When Should I Worry About Eye Floaters?

Eye floaters are tiny specks that drift across your field of vision can be alarming, especially if you're unaware of what they are and why they occur. Understanding of eye floaters, the causes, symptoms, when to worry, and how regular eye exams can help detect them early.

 

What Are Eye Floaters?

Eye floaters are tiny specks or spots that float across your field of vision. They often appear as small, shadowy shapes that move as your eyes move and seem to dart away when you try to look at them directly.

The primary cause is age-related changes in the eye. As we age, the vitreous, or the jelly-like substance filling our eyes, starts to liquefy and detach from the retina, leading to the formation of floaters.

Other causes include inflammation at the back of the eye, bleeding in the eye, torn retina, certain eye medications, and eye surgeries. It's also worth noting that certain medical conditions like diabetes, eye tumors, and traumatic eye injuries can also lead to floaters.

The most common symptom is noticing floating specks or spots within your field of vision. These can appear as black or gray dots, squiggly lines, thread-like strands, or cobwebs. They may move as you move your eyes and dart away when you try to look at them directly.

 

When to Worry About Eye Floaters

While eye floaters are often harmless and a part of the natural aging process, there are certain situations where they could indicate a more serious problem. If you notice a sudden increase in the number of floaters, flashes of light, peripheral vision loss, or if the floaters are accompanied by pain, it's essential to seek medical attention immediately. These symptoms could indicate retinal detachment, which is a medical emergency that can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated.

 

Advantages of Regular Eye Exams for Detecting Eye Floaters

Regular comprehensive eye exams can help detect floaters early, even before you notice any symptoms. During an eye exam, your eye doctor can examine your retina and vitreous, and identify any issues that might lead to floaters. If you already have floaters, regular eye exams can monitor their progress and determine if they are a sign of a more serious problem.

Additionally, regular eye exams can help detect other eye and health conditions that might cause floaters, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and others.

 

Treatment Options for Eye Floaters

If you're dealing with eye floaters, you'll be relieved to know there are treatment options available. The treatment for eye floaters depends largely on the underlying cause. If they're simply due to aging and aren't affecting your vision, no treatment may be necessary. You might be advised to move your eyes, which can shift the floater out of your field of vision.

However, if the floaters are due to a more serious condition like a retinal tear, treatment will be necessary to prevent vision loss. This could involve surgery or laser treatment. In some cases, a procedure called a vitrectomy might be performed to remove the vitreous and replace it with a salt solution.

 

Conclusion

Eye floaters are typically a normal part of aging and not a cause for concern. However, a sudden increase in floaters, especially when accompanied by flashes of light or vision loss, should be treated as a medical emergency. Regular eye exams are crucial in detecting floaters and other eye conditions early, and there are treatments available if necessary.

To learn more information on eye floaters, visit GoTran Optometry in our Huntington Beach, California office. Call (714) 898-3464 to schedule an appointment today.