TERMIUM Plus®

The Government of Canada’s terminology and linguistic data bank.

FLOATERS [1 record]

Filter results by subject field Alphabetical list of terms

Filter results by subject field

Alphabetical list of terms

Record 1 2006-02-22

English

Subject field(s)
  • Visual Disorders
CONT

Floaters are entoptic images of opacities in the vitreous. Entoptic image is a visual perception that is produced by structures within the eye - in this case vitreous opacities. Patients complain of small specks or dots that can be seen against a bright background such as a diffusely illuminated wall or the blue sky. Sometimes fine dark lines in amorphous mass - like small branching twigs - are seen. These floaters move around and are also called 'muscae volitantes' because they seem to dart about like flies as the eye is moved.

OBS

The vitreous is a jelly like substance which changes consistency as we age. This change causes the vitreous to separate from the retina. When this happens, the back of the vitreous can be seen as a floater. Most people describe this as a spider web or floating speck. High myopia and trauma can make vitreous separations occur earlier.

OBS

The terms "vitreous floater" and "floater" are usually used in the plural.

Key term(s)
  • vitreous floaters
  • floaters

French

Domaine(s)
  • Troubles de la vision
DEF

Opacités troublant la transparence du vitré.

CONT

La présence des corps flottants est due à l'agglomération d'éléments d'origine embryonnaire ou pathologique (décollement de rétine, décollement du vitré par exemple). Les mouvements du globe oculaire les rendent perceptibles par le sujet, sous la forme de corpuscules mobiles. La présence de corps flottants est courante dans les yeux sains des personnes âgées.

OBS

Les termes «corps flottant du vitré» et «corps flottant» sont habituellement utilisés au pluriel.

Key term(s)
  • corps flottants du vitré
  • corps flottants

Spanish

Save record 1

Copyright notice for the TERMIUM Plus® data bank

© Public Services and Procurement Canada, 2024
TERMIUM Plus®, the Government of Canada's terminology and linguistic data bank
A product of the Translation Bureau

Display options

Change the order of display of the official languages of Canada
Option to display the non-official languages (Spanish or Portuguese)
Display definitions, contexts, etc., on records

Features

Language Portal of Canada

Access a collection of Canadian resources on all aspects of English and French, including quizzes.

Writing tools

The Language Portal’s writing tools have a new look! Easy to consult, they give you access to a wealth of information that will help you write better in English and French.

Glossaries and vocabularies

Access Translation Bureau glossaries and vocabularies.

Date Modified: