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Miodesopsias: floating spots that obstruct vision

Miodesopsias: floating spots that obstruct vision

March 29, 2024

Myodesopsias are small spots that appear in the vitreous humor of the eye, whose appearance is similar to that of a fly. Although they cause some difficulties in the vision they are usually harmless, however, they can sometimes indicate the presence of an ocular pathology.

They are one of the most recurrent reasons for ophthalmological medical consultation, although they are not usually dangerous. In this article we will see an explanation of what myodesopsias are, what are the main causes and the most common treatments.

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The ocular system of human beings

Our eyes are composed of a very complex eye system formed by an outer layer, a middle layer and an inner layer of cells, tissues and nerve terminals responsible for carrying electrical signals to our brain.


In turn, each layer is made up of other segments that have specific functions. The inner layer, for example, consists of three different chambers or sections; an anterior chamber between the cornea and the iris, a posterior chamber between the iris, the ciliary body and the lens; and a vitreous camera, between Christianity and the retina.

It is in the latter where you are a gelatinous and colorless mass that we call vitreous humor or vitreous body , which has a protective and buffering function with which it is possible to maintain the shape of the eye and its internal pressure.

What are myodesopsies?

Myodesopsias are an ocular alteration that causes spots, spots or threads of different size and consistency inside the vitreous humor of the eye, that is, in the gelatinous mass that is between the lens and the retina.


In formal terms, myodesopsias are defined as an entópico phenomenon (that is to say, that originates and manifests in the interior of the eye), caused by some vitreous gel defects that reflect, absorb or disperse the light and interfere with its passage.

On the other hand and in more colloquial words, myodesopsies they are known as "floating eyes" or "flying flies" because they have the shape of a spider web, a fluff or a small point, usually black or gray, that moves and floats within the eye.

For this reason, in some investigations, cell-type myodesopsies or filament-type myodesopsies are recognized. Although they can obstruct vision, and are one of the most common reasons for ophthalmological consultation, myodesopsias are not particularly harmful.

They occur more frequently during aging due to important changes in the cellular composition of the vitreous caused by the natural passage of time.


However, if the number of myodesopsias increases suddenly and is accompanied by flashes of light, it could indicate the presence of a more serious pathology (such as retinal detachment), so in any of these cases it is important to consult a specialist immediately.

Main causes

Myodesopsias are the result of the accumulation of cellular debris in the vitreous, that is to say, they are caused mainly by changes in the cells that produce the gelatinous substance of the vitreous within the eyes.

During aging, this substance becomes more liquid, with which the fibers and eye cells are easily grouped, generating spots or shadows on the retina that at first glance looked like small flies.

On other occasions, the presence of myodesopsias can be an indicator that the eyes are inflamed or injured, so they can be accompanied by internal bleeding that in the worst case causes the loss of vision.

Likewise, they may appear as a consequence of a posterior vitreous detachment, or due to eye trauma, surgical interventions in the eye, or as one of the effects of myopia .

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Most frequent treatments

Usually the flying flies disappear on their own after a few weeks, without causing major discomfort. That is, they do not require special treatment and there is no definitive medical treatment either.

However, since they occur more frequently during aging, which in turn increases the likelihood of a retinal detachment, it is advisable to go to the ophthalmologist whenever there is a sudden increase in the size of the spot, a peripheral shadow in the visual field or a sudden decrease in vision.

From there, the treatments recommended by the specialist will be appropriate to the pathology detected, which may include a vitrectomy (surgery to remove the vitreous to replace it with a saline solution). Meanwhile, it is recommended not to chase the spots with your eyes, as this can worsen the quality of vision.

Bibliographic references:

  • Myodesopsias (2018). What are myodesopsies? Retrieved March 4, 2018. Available at //miodesopsias.com
  • Castilla, M., Borja, C. & García-Arumí, J. (2016). Impact of myodesopsias on visual quality. Doctoral Thesis, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.
  • Ophthalmological Castle Clinic. (2013). Spots or floating flies. Retrieved March 4, 2018. Available at //www.oftalmologiacastillo.com/enfermedades/manchas-o-moscas-flotantes/
  • Puel, C. (S / A). Physiological optics. The optical system of the eye and the binocular vision. Complutense University of Madrid [Electronic Version]. Retrieved March 4, 2018. Available at //eprints.sim.ucm.es/14823/1/Puell_Óptica_Fisiológica.pdf

Seeing Things: Visual Disturbances We All Experience (March 2024).


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