Do you see “flies” in the eye?

They really exist and in the world of ophthalmology they are called “flying flies” (“mouches volantes”, “floaters” or opacitates corporis vitrei).

In translation, these are turbidities that float inside the eye, in the vitreous and can be dangerous – but that is the assessment of an ophthalmologist.

The mentioned vitreous body is a transparent gel inside our eye. It is covered with a membrane, through which it attaches to the inner layer of the eye – the retina or retina. In the process of aging, the vitreous body is diluted, collagen fibers are separated from the aqueous phase, lacunae are formed in the central part, which merge and at one point the vitreous body collapses.

Then the vitreous separates from the retina.

Famous flies are therefore formed by the physiological process of vitreous dilution in the aging process, and sometimes even earlier, for example in short-sighted people. However, when the vitreous separates, “radiation” occurs in the eye. If bleeding has occurred, patients have even more pronounced problems such as a whole swarm of dark, even black flies, threads, stripes, shadows that are moving in the field of view and there is a drop in vision.

If there is a symptomatic separation of the vitreous, followed by lights and a large number of dark flies, it is necessarily an indication for a detailed ophthalmological examination with a contact glass-panfundoscope, with maximum dilation of the pupils.

The goal of the ophthalmologist in a detailed examination of such patients is to find frequent retinal damage, which is also indicated by bleeding. Such damage (rupture) leads to retinal ablation, which results in complete loss of vision.

If the specialist detects a rupture or risky degeneration that precedes the rupture, in time, laser treatment is recommended to prevent the final complication.
The following patients are especially at risk: short-sightedness (especially in moderate and high myopia), retinal detachment in the other eye, the existence of these ophthalmic problems in the family, cataract surgery (especially complicated by opening the posterior capsule), condition after eye injury, etc.

Where can I get help?

You can perform this type of subspecialist examination and possible laser treatment for rupture or degeneration in the Specialist Ophthalmology Practice “Dr Sandra Jovanović” on Bulevar Patrijarha Pavla 1A in Novi Sad. Schedule an appointment with yourself or someone of your own. See you!

The text was prepared in cooperation with the 021.rs portal.