Dark spots on the eyes are pigmented lesions caused by the increase in size and amount of melanocytes, which are the cells that produce melanin (substance that gives color to the skin).
As in the skin, these spots, called nevi, are "pints" that appear in the white eye (sclera), but which may also arise in the iris (colored part of the eye), conjunctiva (covering the inside of the eyelids and the sclera) and choroid (tissue located behind the eye).
The color of these pigmented lesions varies between black, brown and pink, and may be smooth or slightly raised.
Most dark spots that appear on the eye are benign, such as on the skin. However, a nevus can also indicate a pre-cancerous lesion (acquired primary melanosis) or cancer (conjunctival melanoma).
When in doubt, the ophthalmologist may decide to do a biopsy to determine the type of nevus, especially if the spot begins to grow.
I see dark spots and black spots that wiggle when I move my eyes. What can it be?
In this case, the spots or dark spots, also called "flying flies", can have two causes:
Fluctuations in the vitreous (gelatinous and transparent substance that fills the eyeball):
- In most cases, these floating black spots or spots are cells that group together and do not represent anything serious, nor do they need treatment;
- The fluctuation may also be a part of the vitreous that has detached, blood cells floating in the vitreous or an intraocular inflammation;
- They become more frequent with aging, being very common in people with myopia;
- When vitreous detachment occurs, the person has the sensation of "spider web" vision, which can last for months and years. Although not severe, it is important to follow up with your ophthalmologist to follow the progress of the condition.
- Retinal detachment (innermost layer of eye, responsible for vision):
- This is a much more serious situation than fluctuations in the vitreous;
- The detachment occurs due to a tear or hole in the retina, which allows fluid to enter and causes the retinal tissue to take off or lift;
- It can happen spontaneously, but most of the time it is associated with detachment of the vitreous, which detaches itself from the retina and causes tearing at the site;
- In addition to flying flies, it can also cause partial and sudden loss of vision and bright flashes;
- Early diagnosis of retinal detachment is very important and treatment can be done with laser application or surgery.
In case of dark spots that appear in the eyes or appear in the field of vision, doctor / ophthalmologist as soon as possible to receive a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
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