{"id":29697,"date":"2025-01-09T17:43:48","date_gmt":"2025-01-09T16:43:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/veil-before-the-eyes-symptoms-of-eye-diseases-mouches-volantes-and-ocular-infarction\/"},"modified":"2025-03-07T12:17:59","modified_gmt":"2025-03-07T11:17:59","slug":"veil-before-the-eyes-symptoms-of-eye-diseases-mouches-volantes-and-ocular-infarction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/veil-before-the-eyes-symptoms-of-eye-diseases-mouches-volantes-and-ocular-infarction\/","title":{"rendered":"Veil before the eyes: symptoms of eye diseases, mouches volantes and ocular infarction"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A veil in front of your eyes<\/strong> – 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<\/strong> to serious conditions such as a detached retina<\/strong> or an eye infarction<\/strong>. But what is really behind it? In this article, you will find out which eye diseases<\/strong> can cause this phenomenon, how to recognize the causes and what treatment options are available to preserve your vision<\/strong>. Read on and find out what your blurred vision<\/strong> could mean! <\/p>\n\n

Veil before the eyes: what’s behind it? <\/h2>\n\n

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

Typical signs:<\/p>\n\n

    \n
  • Reduced visual acuity<\/strong> or blurred vision.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Dark shadows or visual field defects<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Floating dots or threads in the field of vision(mouches volantes<\/strong>).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Sensitivity to light or feeling of pressure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

    Overview of the causes of blurred vision<\/h2>\n\n

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

    General eye diseases as a cause<\/h2>\n\n

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

    Dry eyes<\/h3>\n\n

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

    Why do dry eyes occur?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

    The tear fluid<\/strong> that normally moistens and protects the surface of the eye<\/strong> is either present in insufficient quantities or evaporates too quickly. Common reasons: <\/p>\n\n

      \n
    • VDU work<\/strong>: fewer blinks lead to drier eyes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Air conditioning or heating<\/strong>: these dry out the ambient air and therefore the eyes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Hormonal changes<\/strong> or certain medications.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

      What should you look out for?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
        \n
      • Make sure you blink sufficiently, especially when working at a computer screen<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • If necessary, use moisturizing eye drops<\/strong> without preservatives.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Have your eyes checked regularly to rule out<\/strong>more serious causes such as corneal disease<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

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

        Cataract (cataract) <\/h3>\n\n

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

        Why does a cataract occur?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

        The lens loses its transparency<\/strong> in the course of life, a natural ageing process. Other risk factors are <\/p>\n\n

          \n
        • Diabetes mellitus<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Prolonged UV exposure<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Smoking<\/strong> or an unbalanced diet<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

          Symptoms of cataracts<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
            \n
          • Blurred vision<\/strong>, especially in bright light.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Reduced visual acuity<\/strong> and difficulty reading or driving.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Colors appear paler or less intense.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

            What should you look out for?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

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

            Other general eye diseases <\/h3>\n\n

            A veil in front of the eyes<\/strong> can be caused by various eye diseases<\/strong> that affect both the retina<\/strong>and other areas of the eye<\/strong>. Here are some of the most common conditions that can cause this symptom: <\/p>\n\n

            1. vitreous opacities (vitreous detachment)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

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

            2. uveitis (inflammation of the middle skin of the eye)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

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

              \n
            • Sudden veil in front of the eyes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Pain, redness and sensitivity to light.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Blurred vision, often associated with black dots or spots.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

              3. macular degeneration (age-related)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

              Macular degeneration<\/strong> affects the central retina(macula<\/strong>), which is responsible for sharp vision. There are two forms: <\/p>\n\n

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

                4. retinal tear or retinal detachment<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

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

                  \n
                • A sudden shadow or veil, often in one part of the visual field<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Flashes of light or black dots.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                  5. diabetic retinopathy<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

                  A consequence of diabetes mellitus<\/strong> 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 <\/p>\n\n

                    \n
                  • Blurred veil vision.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Loss of contrast and visual acuity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                    6. glaucoma<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

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

                      \n
                    • Blurred vision due to increased pressure on the retina.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Visual field defects and gradual loss of vision.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                      7. corneal inflammation or injury<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

                      The cornea<\/strong> 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: <\/p>\n\n

