Eye floaters are small, shadowy shapes that appear in your field of vision. They can look like spots, threads, squiggly lines, or cobwebs and seem to drift away when you try to focus on them.
Floaters are caused by tiny clumps of gel or cells inside the vitreous, the gel-like substance that fills the inside of your eye. As you age, the vitreous becomes more liquid, and these clumps cast shadows on the retina, which you perceive as floaters.
Common Causes of Eye Floaters
- Aging: The vitreous gel shrinks and becomes stringy over time, leading to floaters.
- Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD): The vitreous pulls away from the retina, which is common as you age.
- Eye Injuries or Inflammation: Trauma or conditions like uveitis can cause floaters.
- Bleeding in the Eye: Diabetes, hypertension, or blocked blood vessels can lead to bleeding, which may appear as floaters.
- Retinal Tear or Detachment: Floaters can sometimes signal a serious condition where the retina pulls away from the back of the eye.
What to Do If You Notice Floaters
- Don’t Panic: Occasional floaters are common and usually harmless, especially if they’ve been present for a long time and haven’t changed.
- Monitor Changes: Keep track of any new floaters, flashes of light, or changes in your vision.
- Schedule an Eye Exam: If you’re concerned or notice sudden changes, visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye exam.
- Protect Your Eyes: Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays and avoid eye injuries.
Treatment Options
- Observation: Most floaters don’t require treatment and may become less noticeable over time as your brain adapts.
- Vitrectomy: In severe cases, a surgical procedure to remove the vitreous gel and replace it with a saline solution may be recommended.
- Laser Therapy: A laser can sometimes break up large floaters, though this is less common and not always effective.
Prevention Tips
- Maintain regular eye exams, especially if you’re over 50 or have a history of eye problems.
- Manage chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, which can affect eye health.
- Eat a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support eye health.
If you’re ever unsure about changes in your vision, it’s always best to consult an eye care professional to rule out serious conditions.
