Eye floaters are extremely common. In fact, most people will get eye floaters at one time or another over the course of their lives, but when should you be concerned about eye floaters? Let’s learn more about this eye concern and when to seek care from your ophthalmologist.
Understanding Eye Floaters
Defined as spots that drift across your vision when you move your eyes, floaters typically occur later in life. However, they may also occur at a younger age in those who have had eye trauma, eye surgery, or are very nearsighted. In some cases, eye floaters occur for no reason. Eye floaters may appear as spots, specks, or strings. When you try to look at the floaters directly, they’ll quickly move away.
The main cause of floaters is shrinking vitreous, which is the clear jelly that fills the eyes. When the vitreous shrinks, most commonly due to age, it starts to pull away from the edges of the eye. Solid jelly may then float in the liquid jelly, and the edges of the jelly may cast a shadow over the eye, creating floaters.
Floater Treatment
Usually, floaters improve in four months or less and won’t cause patients any trouble. However, for those who are bothered by eye floaters, there are two treatment options available: vitrectomy, which is a surgical procedure to remove the jelly from the eye, and laser vitreolysis, which is a procedure in which the laser vaporizes the jelly.
Seeking Care for Floaters
While eye floaters are common, you may need to get your eyes checked to ensure that they’re not a sign of a larger issue. New floaters, in particular, should be examined by your ophthalmologist. This is to check that you don’t have any of the following:
- Retinal tears
- Macular holes
- Vitreous hemorrhages
Floaters are typically only a reason for concern if you experience an increase in floaters suddenly. This could indicate an emergency, particularly if you lose your peripheral vision and/or see light flashes.
For more information about eye floaters and available treatments, contact The Eye Clinic of Florida today.