Eye floaters are a common visual experience that many people notice but don’t fully understand. They often appear as small dots, threads, squiggly lines, or cobweb-like shapes that seem to drift across your field of vision. Floaters are easiest to spot when looking at bright backgrounds—like a blue sky or white wall—and tend to move when your eyes move, often darting away when you try to look directly at them. Some remain still, while others slowly drift. In certain cases, people may also see quick flashes of light, according to Healthline.
So, what causes them?
Floaters are tiny clumps of protein fibers called collagen that float in the vitreous, the clear gel-like substance inside your eye. As you age, these fibers can shrink and stick together, casting tiny shadows on your retina—which is what you actually perceive as floaters.
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Those brief flashes of light occur when the vitreous gel tugs on the retina, stimulating light-sensitive cells.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Although floaters are usually harmless, a sudden increase in floaters or flashes of light should never be ignored. These changes could indicate a more serious issue that requires immediate attention from an eye doctor.
Floaters are most common among people aged 50 to 75, individuals who are nearsighted, or those who have had cataract surgery.
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If floaters or flashes are accompanied by blurred vision or vision loss, they may signal conditions such as:
- Retinal tears or detachment
- Eye infections
- Inflammation (uveitis)
- Vitreous hemorrhage
- Migraines
Diagnosis and Treatment
According to Vision Center, doctors diagnose eye floaters through a dilated eye exam, which involves using special drops to widen your pupils so the vitreous and retina can be examined closely.
Treatment depends on the cause and severity. In rare cases, doctors may recommend:
- Vitrectomy – a surgical procedure that removes the vitreous gel (and the floaters) through a small incision.
- Laser therapy – a technique that breaks up floaters to make them less noticeable. However, this method is still considered experimental and not always advised.
Keeping Your Eyes Healthy
Regular eye check-ups and paying attention to new or unusual symptoms are the best ways to maintain healthy vision and detect any problems early.
If you found this information helpful, share it with your family and friends to help them better understand this common eye condition.
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