Complicated Terms For Minor Illnesses

Muscae Volitantes

Muscae volitantes is more commonly referred to as eye floaters, which are deposits found in the clear gel that fills the eyeball. This gel is called the vitreous humor and it is the major substance in the eye. The floaters suspended in the vitreous humor are only seen because of the shadows they cast on the retina. They typically appear as spots and wiggly lines in the affected individual's field of vision. Eye floaters are caused by the shrinkage of the vitreous humor and other damage to the eye. The optometrist or ophthalmologist can see these floaters using instruments. The only treatment for eye floaters is surgery and this is often reserved for very severe cases.