Eye floaters occur when tiny bits of vitreous gel or cells cast shadows on the retina. The floaters are usually a result of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), a common condition that occurs when the vitreous separates from the back of the eye. PVD is often a result of the aging process and is usually harmless. Sometimes, eye floaters can be a sign of a serious problem such as a retinal tear, retinal detachment, hemorrhage, or eye injury.

Flashes and floaters are not serious and are a normal side effect to the aging eye. The cause of these effects is due to a Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD). At birth, the Vitreous solution is attached to the light sensitive retina of your eye. As we age, the elements of this solution divide. The flashes and floaters we see are simply the remains of this tissue.

Floaters are many times described as little black colored shapes ranging from strands to squiggles and clumps. Fortunately, floaters are not usually a serious symptom of any eye disease. However, if you notice showers of floaters that suddenly appear along with flashes of light or decreased vision, you may be experiencing a retinal detachment and should seek immediate care. "Normal" floaters are tiny solid particles suspended in the fluid that fills the eye (the vitreous humor).

The back part of the eye (behind the lens and in front of the retina ) is filled with a jelly-like substance called vitreous. At birth, the vitreous is firm, clear, and uniform in consistency. During the process of aging, it separates into solid and liquid components. It also shrinks and moves forward, away from the retina. At this time, solid strands can form at the back of the vitreous and create shadows on the retina.

Red-eye is caused by light from your flash bouncing off of your subject's retina. So, how do you minimize it? There are several approaches: Minimize the subject's pupil size, thus reducing the amount of light that reaches the retina to be reflected back. The so-called red-eye reduction modes in many flashes and cameras today try to do precisely this by hitting the subject with a "pre-flash" of bright light designed to make the pupils constrict.

The eyes are filled with fluid that maintains the shape of the eye, supplies it with nutrition and aids in the focusing of light. Often, particles of protein or other natural materials are left floating or suspended in this fluid when the eye is formed before birth. If the particles are large or close together, they cast shadows that make them visible. This is particularly true when nearsightedness occurs or becomes more sever.

Floaters are usually a normal thing that most people experience under the right conditions, but there are a few situations that might indicate a serious condition. If a sudden increase in the number of floaters is seen, or if associated with flashes of light, you should seek care immediately. In most cases, these are normal things floating around in our eyes.

As people age, the vitreous humor starts to liquefy centrally, forming clumps or strands inside the eye. The outer portion of the vitreous gel pulls away from the retina, causing a vitreous detachment, causing the brain to perceive flashes of light. People who are nearsighted, have undergone cataract operations, have had YAG laser surgery of the eyes and have had inflammation inside the eye are at greater risk of vitreous detachment.

No, there is no medicine, eye drop, vitamin, herb, or diet that is beneficial to patients with flashes or floaters.

Very likely. In the case of a posterior vitreous separation, it is very common for the same condition to occur in the second eye within a year. For this reason, and because flashes and floaters are sometimes caused by retinal breaks, both eyes should have a dilated fundus exam as soon as possible when flashes or floaters develop in either eye.

Jeffrey Gilbard, MD, conducting research sponsored by the National Eye Institute, has proven that dry eye is caused by any condition that increases tear film evaporation, or by any condition that decreases tear production. These conditions, in turn, may be caused by a dietary deficiency of omega-3 essential fatty acids. Evaporation can increase from chronic eye lid inflammation or "blepharitis," specifically posterior blepharitis or meibomitis.

The red color in red eye comes from light that reflects off of the retinas in our eyes. For a fuller explanation of Red Eye, read the HowStuffWorks article on Red Eye. We have a great tutorial that shows you how to remove red eye from photographs. Ian Lyons also has a good tutorial on this (with step-by-step screenshots and project images) at Computer Darkroom. Or try the tutorial at Luminous Landscape by Neil Duffin which uses channels, layers and layer masks.

Floaters are tiny "specks", "bugs" or "dust spots" that many people see shifting back and forth in their field of vision. They become most noticeable and annoying when they interfere with clear vision. The inner chamber of the eye is filled with a clear jelly-like fluid called the vitreous. Floaters are tiny bits of this gel clumped together and floating around.

Red irritated eyes, sometimes in conjunction with dry, itchy skin, are an occasional occurrence in some swimming pools. There are a number of possible explanations for the irritation when it occurs, some of which are actual causative factors and some of which are popular misconceptions. The most popular misconception about eye irritation is that it is caused by excess chlorine.

Onset of Dry Eye Disease may be the result of hormonal changes associated with aging, menopause, and autoimmune diseases such as arthritis, lupus, and Sjogren's syndrome or medical conditions such as diabetes or blocked tear ducts. Also, keep in mind that environmental, occupational, and lifestyle factors, such as smoke, dry air, dust, the wearing of contact lenses for extended periods of time, and prolonged computer use, can all exacerbate Dry Eye Disease.:: back to top

There are several factors that contribute to dark circles. Skin color is due to melanin, blood and other plasma constituents. Temperature influences skin color. When it's hot the skin appears red, when it's cold, blood flow is sluggish causing the skin to have a bluish color. These color differences are exaggerated in the eye area because of the thinness of the skin. Allergy resulting in edema (excess fluid with swelling) contributes to darkening of the eye area.

Chronic irritation of the surface of the eye can eventually cause a disruption in the normal tear-producing system, including the lacrimal gland. This can result in a declining production and quantity of tears. High risk factors for Chronic Dry Eye include those individuals with health factors such as hormonal changes associated with aging and menopause, auto-immune diseases such as arthritis, lupus, and Sjögren's syndrome.

Auto-immune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sj?gren's Syndrome, Lupus erythematodes and others antidepressants, antihistamines, beta-blockers, blood pressure medications, decongestants, diuretics, oral contraceptives, tranquilizers and ulcer medication