Floaters are small specks or shapes that appear in your field of vision. They may look like tiny dots, cobwebs, or even squiggly lines. These floaters seem to drift across your visual field and can be most noticeable when looking at a plain background, such as a blue sky or a white wall.
 

Floaters are actually tiny clumps of gel or cells inside the jelly-like substance called the vitreous, which fills the space between the lens and the retina in your eye. While they are common and usually harmless, they can sometimes indicate an underlying eye condition that requires attention from an eye doctor.
 

What Causes Floaters?

The most common cause of floaters is age-related changes in the vitreous. As you grow older, the vitreous becomes more liquid and can shrink or clump together. These clumps cast shadows on the retina, creating the illusion of floaters in your vision.
 

Other causes of floaters can include eye injuries, inflammation in the eye, or certain medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. In some cases, floaters may be a sign of a retinal tear or detachment, which requires immediate medical attention.
 

How Floaters Affect Your Vision

While floaters themselves do not usually cause vision loss or permanent damage, they can be a nuisance and affect your visual clarity. Floaters can make it difficult to focus on objects or read text, especially if they are particularly large or numerous.

Additionally, if you notice a sudden increase in the number of floaters, or if you experience flashes of light or a curtain-like shadow in your vision, it could be a sign of a retinal tear or detachment. These conditions require immediate medical attention to prevent permanent vision loss.
 

When to See Your Eye Doctor for Floaters

While floaters are common and often benign, it is important to see your eye doctor if you experience any of the following:
 

• A sudden increase in the number or intensity of floaters.
• Floaters accompanied by flashes of light or a shadow in your vision.
• Floaters that persist for more than a few days or worsen over time.
• Floaters that significantly interfere with your daily activities or quality of life.

Your eye doctor will perform a comprehensive eye examination to evaluate the health of your eyes, including the retina. They may use specialized imaging techniques, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), to get a detailed view of the retina and determine the cause of your floaters.

The Importance of Early Detection and Treatment

Early detection and treatment of any underlying eye conditions associated with floaters are crucial for preserving your vision. If left untreated, certain conditions such as retinal tears or detachments can lead to permanent vision loss.

If your eye doctor determines that your floaters are harmless and not indicative of any serious conditions, they may recommend monitoring your symptoms and practicing healthy eye habits, such as wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and maintaining a balanced diet rich in eye-healthy nutrients.

However, if your floaters are caused by a retinal tear or detachment, your eye doctor may recommend immediate treatment, such as laser therapy or surgical intervention, to prevent further damage and restore your vision.

Schedule Your Eye Exam with SeePort Optometry Today

While floaters are often harmless, they can sometimes be a sign of an underlying eye condition that requires attention from an eye doctor. If you are experiencing floaters that are accompanied by flashes of light, a shadow in your vision, or any other concerning symptoms, it is important to seek professional medical advice.

Regular eye exams are also essential for maintaining good eye health and detecting any potential issues early on. By staying proactive and addressing floaters or other eye conditions promptly, you can help preserve your vision and ensure the long-term health of your eyes.

Schedule an appointment with our eye doctor to ensure your eye health and address any concerns about floaters, visit SeePort Optometry at our office in North Port, Florida, or call (941) 876-4400 to book an appointment today.