and other non-pathological factors, you can use medications. For spots on the iris, the patient is often prescribed the following eye drops, which quickly eliminate the problem:
- "Taufon";
- "Emokipin";
- "Quinax";
- Wobenzym.
If the deviation cannot be removed with the help of medications, then a radical therapeutic measure is required. Spots formed on the iris can be removed through vitriolysis. The procedure involves exposing the pathological neoplasm to a laser beam, which eliminates only damaged tissue without affecting healthy tissue. In particularly advanced cases, when the spot has grown to a large size and impairs vision, surgery is required.
Prevention measures
If floating black dots have just begun to appear in your field of vision. They still have a small number and do not reduce the quality of life, but they are already tiring with their presence, it is worth reconsidering the usual way of life. Perhaps by changing it, the problem will stop getting worse and there will simply be no reason to see a doctor. Here's what you need to change in your daily life:
- Become more active;
- Regularly engage in sports or physical activity;
- Be in the fresh air more often;
- Quit smoking;
- Do not abuse alcohol;
- Review your diet and ensure your body receives the required amount of vitamins and minerals;
- Get enough sleep;
- Limit visual stress.
In conclusion
The appearance of black dots before the eyes can be a clear signal from the body that it needs to take care of its health. Therefore, if such a problem arises, you should rush to see a doctor. And if the specialist does not find anything dangerous in the situation, be sure to try to change your usual lifestyle, making it more active and correct. And most importantly, take care of your eyes: do not overstrain them, protect them from bright light, avoid shocks and injuries. Then sharp vision is guaranteed for many years!
By contacting the Moscow Eye Clinic, each patient can be sure that some of the best Russian specialists will be responsible for the results of treatment. The high reputation of the clinic and thousands of grateful patients will certainly add to your confidence in the right choice. The most modern equipment for the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases and an individual approach to the problems of each patient are a guarantee of high treatment results at the Moscow Eye Clinic. We provide diagnostics and treatment for children over 4 years of age and adults.
You can find out the cost of a particular procedure or make an appointment at the Moscow Eye Clinic by calling 8(499)322-36-36
