When Should You Worry About Eye Floaters?

Eye floaters are small, semi-transparent specks or cobweb-like structures that drift across your field of vision. They are typically harmless and a natural consequence of the aging process within the eye. As you grow older, the vitreous humor (the gel-like substance that fills the interior of the eye) becomes more liquid, and its microscopic fibers clump together, casting tiny shadows on the retina, which you perceive as floaters.
 

These floaters may appear as dots, circles, lines, clouds, or squiggly shapes, and they tend to move around when you shift your gaze or blink. They are most noticeable when you're looking at a bright, plain background, such as a clear sky or a white wall.
 

Common Eye Conditions Associated with Eye Floaters

In some cases, eye floaters can be a symptom of an underlying eye condition. Here are some common eye conditions that may be associated with eye floaters:
 

Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD): As you age, the vitreous gel can separate from the retina, causing a sudden increase in floaters and flashes of light. This condition is called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) and is usually harmless but should be evaluated by an eye doctor.
 

Retinal Tear or Detachment: If the vitreous gel pulls away from the retina too forcefully, it can cause a tear or detachment in the retina, leading to a sudden increase in floaters and flashes of light. This is a serious condition that requires immediate attention to prevent permanent vision loss.
 

Diabetic Retinopathy: Individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can cause abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage in the retina. This can lead to the formation of floaters and other vision problems.
 

Eye Inflammation: Certain types of eye inflammation, such as uveitis or vitritis, can cause the formation of floaters and other vision disturbances.
 

When Should You Be Concerned About Eye Floaters?

While most eye floaters are harmless, there are certain situations when you should seek medical attention. If you experience a sudden increase in the number of floaters, particularly if accompanied by flashes of light or a curtain-like shadow in your peripheral vision, it could be a sign of a retinal tear or detachment, which requires immediate attention.
 

If the floaters are accompanied by vision loss, blurred vision, or a dark spot in your central vision, it could be a sign of a more serious condition, such as retinal detachment or age-related macular degeneration.
 

If you experience eye pain, redness, or sensitivity to light along with the floaters, it could be a sign of eye inflammation or infection, which requires prompt medical attention.
 

If you develop floaters after sustaining an eye injury or trauma, it could be a sign of internal bleeding or other complications, and you should seek medical attention immediately.
 

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you are concerned about your eye floaters or experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms, it is essential to consult an optometrist for a comprehensive eye examination. An optometrist can perform various tests to evaluate the health of your eyes and determine the underlying cause of your floaters. During the examination, the optometrist may use the following techniques:

• Slit-Lamp Examination: This involves using a specialized microscope to examine the front and back portions of your eye, including the vitreous humor, retina, and optic nerve.
• Dilated Eye Exam: Your optometrist may use eye drops to dilate (widen) your pupils, allowing for a better view of the retina and the vitreous humor.
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): This non-invasive imaging technique uses light waves to capture detailed images of the retina and other structures within the eye.

If the floaters are not causing significant vision problems and are not associated with any underlying condition, your optometrist may simply recommend monitoring them and adjusting to their presence.
 

In severe cases, where the floaters are significantly impairing your vision or are caused by a retinal detachment or other serious condition, your optometrist may recommend a surgical procedure called a vitrectomy. This involves removing the vitreous humor and replacing it with a clear solution, effectively eliminating the floaters.
 

For some types of floaters, your optometrist may recommend a laser treatment called laser vitreolysis, which aims to break up or vaporize the floaters using targeted laser pulses.
 

Taking Care of Your Eye Health

While eye floaters are often harmless and a natural part of the aging process, it's essential to be aware of when they may indicate a more serious underlying condition. By being vigilant about any changes in your vision and seeking prompt medical attention when necessary, you can ensure the health and well-being of your eyes.
 

If you're experiencing persistent or concerning eye floaters, schedule an appointment with Brixton Eye Clinic. We will thoroughly evaluate your condition and provide personalized treatment recommendations to ensure optimal eye health and clear vision. Visit our office in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, or call (405) 450-8700 to book an appointment today.