Rohan J. ShahQ: What are floaters?
A: Floaters are a common visual symptom and originate from the vitreous, a mobile and gelatinous substance that sits between the lens of the eye and the retina. As we grow older, the vitreous liquefies and eventually separates from its normal attachments to the back wall of the eye. Once it pulls forward, the vitreous flows in front of the retina and casts a shadow on the retina when light passes through it. That shadow is perceived as a ‘floater.’A thorough eye exam is warranted for persistent floaters to rule out rare and less common causes such as inflammation or hemorrhage within the eye.
— Dr. Rohan J. Shah, MD, Southeastern Retina Associates; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society
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