                        \n
                      • Pain, lacrimation and redness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Strong sensitivity to light.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                        Mouches Volantes – When “flying particles” disturb the view <\/h2>\n\n

                        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<\/strong> (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. <\/p>\n\n

                        Symptoms – How mouches volantes manifest themselves<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
                          \n
                        • Dark dots<\/strong>, threads or cloud-like formations that appear to move when the eyes move.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • The structures are usually clearly visible when you look at a light background, such as a blue sky or a white wall.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • They do not disappear, but seem to “float” in the field of vision.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                          Why do mouches volantes occur?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

                          At the back of the eye is the vitreous humor<\/strong>, a gel-like, transparent substance that fills the eyeball. This vitreous changes with increasing age: <\/p>\n\n

                            \n
                          • The originally uniform gel structure shrinks and forms small lumps or fibers<\/strong> that fall onto the retina as shadows.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • These changes are usually harmless and part of the natural ageing process.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                            Causes of mouches volantes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
                              \n
                            • Ageing<\/strong>: With increasing age, the vitreous body becomes more fluid and contracts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • Vitreous detachment<\/strong>: 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<\/strong>. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • Myopia<\/strong>: People with severe myopia have a higher risk of vitreous changes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • Injuries or inflammation<\/strong>: Trauma or inflammation inside the eye can also lead to mouches volantes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                              When should you see a doctor?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

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

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

                              Eye infarction – A sudden emergency <\/h2>\n\n

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

                              How does an eye infarction develop?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

                              Ocular infarction is a form of circulatory disorder<\/strong> in which either:<\/p>\n\n

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

                                In both cases, the blood supply<\/strong> to the eye<\/strong> is interrupted, which can lead to permanent damage if left untreated.<\/p>\n\n

                                Typical symptoms of an eye infarction<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
                                  \n
                                • Sudden loss of vision<\/strong>, usually in one eye.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                • Veil vision<\/strong> that does not improve.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                • Sensitivity to light or dark shadows in the field of vision.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                • In some cases: Pain if the infarction is accompanied by a glaucoma attack<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                                  Risk factors<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

                                  An eye infarction often occurs in conjunction with systemic diseases such as:<\/p>\n\n

                                    \n
                                  • High blood pressure<\/strong> or diabetes mellitus<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • Cardiovascular diseases<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • Elevated blood lipid levels<\/strong> or vascular diseases.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                                    Why quick action is crucial<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

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

                                    Treatment options for blurred vision <\/h2>\n\n

                                    1. dry eyes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

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

                                      2. mouches volantes (vitreous opacities)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

                                        \n
                                      • Usually no treatment necessary if harmless.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                      • Vitrectomy (surgical removal of the vitreous body) for severe impairment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                                        3. cataract (cataract)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

                                          \n
                                        • Surgical lens replacement with implantation of a clear, artificial lens.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                                          4. uveitis (inflammation of the skin of the eye)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

                                            \n
                                          • Eye drops containing cortisone or systemic therapy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                          • Treatment of the underlying disease (e.g. autoimmune diseases).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                                            5. retinal tear or retinal detachment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

                                              \n
                                            • Laser treatment to prevent retinal detachment (in the event of a tear).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                            • Vitrectomy or surgical reattachment of the retina (in case of detachment).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                                              6. diabetic retinopathy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

                                                \n
                                              • Laser coagulation to close leaking blood vessels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                              • Control and reduction of blood sugar levels.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                                                7. eye infarction (circulatory disorder)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

                                                  \n
                                                • Blood pressure-lowering medication or anticoagulants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                • Reduction of intraocular pressure in the event of a glaucoma attack.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                                                  8. macular degeneration (age-related) \/ AMD<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

                                                    \n
                                                  • Anti-VEGF injections (in the wet form) to reduce leaky blood vessels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                  • Dietary supplement to support the retina (in dry form).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                                                    9. corneal diseases<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

                                                      \n
                                                    • Treatment with antibiotics or antivirals for infections.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                    • Corneal transplantation for severe damage or injuries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                                                      10. glaucoma<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

                                                        \n
                                                      • Eye drops to reduce intraocular pressure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                      • Surgical interventions such as trabeculectomy or laser therapy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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