While in most cases, eye floaters a benign condition, a sudden increase in eye floaters could indicate something serious, and requires a visit to an eye specialist. Photograph used for representational purposes only 
| Photo Credit: Getty Images

If, while gazing at a bright white wall or the clear blue sky, you’ve seen tiny, squiggly black shapes dance in your line of vision, you’re not alone. Eye floaters, medically known as myodesopsias, are fairly common, especially in older adults. While in most cases, this is a benign condition, a sudden increase in eye floaters could indicate something serious, and requires a visit to an eye specialist.

What are eye floaters?

The middle part of your eye consists of a clear gel-like substance known as vitreous humour. It fills the space between the lens and the retina, and provides nutrients, and also helps maintain the shape of the eye. As people age, the vitreous humour shrinks. When this happens, clumps or strands can form within the vitreous. These cast shadows on your retina, and these are what people see as floaters. Often, floaters happen with posterior vitreous detachment — a condition of ageing where the vitreous humour pulls away from the retina, but they can appear without it.

People describe floaters differently — some see spots, while others can see lines, cobwebs, specks or strings. They may drift when you move your eyes or when you try and look at them directly, and will remain even if you blink.

What are flashes?

Some people notice flashes of light (photopsias) at the same time as floaters, or separately. They may appear as lights flashing or lightning streaks. Seeing flashes occasionally, is common with ageing. They also occur with posterior vitreous detachment.

Who is at risk of floaters?

Being over the age of 50, being near-sighted (needing glasses to see things at a distance), having had surgery for cataracts, a family history of retinal tears or detachment and having swelling inside the eye are all risk factors for floaters.

Additionally, floaters can also be caused due to bleeding in the eye due to a retinal tear or diabetic retinopathy, infections, retinal detachment, eye injuries or inflammatory conditions like uveitis, which is an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye.

Do floaters require treatment?

Most cases of floaters are not serious, and are generally harmless even though they may be irksome. Over time, they may become less noticeable. Ageing-related floaters generally do not need treatment. Severe floaters that are affecting the vision can be removed through a surgical procedure called vitrectomy, in which the vitreous is removed through a small incision and is replaced with a solution to help your eye maintain its shape. However, this procedure carries risks.

When do you need to see a doctor?

At times, floaters and flashes could be signs of a serious condition. It is important to consult a doctor, if: there is a rapid increase in the number of floaters, a shadow appears in the side vision, a grey curtain or blurry area blocking part of the vision, a lot of flashes, eye pain or redness. These could be signs of a retinal tear or detachment and immediate medical attention is needed.

Managing chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure is also vital. Getting regular eye exams can go a long way towards helping keep your eyes healthy.

C. Kumarbabu was more than a psychiatrist: he was a philosopher in practice, a teacher by instinct, and a seeker at heart. His career, which spanned decades, was defined by his pioneering work in integrating scientific meditation with psychiatric treatment. A bridge between science and spirituality, Dr. Kumarbabu connected the intellectual rigor of the West with the wisdom of the East, creating a harmonious blend of intellect and intuition.

Affiliated with the Institute of Mental Health in Kilpauk, Chennai, Dr. Kumarbabu reshaped the landscape of mental healthcare. His impact continues to be felt in the over 25,000 individuals he personally trained in meditation for emotional well-being and stress management, leaving behind a legacy that transcends time.

What truly set him apart was his empowering approach to counseling. As he often said, “Transformation arises not from advice, but from insight.” Dr. Kumarbabu didn’t impose changes; instead, he held up a mirror, guiding his students to discover their own paths to transformation.

‘Always a teacher’

Bhagyalakshmi, a meditation student since 1996, recalls, “He was always a teacher, finding something to teach in every moment. Even in casual conversations, he could discuss anything—from classical philosophy to quantum physics—with ease. His intelligence and humor kept every room alive with laughter and learning.”

Dr. Kumarbabu’s spiritual teachings were both profound and practical, making abstract concepts accessible. Haridas Menon, a retired metallurgist, shares, “I’ve been a fan of his spiritual lectures for 35 years. He blended science, spirituality, religion, and mental health effortlessly. His punctuality was legendary, and his brilliance was as much in his conduct as in his content.”

Dr. Kumarbabu’s meditation sessions were about exploration, not control. “He never policed our thoughts,” says Vijayalakshmi, another long-time student. “He encouraged us to observe them without attachment. His guidance inspired a deep transformation in me—what words rarely can. I went from being angry to calm and aware. Even my daughter found clarity after just three sessions.”

A legendary memory

Dr. Kumarbabu’s memory was legendary—not for mere recall, but for its ability to connect the past with the present. “He could recite long film monologues and immediately link them to our lives,” says Ms. Vijayalakshmi. “His memory bridged knowledge to the moment, making his teachings come alive.”

For Senthil Kumar, an IT professional from Chennai, a chance visit to a meditation class led to a life-changing experience. “I came out of curiosity, but stayed because everything was so practical and relatab-le. No mysticism, just real talk. He made meditation accessible and linked great masters and scriptures to everyday struggles.”

