Cataracts in vitreous: Causes, symptoms and treatment

This is an automatically translated article.

This article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Hoang Thanh Nga - Ophthalmologist - Department of Medical Examination and Internal Medicine - Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.
Cataracts are a condition in which there are many shapes floating in the eye of the sufferer. Vitreous opacities cause discomfort and affect vision but are usually benign. The treatment of cloudy vitreous depends on the condition of the vitreous and the cause of the cloudiness.

1. What is vitreous opacity?

Vitreous is composed mainly of collagen arranged in different directions, filling in between the clear, water-filled spaces located just behind the vitreous and in front of the retina, accounting for 80% of the volume of the eyeball. The function of the vitreous is to let light rays from the outside enter the fundus, provide nutrients for the lens and retina, maintain pressure in the eye so that the retina does not tear and help the lens focus images. more pronounced on the retina.
Vitreous cloudiness is a deposition or condensation in the vitreous, this deposit is suspended in the vitreous, causing the patient to see floating images in the eye. These objects will move according to eye movements and tend to fall to the low area, so they will be more obvious when lying down.
Cataracts are common and mostly pose no risk of eye complications. Although not dangerous, the patient often feels discomfort, especially in severe cases when the vitreous cloud moves continuously in the field of vision, in some cases can cause complications such as tearing or detachment of the retina. seriously affect vision.

2. Causes and risk factors for cloudy vitreous

There are many different causes of cloudy vitreous. All damage from the outside entering the vitreous can cause cloudy vitreous including:
● Vitreous degeneration: This is the most common cause, over time, the vitreous structure becomes loose. Rather, collagen fibers separate from the gel mass, which aggregates into clusters giving the appearance of vitreous cloudiness. Because vitreous is composed of 99% water and 1% collagen and hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid has the effect of creating a framework to retain water in the vitreous, when this substance is reduced due to aging, it will lead to liquefaction of the vitreous.
● Retinal tear and detachment : Retinal tear and detachment can cause bleeding into the vitreous leading to cloudiness. There can also be a serious complication affecting vision of vitreous degeneration .
● Uveitis: This is also the cause of cloudy vitreous, uveitis can be infectious or aseptic.
Hemorrhage: Bleeding into the vitreous can be caused by trauma or by abnormal blood vessels.
What are the risk factors for developing cataracts?
● Advanced age is a significant risk factor for the development of cataracts. Usually people over the age of 50 are at high risk.
● Diabetes , will cause cloudy vitreous due to diabetic retinopathy.
● Myopia is a common risk factor for young people.
Eye injury.
● After cataract surgery .

3. Symptoms of cloudy vitreous

Common symptoms of cloudy vitreous include:
Vision appears as granular, streaky, circular spots that are black or gray like floating matter. These floating objects have the following characteristics:
Floating points move when we change the direction of view, if we try to see them, they will quickly move out of sight. These black streaks are most noticeable when looking at a blank bright background, such as a blue sky, a white wall, or a bright sky, as the pupil constricts making the cloudiness more prominent and noticeable. out more. When lying down, these clouds tend to sink below the eyes, falling closer to the macula, so it is easier to see. These points are called floating objects because they are usually floating and tend to move with gravity. They tend to disappear when focused on them. Once visible, they usually do not move. It usually doesn't go away but will subside over time. There may also be symptoms such as blinking eyes, decreased peripheral vision, and tubular vision.

4. Methods to treat cloudy vitreous

Cataracts are not dangerous, but they can cause discomfort that affects vision. The majority of benign cases are advised by doctors to familiarize themselves with the effects of the disease because currently there is no proven safe treatment method and when surgery needs to be weighed between the benefits and the risks. risk.
If cloudy vitreous affects vision, causing complications, treatment is indicated:
● Vitreous aspiration surgery: A method to remove cloudy vitreous and replace it with a solution. Transparency has the same effect. However, this method is rarely indicated because it can cause some complications such as thin vitreous, retinal detachment, cataracts that seriously affect vision...
● Use laser to break Dark spots: A method that uses high energy of a laser beam to break up areas of cloudy vitreous. This method is simpler and safer than the surgical method, but there have not been many in-depth studies to prove the effectiveness of the treatment and the level of safety it brings.

When there is cloudy vitreous, the patient should go to the doctor to know the disease status and appropriate treatment. Getting into the habit of living with this condition is advised in those with mild disease and primarily caused by vitreous degeneration.
Eye Department of Vinmec International General Hospital and a team of leading ophthalmologists provide eye examination, treatment and surgery services with high quality, intensive ophthalmological techniques that bring efficiency and safety. care for customers.
A team of experts, leading ophthalmologists with rich experience in many fields
The first and only hospital in Vietnam committed to the quality of cataract surgery through providing boxes and cards ensuring information and quality of artificial lenses, ensuring European standards for using surgical supplies
One of the first private hospitals in the North to deploy routine corneal transplantation In the treatment of diseases
● Vinmec uses Ortho-K contact lens products from the United States and Japan with world leading quality and reputation.
With 10 years of experience in the field of Ophthalmology, she used to work at Thai Nguyen Central Hospital and held the position of deputy head of the department and in charge of the Department of Ophthalmology at Thai Nguyen University of Medicine and Pharmacy. Master Hoang Thanh Nga has a lot of experience in the field of examination and treatment of eye diseases. Currently, he is an Ophthalmologist at the Department of General Internal Medicine, Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

See more:
Eye surgeries performed at Vinmec ORTHO K hospital - Solutions to treat Myopia, Astigmatism without surgery What is progressive myopia? How to prevent? What does an eyeball ultrasound show?