Have you ever noticed tiny spots, cobwebs, or squiggly lines drifting across your field of vision, especially when looking at a bright background like a clear sky or a white wall? These are called eye floaters, and they are quite common. Though they may seem concerning at first, most floaters are harmless. However, there are times when floaters can indicate a more serious underlying condition.

What Are Eye Floaters?

Eye floaters are tiny specks, strings, or clumps that seem to move within your field of vision. Despite what it seems, these objects aren't actually in front of your eyes but are floating inside your eye’s vitreous humor—a gel-like substance that fills the inside of your eye and helps it maintain its shape. As we age, this gel can shrink or become more liquid, causing small fibers within the vitreous to clump together. These clumps cast shadows on the retina, which is what you perceive as floaters.
 

Causes of Eye Floaters

For most people, eye floaters are simply a part of the natural aging process, particularly for individuals over the age of 50. However, other factors can contribute to the presence of floaters, including:
 

• Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD): As the vitreous gel shrinks, it can pull away from the retina, which often results in a sudden increase in floaters. PVD is a common age-related condition and is usually not serious, but it can sometimes lead to more severe eye issues.
   

• Eye injury or inflammation: Trauma to the eye or conditions like uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye) can cause floaters to appear.
   

• Retinal tears or detachment: In rare cases, floaters may signal a retinal tear or detachment, which is a serious medical condition that requires immediate treatment to prevent vision loss.
   

• Diabetic retinopathy: Individuals with diabetes may develop floaters due to bleeding within the eye, a complication of the condition.
   

Are Eye Floaters Serious?

In most cases, floaters are harmless and simply an annoyance. If they appear gradually and don't interfere with your vision, there’s typically no cause for concern. However, certain symptoms can indicate a more serious issue. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
 

• A sudden increase in the number of floaters
   

• Flashes of light in your vision
   

• Loss of peripheral vision (this can be a sign of retinal detachment)
   

• A shadow or curtain spreading across your field of vision
   

• Eye pain accompanying the floaters
   

These symptoms could indicate a retinal tear or detachment, which requires urgent medical care to prevent permanent vision loss.
 

Treatment for Eye Floaters

For most people, no treatment is necessary for eye floaters. They often become less noticeable over time as the brain adjusts and learns to ignore them. However, in rare cases where floaters significantly impair vision, treatment options are available, including:
 

• Vitrectomy: This surgical procedure removes the vitreous gel and replaces it with a saline solution. While effective, it is usually only recommended in severe cases because it comes with risks, such as retinal detachment or cataract formation.
   

• Laser treatment: Some doctors offer laser therapy to break up floaters, making them less visible. This procedure is relatively new and may not be suitable for everyone.
   

Get in Touch with Memorial Vision

Eye floaters are usually a benign part of the aging process and don’t require treatment. However, it’s important to stay alert to any sudden changes in your vision, such as an increase in floaters, flashes of light, or peripheral vision loss, which could indicate a more serious condition like retinal detachment. 
 

If you're concerned about floaters or any other vision issues, schedule an eye exam with Memorial Vision. Contact our office in Houston, Texas, by calling (281) 496-1635 to book an appointment today.