Dr. Kumarbabu’s ability to balance reverence with relevance was a hallmark of his approach. Rooted in Eastern wisdom yet respecting the scientific rigor of the West, he integrated both to offer a holistic, sustainable vision of wellness.

Training in psychology

Beyond his clinical expertise, Dr. Kumarbabu was a gifted mentor and educator. He trained countless social workers, police officers, and other stakeholders in child and adolescent psychology, equipping them to work meaningfully with children in distress. His approach was always rooted in empathy and insight, placing the child at the center of care and protection.

Dr. Kumarbabu was also a cherished faculty member of the Centre for Social Initiative and Management (CSIM) since its inception. His counseling sessions were more than classes; they were heartfelt conversations that opened minds and hearts. Generations of CSIM students benefited from his gentle guidance, deep understanding of human emotions, and unwavering belief in the power of listening and healing.

A significant part of Dr. Kumarbabu’s journey was the unwavering support and shared commitment to social causes by his beloved wife, Girija Kumarbabu, herself a committed social worker involved in a number of outreach initiatives. Together, they inspired countless individuals in their community, demonstrating a shared dedication to improving the lives of others. Mrs. Kumarbabu’s compassion and dedication to social work have been as integral to their mission as Dr. Kumarbabu’s own contributions. The couple’s collective work continues to be a source of inspiration, reminding us all of the profound impact of service and care in shaping a compassionate society.

Dr. Kumarbabu’s legacy endures, not just in the minds he helped heal, but in the hearts he awakened. Through his teachings, he showed us that peace begins within—and that in stillness, we often find our greatest strength.

(Shanmuga Priya is a freelance writer and has been associated with CSIM’s publication Conversations Today since 2013. shathi2118@gmail.com)

Image used for representational purposes only
| Photo Credit: Getty Images

A team of researchers has developed a biosensor platform to screen pregnant women for eclampsia, a serious complication marked by the onset of seizures.

Pre-eclampsia, which can lead to eclampsia if left untreated, is a life-threatening condition that occurs during pregnancy. Eclampsia poses significant risks to both pregnant women and newborns, making rapid, on-site, and affordable screening essential for timely diagnosis and early intervention.

The multi-institutional research, led by IIT Madras, has developed a point-of-care testing using fibre optics sensor technology as a possible alternative to existing technologies. The current methods to detect pre-eclampsia are time-consuming and require a lot of infrastructure and trained personnel, making them inaccessible in remote areas and resource-limited settings. A diagnostic test must be sensitive, specific, and quick. 

The research team, comprising V.V. Raghavendra Sai and Ratan Kumar Chaudhary from the Department of Applied Mechanics and Biomedical Engineering; Narayanan Madaboosi from the Department of Biotechnology; Jitendra Satija, Centre for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology; and Balaji Nandagopal and Ramprasad Srinivasan from Sri Sakthi Amma Institute of Biomedical Research, Sri Narayani Hospital and Research Centre, Vellore, developed the diagnostic test.

The findings of their research were published in the peer-reviewed journal Biosensors and Bioelectronics. 

Mr. Raghavendra Sai said, “Placental growth factor (PIGF) is an angiogenic blood biomarker used for pre-eclampsia diagnosis. We have established the plasmonic fibre optic absorbance biosensor (P-FAB) technology to detect PIGF at femtomolar level using polymethyl methacrylate-based u-bent polymeric optical fibre (POF) sensor probes.” 

The PIGF biomarker peaks at 28 to 32 weeks in normal pregnancy but in women with pre-eclampsia, it decreases two to three times after 28 weeks of pregnancy. The sensor probe developed by the researchers could measure PIGF within 30 minutes of using the P-FAB-based POF sensor platform. This, the researcher said, paved the way for cost-effective technology for PIGF detection and its potential for pre-eclampsia diagnosis.   

Mr. Madaboosi said the technology had systematically traversed the required validation stages, ranging from analytical through bioanalytical to clinical evaluation and advancing the associated technology readiness level. Large-scale patient sample analysis in clinical settings with the validated biosensor, along with robust prototyping, would smoothen the technology transfer and commercialisation in the near and mid-term future. 

Mr. Chaudhary said, the technology eliminated the use of harsh chemicals and uses recyclable POF. The dip-type technology requires a sample volume of 30 µL (a droplet) and is environmental and user-friendly. 

Detection of other diseases

Mr. Satija said the strategy can be used for on-site detection of other diseases such as cancer, tuberculosis, and Alzheimer’s. The technology provides results within 30 minutes with minimal use of reagents. Research had been conducted for over 15 years, he said, adding that though P-FAB technology is still emerging, it would be as beneficial as glucose sensors soon. 

Dr. Ramprasad said classifying the subjects as high-risk and low-risk would enable to determine the treatment. Low dose of aspirin, if given early to the high-risk women, could decrease the incidence of pre-eclampsia. The test also aids in the treatment and improves maternal and neonatal outcomes.