Veil before the eyes: symptoms of eye diseases, mouches volantes and ocular infarction

A veil in front of your eyes – suddenly the world seems to be hidden behind a cloudy curtain. Whether gradual or acute, this symptom can have many causes, from harmless vitreous opacities to serious conditions such as a detached retina or an eye infarction. But what is really behind it? In this article, you will find out which eye diseases can cause this phenomenon, how to recognize the causes and what treatment options are available to preserve your vision. Read on and find out what your blurred vision could mean!

Veil before the eyes: what’s behind it?

A veil in front of the eyes feels like looking through a fogged up mirror. The symptoms range from slight blurred vision to a dense fog that severely restricts vision.

Typical signs:

• Reduced visual acuity or blurred vision.
• Dark shadows or visual field defects.
• Floating dots or threads in the field of vision(mouches volantes).
• Sensitivity to light or feeling of pressure.

Overview of the causes of blurred vision

This blurred vision can be due to harmless causes such as vitreous opacity, but also more serious problems such as a retinal tear, retinal detachment or an eye infarction. A sudden veil is always a reason to consult an ophthalmologist quickly to rule out any possible risks to your vision.

General eye diseases as a cause

Many eye diseases can be the cause of a veil in front of the eyes. They often affect the clarity of vision gradually or suddenly and require careful diagnosis in order to protect vision.

Dry eyes

Dry eyes are one of the most common causes of temporary blurred vision. It typically feels as if an invisible film is clouding the vision, accompanied by burning, itching or a foreign body sensation in the eye. Red eyes and increased sensitivity to light can also occur.

Why do dry eyes occur?

The tear fluid that normally moistens and protects the surface of the eye is either present in insufficient quantities or evaporates too quickly. Common reasons:

• VDU work: fewer blinks lead to drier eyes.
• Air conditioning or heating: these dry out the ambient air and therefore the eyes.
• Hormonal changes or certain medications.

What should you look out for?

• Make sure you blink sufficiently, especially when working at a computer screen.
• If necessary, use moisturizing eye drops without preservatives.
• Have your eyes checked regularly to rule outmore serious causes such as corneal disease.

If dry eyes are left untreated, they can damage the surface of the eye in the long term and worsen blurred vision. A visit to the ophthalmologist helps to alleviate the symptoms and find the right treatment.

Cataract (cataract)

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of the eye. This disease leads to increasing blurred vision, which often develops gradually. Those affected describe their vision as if they were looking through a frosted glass filter or dense fog.

Why does a cataract occur?

The lens loses its transparency in the course of life, a natural ageing process. Other risk factors are

• Diabetes mellitus
• Prolonged UV exposure
• Smoking or an unbalanced diet

Symptoms of cataracts

• Blurred vision, especially in bright light.
• Reduced visual acuity and difficulty reading or driving.
• Colors appear paler or less intense.

What should you look out for?

Cataracts are one of the most common causes of visual impairment worldwide, but can be treated with a straightforward surgical procedure. This involves replacing the cloudy lens with a clear, artificial lens, which can fully restore vision. An early visit to the ophthalmologist enablesthe correct diagnosis and planning of treatment.

Other general eye diseases

A veil in front of the eyes can be caused by various eye diseases that affect both the retinaand other areas of the eye. Here are some of the most common conditions that can cause this symptom:

1. vitreous opacities (vitreous detachment)

With increasing age, the vitreous body, which fills the back of the eye, changes. The originally gel-like, clear body can contract and form opacities. These opacities cast shadows on the retina and can make vision appear as if through a fine mist.

2. uveitis (inflammation of the middle skin of the eye)

Uveitis is an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, which includes the choroid, iris and ciliary body. It can be triggered by infections, autoimmune diseases or injuries. Symptoms:

• Sudden veil in front of the eyes.
• Pain, redness and sensitivity to light.
• Blurred vision, often associated with black dots or spots.

3. macular degeneration (age-related)

Macular degeneration affects the central retina(macula), which is responsible for sharp vision. There are two forms:

• Dry macular degeneration: Slow degeneration of the photoreceptors, accompanied by progressive blurred vision.
• Wet macular degeneration: Sudden visual impairment due to leaking blood vessels under the macula.
  Both forms lead to a loss of visual acuity and can lead to blindness if left untreated.

4. retinal tear or retinal detachment

A retinal tear occurs when the retina tears due to tensile forces from the vitreous humor. If left untreated, this can lead to retinal detachment, in which the retina is separated from its supply base. Signs:

• A sudden shadow or veil, often in one part of the visual field.
• Flashes of light or black dots.

5. diabetic retinopathy

A consequence of diabetes mellitus in which small blood vessels in the retina are damaged. This leads to bleeding, fluid accumulation or the formation of new blood vessels, which impair vision. Typical symptoms are

• Blurred veil vision.
• Loss of contrast and visual acuity.

6. glaucoma

Glaucoma is a disease in which the intraocular pressure rises and damages the optic nerve. In the early stages, there are often no symptoms, but if left untreated it leads to:

• Blurred vision due to increased pressure on the retina.
• Visual field defects and gradual loss of vision.

