Have you ever looked at a bright sky or computer screen and seen a squiggly line or dot drifting by? These are likely eye floaters.
Although they’re usually harmless, new or increasing floaters can be a sign of something serious. During a comprehensive eye exam in Murfreesboro, our optometrist can evaluate floaters and determine if they need attention.
Keep reading to learn more about eye floaters and when you should see an eye doctor for professional care.
What do eye floaters look like?
Eye floaters often appear as small, shadowy shapes that move across your field of vision. Most people describe them as:
- Tiny spots or specks
- Thread-like strands
- Cobweb-like patterns
- Floating dots or circles
Floaters move as your eyes move, and they often seem to dart away if you try to focus on them directly. They’re most noticeable when looking at a bright, uniform background, such as a blue sky or a blank wall.
What causes eye floaters?
The most common cause of eye floaters is the natural aging process. As the vitreous gel in your eye begins to shrink, it becomes more liquid and starts to pull away from the retina. This process, called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), often causes floaters to appear.
Other causes include:
- Eye injuries or trauma
- Inflammation in the eye (uveitis)
- Bleeding in the eye, often from diabetic retinopathy or trauma
- Eye surgery or laser procedures, which can disturb the vitreous
- Nearsightedness (myopia), which increases the likelihood of early floaters
Are eye floaters normal?
For most people, eye floaters are a normal part of the aging process. They typically start to show up between the ages of 50 and 70 as the vitreous gel inside the eye begins to shrink and pull away from the retina. Occasionally, floaters may appear earlier in life, especially if you’re nearsighted or have had eye surgery.
If you’re under 50 and start noticing frequent eye floaters, it’s a good idea to talk with your optometrist. While floaters can still be harmless, they could also point to a more serious condition that needs attention.
When are eye floaters dangerous?
Not all eye floaters are harmless. You should seek immediate evaluation by an optometrist if:
- You notice sudden, new floaters
- You see flashes of light alongside floaters
- A portion of your vision becomes dark or shadowed
- The floaters appear red, which could indicate bleeding inside the eye
These symptoms may be early signs of a retinal tear or retinal detachment. Both conditions can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. A retinal tear, if detected early, can often be treated with an in-office laser procedure to help prevent further damage.
If you notice any of these warning signs, schedule a comprehensive eye exam right away to protect your vision.
How to get rid of eye floaters
In most cases, floaters fade or become less noticeable over time. Your brain can adapt and begin to ignore them, especially if they aren’t interfering with your vision.
However, if floaters become bothersome or start to affect daily activities, you do have treatment options:
1. Observation
Most floaters don’t require treatment. If they’re mild, your optometrist may simply recommend monitoring them over time.
2. Vitrectomy
Vitrectomy is a surgical option in which the vitreous gel is removed and replaced with a clear solution. Vitrectomy is typically reserved for severe floaters, as it carries potential risks like retinal detachment or infection.
3. Laser vitreolysis
Some eye doctors use lasers to break up floaters, making them less noticeable. This treatment isn’t suitable for all types of floaters and is not widely available.
4. Regular eye exams
Even if your floaters are mild, staying on top of your eye health is key. Regular eye exams with our Murfreesboro optometrists can detect early signs of more serious vision issues and help you manage them.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, eye floaters are common, especially as we age. While most are harmless and fade over time, new or worsening floaters can be a sign of a more serious eye condition. Paying attention to vision changes and scheduling regular eye exams can help you stay ahead of potential issues before they impact your vision.
If you’ve noticed floaters, flashes, or any changes in your vision, don’t wait to get answers. Call us today or schedule an appointment online with one of our optometrists.
