{"id":7271,"date":"2025-11-01T10:50:44","date_gmt":"2025-11-01T09:50:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/clinicaoftalmologicanebro.com\/?p=7271"},"modified":"2025-11-02T12:41:15","modified_gmt":"2025-11-02T11:41:15","slug":"myodesopsias-what-are-causes-and-treatments-available-fuengirola","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/clinicaoftalmologicanebro.com\/en\/miodesopsias-que-son-causas-y-tratamientos-disponibles-fuengirola\/","title":{"rendered":"Myodesopsias: what they are, causes and available treatments"},"content":{"rendered":"

The myodesopsias<\/strong>, popularly known as \u201cflying flies\u201d.\u201d<\/em>, are one of the most common consultations in ophthalmology. Although in most cases they are benign and age-related phenomena, their appearance can cause concern in the patient, especially when they appear suddenly or are accompanied by flashes of light.

In this article, from Nebro Ophthalmology Clinic<\/strong>, We explain what myodesopsias are, why they occur, when to be concerned about them and what treatment options are currently available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are myodesopsias?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Myodesopsias are small shadows or filaments<\/strong> that the patient perceives in his or her visual field, especially when looking at light backgrounds, such as a white wall or the sky. They move with eye movement and appear to \u201cfloat\u201d or move slowly before disappearing from the visual focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These shadows are, in fact, condensations or irregularities in the vitreous humour<\/strong>, the jelly-like substance that fills the inside of the eyeball and helps to maintain its shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Causes of myodesopsias<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The most frequent causes of myodesopsias are related to natural changes in the vitreous humour<\/strong>, However, they may also be due to eye diseases that require urgent assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Ageing of the vitreous humour<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Over the years, the vitreous humour loses some of its gel-like structure and becomes more liquid. This process, known as vitreous syneresis<\/strong>, causes the appearance of collagen fibres that cast shadows on the retina.
For this reason, myodesopsias are especially common from the age of 40 or 50<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most frequent causes is the posterior vitreous detachment<\/strong>, which occurs when the vitreous separates from the retina.
Although it is usually a physiological and benign process, in some cases it can traction the retina and cause a tear or even a retinal detachment<\/strong>, and therefore should always be assessed by an ophthalmologist.<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. myopia<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Myopic people are more prone to develop myodesopsia because their eyeball is more elongated, which favours structural changes in the vitreous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Eye surgery and trauma<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Following eye surgery, such as a cataract surgery<\/a> or partial vitrectomy<\/strong>, After an ocular trauma, or after an ocular trauma, new myodesopsias may appear due to changes in the vitreous structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Other less frequent causes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In rarer cases, myodesopsias can be due to intraocular inflammations (uveitis)<\/strong> or to vitreous haemorrhages<\/strong>, situations that require immediate diagnosis and treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptoms and when to see an ophthalmologist<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Classical myodesopsias usually manifest themselves as movable spots, dots, filaments or small cobwebs<\/strong>. They do not usually affect central vision or cause pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, there are certain symptoms that require urgent assessment<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n