Floaters

Understanding Floaters: What You Need to Know

What Are Floaters?

Floaters are small, dark shapes that drift across your field of vision. They may appear as spots, threads, squiggly lines, or cobweb-like figures. While floaters are common and often harmless, they can occasionally signal a more serious eye condition. If you experience new floaters that appear suddenly and persist, it's important to consult your eye doctor promptly.

Symptoms of Floaters

Floaters tend to move with your eyes, making them hard to focus on directly. When your eyes stop moving, floaters may continue to drift across your vision. They are often more noticeable when looking at something bright, such as a white paper or a clear blue sky.

Who Is at Risk for Floaters?

Almost everyone will experience floaters as they age. However, certain factors can increase your risk, including:

• Severe nearsightedness
• Diabetes
• Previous cataract surgery

Causes of Floaters

Floaters typically result from normal changes in the eye. As you age, the vitreous (a gel-like fluid filling the eye) can develop tiny strands that cast shadows on the retina, creating the appearance of floaters. Other, more serious causes include:

• Eye infections
• Eye injuries
• Uveitis (inflammation in the eye)
• Bleeding within the eye
• Vitreous detachment (when the vitreous pulls away from the retina)
• Retinal tear (a hole in the retina due to vitreous detachment)
• Retinal detachment (the retina being pulled away from the back of the eye)

When to Seek Immediate Help

New floaters can sometimes indicate a retinal tear or detachment, which is a medical emergency. Symptoms include:

• A sudden increase in floaters, often accompanied by flashes of light
• A dark shadow or blurry area in your peripheral or central vision

If you experience these symptoms, seek immediate attention from your eye doctor or go to the emergency room.

Diagnosing Floaters

Your eye doctor can detect floaters during a dilated eye exam. This involves using eye drops to widen your pupils, allowing the doctor to examine your eyes thoroughly. While the exam is generally painless, some pressure may be applied to your eyelids to check for retinal tears, which might cause mild discomfort.

Treatment Options for Floaters

Treatment depends on the cause of your floaters. If they're linked to another eye condition, that underlying issue may need to be treated. If aging is the cause and the floaters aren't bothersome, no treatment is necessary. However, if floaters significantly affect your vision and daily life, your doctor might recommend a vitrectomy—a surgical procedure to remove the floaters. Discuss the potential risks and benefits of this surgery with your eye doctor to determine the best course of action.