Causes of Black Spots in Vision

Noticing black spots in one's field of vision is something that appears to be highly alarming. In reality, it can and cannot be. Sometimes, it is only a sign of aging and is benign in nature. While many-a-times, it can be a complication resulting from an eye surgery.

One cannot rely on his personal opinion or diagnosis and lead a life without seeking medical assistance in such a case. Furthermore, a persistent case often results in tearing of the retina and permanent loss of vision. Therefore, if one happens to develop such a problem in the eye, he/she must consult an ophthalmologist, and that too on time.

According to a large number of ophthalmologists, black spots in vision is common in people over 50 years of age. They are mostly not associated with any sort of eye health hazard. They are actually bits of inner fluid of the eyeball floating into view. They are medically termed as eye floaters. As one grows in age, the eyeball shrinks.

The fluid present in it separates into a clear fluid and a stringy residue. These strings are opaque and float at the back of the lens and cast a shadow on the retina. Therefore, old age is itself a reason for it.

Those affected by myopia often have to experience problems of vision explained above. The formation of a shadow on the retina leads to black spots, thereby resulting in this condition.

Vitreous detachment is described as the separation of vitreous body from the internal membrane of the retina. This mainly occurs due to shrinkage of the vitreous, which in turn is as a result of inflammatory conditions, progressive myopia, trauma, diabetes, old age, etc.

When the posterior part of the vitreous detaches, the condition is known as posterior vitreous detachment. The vitreous is often found to liquefy in such a condition. It causes floaters in the eye, and hence is one of the reasons. Some of the identifiable symptoms of posterior vitreous detachment are flashes and photopsia.

When a person's eye is infected with micro-organisms like bacteria, fungi, and viruses, the immune system of the body comes into action to kill them. In the process, dead parts of the infection-causing micro-organisms and immune system cells are left over. They sometimes get caught in the vitreous and create disturbances in the vision. This results in the appearance of black spots.

Migraine is a neurological disease that is characterized by pain in one side of the head. As per research studies, about 13% of people affected by migraine get a warning that the headache is coming on. They experience an alteration in the function of the brain. This is called migraine aura.

It is mostly in the form of a visual symptom like an arc of scintillating zig-zag line or a blotting out of vision. In many cases, the migraine aura begins with a black spot in vision. The size of the spot grows in size as the time passes by. Thus, a migraine aura can be a possible reason for black spots in vision and headache.

Macular degeneration is a medical condition that is marked by loss of vision in the center of the visual field. The reason behind the vision loss is damage to the retina. Elderly people, over 50 years of age, are commonly affected by this condition. Since, the central part of the visual field appears as a black spot, it is an underlying black spot in vision cause.

In some unfortunate cases, surgery conducted on the eye may lead to the detachment of vitreous from the membrane of the retina. This, in turn, leads to the appearance of floaters in the eye, and causes black spots in the field of vision.

It has been seen that many expectant mothers experience this condition. Though the condition is mostly harmless, one should not take the risk of ignoring it. Visit a doctor for necessary help. Also, if the black spots are persistent, or accompanied with loss of vision, one should immediately seek ophthalmologic attention.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.