7. corneal inflammation or injury

The cornea is the clear layer at the front of the eye. Infections (e.g. caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi) or injuries can cloud the surface and cause a haze. Symptoms:

• Pain, lacrimation and redness.
• Strong sensitivity to light.

Mouches Volantes – When “flying particles” disturb the view

Have you ever noticed small, dark dots, threads or even net-like structures that seem to dance in your field of vision? These “flying particles” are what are called mouches volantes (French for “flying gnats”). They often appear to move with your gaze – or like tiny shadows that always disappear when you look directly at them.

Symptoms – How mouches volantes manifest themselves

• Dark dots, threads or cloud-like formations that appear to move when the eyes move.
• The structures are usually clearly visible when you look at a light background, such as a blue sky or a white wall.
• They do not disappear, but seem to “float” in the field of vision.

Why do mouches volantes occur?

At the back of the eye is the vitreous humor, a gel-like, transparent substance that fills the eyeball. This vitreous changes with increasing age:

• The originally uniform gel structure shrinks and forms small lumps or fibers that fall onto the retina as shadows.
• These changes are usually harmless and part of the natural ageing process.

Causes of mouches volantes

• Ageing: With increasing age, the vitreous body becomes more fluid and contracts.
• Vitreous detachment: This is when the vitreous body partially detaches from the retina. This is often harmless, but in rare cases can lead to a retinal tear.
• Myopia: People with severe myopia have a higher risk of vitreous changes.
• Injuries or inflammation: Trauma or inflammation inside the eye can also lead to mouches volantes.

When should you see a doctor?

In most cases, mouches volantes are annoying but harmless. However, if many new “particles” suddenly appear or symptoms such as flashes of light or a shadow edge in the field of vision occur, you should consult an ophthalmologist immediately. These could be signs of a retinal tear or retinal detachment.

Mouches Volantes are a fascinating and at the same time irritating phenomenon that shows how complex our eyes function. Understanding and awareness are the key to distinguishing harmless symptoms from serious problems.

Eye infarction – A sudden emergency

An eye infarction is an acute medical emergency that can seriously threaten vision. Those affected often notice a sudden veil in front of their eyes, which develops within a few minutes or hours. Sometimes there is a total loss of vision in one eye – a symptom that requires immediate action.

How does an eye infarction develop?

Ocular infarction is a form of circulatory disorder in which either:

• An artery (arterial occlusion): Blood and oxygen can no longer reach the retina, causing severe damage to the retina.
• Or a vein (venous occlusion): Congestion and blood accumulation damage the sensitive retinal cells.

In both cases, the blood supply to the eye is interrupted, which can lead to permanent damage if left untreated.

Typical symptoms of an eye infarction

• Sudden loss of vision, usually in one eye.
• Veil vision that does not improve.
• Sensitivity to light or dark shadows in the field of vision.
• In some cases: Pain if the infarction is accompanied by a glaucoma attack.

Risk factors

An eye infarction often occurs in conjunction with systemic diseases such as:

• High blood pressure or diabetes mellitus.
• Cardiovascular diseases.
• Elevated blood lipid levels or vascular diseases.

Why quick action is crucial

In the event of an eye infarction, “time is vision”. Every minute that the retina is not adequately supplied with oxygen increases the risk of permanent vision loss. Imaging procedures such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) or an examination of the back of the eye help to make an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment options for blurred vision

1. dry eyes

• Moisturizing eye drops (without preservatives).
• Adapt the environment (e.g. humidifier, breaks when working at a computer screen).
• Regular blinking and sufficient fluid intake.

2. mouches volantes (vitreous opacities)

• Usually no treatment necessary if harmless.
• Vitrectomy (surgical removal of the vitreous body) for severe impairment.

3. cataract (cataract)

• Surgical lens replacement with implantation of a clear, artificial lens.

4. uveitis (inflammation of the skin of the eye)

• Eye drops containing cortisone or systemic therapy.
• Treatment of the underlying disease (e.g. autoimmune diseases).

5. retinal tear or retinal detachment

• Laser treatment to prevent retinal detachment (in the event of a tear).
• Vitrectomy or surgical reattachment of the retina (in case of detachment).

6. diabetic retinopathy

• Laser coagulation to close leaking blood vessels.
• Control and reduction of blood sugar levels.

7. eye infarction (circulatory disorder)

• Blood pressure-lowering medication or anticoagulants.
• Reduction of intraocular pressure in the event of a glaucoma attack.

8. macular degeneration (age-related) / AMD

• Anti-VEGF injections (in the wet form) to reduce leaky blood vessels.
• Dietary supplement to support the retina (in dry form).

9. corneal diseases

• Treatment with antibiotics or antivirals for infections.
• Corneal transplantation for severe damage or injuries.

10. glaucoma

• Eye drops to reduce intraocular pressure.
• Surgical interventions such as trabeculectomy or laser therapy.