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What are Eye Floaters?
Eye floaters come in all shapes and sizes. They can appear as specks, strings, threads, squiggly lines, or cobwebs in your field of vision. You’re most likely to notice floaters while looking at something plain or bright, like a white background or a cloudless sky. Floaters are tiny solidified clumps of cells inside the gel-like substance of our eyes, called vitreous. When you see floaters, you’re actually seeing the shadows these clumps cast upon your retina. Floaters move when your eyes move, so when you try to look directly at them, the drift away. It is normal to not experience floaters in both eyes at the same time.
What Causes Eye Floaters and Who is at Risk?
Floaters, or Myodesopsias, can occur at any age, but most often between 50 and 75. As we age, our vitreous can thicken or shrink, sometimes causing clumps or strands to form. When the vitreous pulls away from the back of the eye, called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), it leads to eye floaters. However, floaters can appear even without this detachment. They are generally harmless and tend to fade over time. Surgery is rarely needed to remove severe floaters due to the risks involved. You’re more likely to experience eye floaters if you:
- Are very nearsighted (or you need glasses to see far away)
- Had cataract surgery
- Have inflammation in the back of your eye
- Have a torn retina
When should you see an Eye Doctor?
Most eye floaters are not a cause for real concern. On the other hand, if you experience any sudden or drastic changes in your vision, you should visit your eye doctor to rule out any potential eye health problems such as retinal detachment, which requires prompt medical attention. Make an appointment with your eye care provider if floaters:
- Begin to worsen over time
- Occur after an eye surgery
- Are accompanied by flashes of light, vision loss, or pain
How do Eye Providers Evaluate Eye Floaters?
During your eye exam, your doctor will likely take pictures of your retina and possibly dilate your eyes to get a clearer look. This process allows them to see the floaters you have and check on your retina. If you have significant myodesopsias, you may need to have regular exams as a precaution. This way, your eye doctor can keep track of how your vitreous is shrinking over time. Consistent eye exams also can help prevent more serious problems from happening later down the road.
Curious about the specks or shapes you’re seeing? Schedule an appointment with a Performance Eyecare doctor at a location near you. Our team of specialists are ready to answer any questions during your next comprehensive eye exam.