Have you ever noticed specs, strings, or blob-shaped spots drifting across your vision? Do they seem to move when you shift your eyes or try to focus on them? If so, you may have eye floaters.
Eye floaters are one of the most common eye symptoms. In fact, an estimated 70 percent of people experience eye floaters at some point in their lives. But, what causes eye floaters? And when should you be concerned?
At Florida Eye Specialists, we are here to help you understand what causes eye floaters, when they might indicate a more serious issue, and what treatment options are available if they begin to affect your vision.
What Causes Eye Floaters?
Eye floaters become more common as we age, particularly in people ages 50 and up. They happen when the vitreous humor, a jelly-like substance within your eyes, begins to liquefy and contract. Tiny pieces of collagen within the vitreous clump together and form floating strands, which you perceive as floaters.
Almost everyone will experience eye floaters at some point, but certain factors increase your risk, including:
- Near-sightedness
- Eye trauma
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Eye inflammation
- Previous cataract surgery
- Increased age
How are Eye Floaters Treated?
The good news is eye floaters are a common and normally harmless eye condition. They generally do not pose any sort of health threat and often become smaller and less noticeable over time.
Fortunately, there are several options available to help treat the symptoms of eye floaters. The two most common treatment options are laser treatment and vitrectomy.
- Laser Treatment – This procedure uses targeted laser light to break up or dissolve eye floaters. For those hesitant to undergo surgery, laser treatment offers a less invasive option with a lower risk of complications.
- Vitrectomy – This surgical procedure involves removing the vitreous, the jelly-like substance inside the eye where the floaters are suspended. It is typically reserved for severe cases where floaters significantly interfere with the patient’s vision.
- Observation – For most people, this is the safest approach. Floaters often become less noticeable as your brain learns to ignore them. Regular eye exams help your doctor make sure nothing more serious is going on.
When to Contact a Healthcare Professional About Eye Floaters
In most cases, eye floaters are harmless and simply a part of the natural aging process. However, eye floaters may sometimes indicate a more serious eye condition. You should contact your eye doctor right away if you notice any of the following:
- A sudden increase in floaters
- Flashes of light in your vision
- Shadows blocking your vision
- Loss of peripheral vision
These symptoms could indicate retinal detachment, inflammation, or some other urgent eye condition that requires immediate medical attention to prevent vision loss. Even if you suspect your floaters are mild, it is important to schedule regular eye exams and let your eye doctor know of any vision changes.
Schedule an Appointment with Florida Eye Specialists
Do you suffer from floaters in your vision? Don’t wait to get them checked. At Florida Eye Specialists, our experienced team of board-certified ophthalmologists can evaluate your symptoms, determine what causes eye floaters, and recommend a personalized treatment plan for your eyes.
Schedule an appointment today and get the expert care you need to protect your vision.