Church Partnership Newsletter January 2015 | Page 5

Eye Floaters Eye floaters are spots in vision that may look like black or gray specks, strings, or cobwebs that drift about during eye movement. Most eye floaters are caused by age-related changes, causing the jelly-like substance (vitreous) inside the eyes becomes more liquid. When this happens, microscopic fibers within the vitreous tend to clump together, causing tiny shadows to cast upon the retina, which may be seen as eye floaters. Symptoms of eye floaters:  Spots in vision that may look like dark specks or knobby, transparent strings of floating material  Attempting to look at them causes them to move quickly out of the visual field  Spots are more noticeable when looking at plain bright backgrounds such as a white wall or blue sky  Spots that eventually settle down and eventually drift out of the line of vision Torn retinas, inflammation and bleeding of the eye can cause floaters. If a sudden increase in the number of eye floaters is noticed, contact and eye specialist immediately – especially if flashes of light can be seen or if peripheral vision is lost. These can be symptoms of an emergency that requires prompt attention. In most cases, eye floaters don't require treatment. Learning to cope with floaters could take time. Having floaters may start off as frustrating, but as time progresses, they are not as noticeable. It is rare that floaters may impair vision or become so large or numerous that it's difficult to perform daily tasks. In this situation, consult an ophthalmologist about treatment options. One option is using laser therapy to dissolve floaters. Another treatment is having the fluid inside the eye replaced to allow the body makes and refills the eye with new vitreous. Resource: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eye-floaters/basics/symptoms/con-20033061 Adult Vision Screenings ATTENTION PARTNERS: Church Partnerships can provide adult vision screenings at your health events. Staff members assist in identifying people at risk for eye disease and those who have:    Problems seeing objects that are far away (nearsightedness) Problems seeing objects that are close up (farsightedness) Aging eye or decrease in focusing on things close up The adult vision screening only takes about 15 minutes. After the test results are given, recommendations will be made regarding the need to follow up with an eye care professional for a comprehensive eye exam. Only an eye doctor can diagnose and treat eye diseases and vision problems. Ask Kate about having adult vision screenings when scheduling your next health fair. For more information on vision screenings, visit http://preventblindness.org/.