Eye floaters are a common yet bothersome eye condition that can cause blurry or distorted vision. These tiny, dark shapes appear to move within your field of vision. They can be black spots, fibers, squiggly lines, or small cobwebs. It’s common for people to have floaters that come and go without needing any treatment. However, if you notice a sudden presence of new floaters that don’t go away, it’s important to inform your eye doctor, as this could indicate a serious eye condition.

Understanding the Risk Factors and Their Causes

Floaters are a common problem that everyone experiences as they get older. But some people are more prone to developing floaters than others. People who have very high levels of nearsightedness, diabetes, or have had surgery for cataracts are particularly at risk for developing floaters.

Eye floaters usually show up due to the natural changes in our eyes. The gel-like liquid inside our eyes, called the vitreous, may form strands as we age. These cast shadows on the light-sensitive thin tissue layer lining the back of your eye, known as the retina. These shadows show up as floaters.

When to See Your Eye Doctor

While often harmless, eye floaters can sometimes signify something more serious. In some cases, floaters may be caused by eye infections, injuries, inflammation, or bleeding in the eye. Other causes are retinal tears, vitreous detachment, and retinal detachment. Light flashes, sudden increase of floaters, blurry vision, and dark, curtain-like shadows that move across your vision are all signs of a detached retina. Pay attention to any changes in your vision and contact an eye specialist if you experience any new floaters or other changes to your vision.

How Your Doctor Can Help

Floaters are an annoying reality for many people. But thankfully, your eye doctor can check for them as part of a comprehensive dilated eye exam. Regularly checking for floaters is important to ensure that any underlying problems are caught and treated early. With the help of eye drops to dilate your pupil, your doctor can check for floaters and any other potential issues in the back of your eyes.

How Are Eye Floaters Treated

Treatment for floaters has come a long way and depends on the cause. If another eye condition causes your floaters, you may need to seek treatment for that condition to get relief from your floaters.

If you have floaters due to the natural aging process and they don’t cause discomfort, you likely won’t require any treatment. Your eye doctor may suggest a vitrectomy if your floaters impair your vision and impact your daily life. Discussing the risks and potential benefits of this procedure with a medical professional is crucial.

Do you often get eye floaters? At Memorial Vision, we can help diagnose and treat this problem. Get in touch with our team of eye doctors today in Houston, Texas. Call us at (281) 496-1635 to schedule your consultation.