New advances in the study of the etiology and treatment of floaters

As a common ophthalmic disease, floaters have a complex etiology. It involves changes in the structure and function of the vitreous body and is closely associated with factors like age and myopia. Vitreous liquefaction and posterior detachment play a crucial role in this regard. Clinically, patients usually experience the floating of dotted or linear black shadows in front of their eyes, and generally, floaters do not cause visual impairment. In the past, due to the limitations of traditional concepts and treatment methods, a conservative observation strategy was often adopted. However, an increasing number of patients have complained that floaters lead to difficulties in driving and reading, which seriously affects their visual quality and mental health. Consequently, the demand for treatment has been growing day by day. The existing treatment options each have their own advantages and disadvantages. The efficacy of drug treatment is limited and remains controversial. Vitrectomy has a definite curative effect, yet it comes with a high risk of complications. YAG laser vitreolysis is relatively safe, but its curative effect is restricted by factors such as the size and location of the opacities. Nanobubble-mediated vitreolysis is still in the research stage and is expected to offer patients safer and more effective treatment in the future. This article reviews the etiology of floaters and the latest progress in its treatment, aiming to deepen clinicians' understanding of floaters, provide a more comprehensive scientific basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment, and promote personalized and precise treatment.