Seeing shadows or shapes moving in your vision can be unsettling. Eye floaters often result from natural changes in the eye, but certain symptoms require urgent care. This post will explain what causes floaters, when to call an eye doctor, and how a comprehensive eye exam can provide peace of mind.
What are eye floaters?
Eye floaters are small, dark shapes that drift across your field of vision. You may notice specks, threads, or cobweb-like shapes, particularly when looking at a bright, plain background such as the sky or a white wall.¹
Floaters appear when small clumps of collagen or cellular debris in the vitreous—the gel-like substance inside your eyes—cast shadows on your retina. While typically harmless, they often become more noticeable with age.
What causes eye floaters?
A few different factors can cause floaters to appear in your vision:
- Age-related vitreous changes: The gel inside your eyes naturally thins and can form clumps or strands. These clumps cast shadows on the retina, which appear as floaters in the eyes.
- Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD): When the vitreous pulls away from the retina, you may notice a sudden rise in floaters and occasionally see flashes of light.
- Eye injuries or surgery: Trauma to the eye or procedures such as cataract surgery may disturb the vitreous, leading to additional floaters.
- Inflammation or infection: Inflammatory conditions like uveitis can leave debris in the vitreous, causing shapes to appear in your vision.
When are eye floaters dangerous?
Most floaters are harmless, but you should contact an eye doctor immediately if you notice¹:
- A sudden or noticeable increase in floaters
- Flashes of light in your vision
- A dark shadow or curtain covering part of your vision
- Loss of peripheral vision
These symptoms may indicate retinal tears or detachments, which require emergency care to prevent permanent vision loss.
How to get rid of eye floaters
During a comprehensive eye exam, our experienced eye doctors in Plymouth can closely inspect your retina and vitreous to figure out why floaters are appearing. Catching any issues early helps ensure prompt care and lowers the risk of serious eye problems.
Depending on what’s causing them, treatment can range from simple monitoring to procedures that repair retinal tears or detachments. For most people, however, floaters can be managed safely without surgery or invasive measures.
How to make eye floaters less noticeable
While you can’t always prevent floaters, these tips can help ease eye strain and make them less distracting:
- Take regular breaks from screens to rest your eyes
- Use well-lit areas for reading or working
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to reduce glare
- Keep up with routine eye exams
Stay ahead of eye concerns
Noticing floaters can feel alarming, but don’t worry. Our experienced eye doctors can help you determine whether floaters are harmless or require attention. Scheduling a comprehensive eye exam gives you peace of mind, ensures your eyes are healthy, and helps protect your vision before problems develop.
References:
