Eye Floaters: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Do you know those specks or strands that drift through your vision occasionally? They’re called eye floaters and tend to catch your attention when looking at something bright, like white walls, ceilings, or a clear blue sky. While they can be annoying sometimes, the good news is that eye floaters are usually harmless. However, you should know that in some cases, they can signal a more serious issue, such as a retinal tear or detachment. Today, we’ll explore what causes these floaters, their symptoms, and the available treatment options. So, let’s learn eye floater causes, symptoms, and treatment in more detail.
What Are The Causes of Eye Floaters?
Small clumps of gel or cells cause floaters in your eyes in the clear jelly-like stuff inside your eye. These clumps make shadows on the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye, which you see as floaters. Many things can cause eye floaters, like Retinal tears or detachment, inflammation, etc. Let’s learn more about these causes to get a better understanding!
Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)
One of the most common causes of eye floaters is PVD or posterior vitreous detachment. As you grow old, the vitreous gel shrinks and becomes more liquid. This sometimes causes the vitreous to pull away from the retina, causing posterior vitreous detachment. When this condition happens, you may notice increased flashes of light, floaters, or both.
Inflammation
Inflammation in the eye, also known as uveitis, can cause floaters. Uveitis can result from infections, autoimmune disorders, or other underlying conditions. The eye inflammation can cause cells and debris to accumulate in the vitreous, leading to floaters.
Hemorrhage
Another cause of eye floaters is hemorrhage. Bleeding into the vitreous, known as vitreous hemorrhage, can occur for many reasons, including diabetic retinopathy, high blood pressure, trauma, etc. The blood cells can appear as floaters in your vision.
Retinal Tear or Detachment
Sometimes, the gel inside the eye can pull hard on the part at the back of the eye that helps us see. This can cause a small rip in that part, leading to it coming off from the back of the eye. If not taken care of quickly, this can cause permanent loss of eyesight.
Other Causes of Eye Floaters
Other potential causes of eye floaters include certain medications that affect the vitreous, eye surgery, eye trauma, etc. Discuss with your eye doctor if you want to learn more about the causes of eye floaters so that you remain informed and get treatment if you are experiencing any symptoms.
When Floaters Are More Noticeable?
Floaters are more noticeable when you look at something bright, such as a white wall or blue sky. You can also see floaters when you look at bright computer screens, when reading books or papers with light backgrounds, on sunny days, in bright indoor lighting, and when looking at white walls or ceilings. They tend to move as you move your eyes and appear to drift away when you try to look directly at them.
What Are The Common Symptoms of Eye Floaters?
Now that we’ve discussed the major reasons for eye floaters let’s discuss the primary symptoms. Eye floaters cause small shapes to appear in your field of vision. These shapes may look like:
- Cobwebs
- Specks
- Threads
- Squiggly lines
- Shadowy shapes
Sudden Increase in Floaters
A sudden increase in the number of floaters is alarming and may indicate a more severe condition like retinal tear or detachment. If you experience a sudden increase in floaters, you must take it seriously and seek immediate medical attention from an expert eye doctor.
Flashes of Light
In addition to floaters, you may also experience light flashes in your vision. These flashes are known as photopsia and can be a sign that the vitreous is pulling on the retina. Flashes of light are more concerning when they occur frequently and suddenly. Get in touch with your doctor immediately if you see flashes of light.
Blurry Vision
Eye floaters can sometimes cause blurry vision, especially if they are numerous and large in size. This can make it more difficult for you to see clearly and perform routine tasks like reading, writing, driving, etc. Understanding the negative impact on your daily life can help you take your vision health seriously.
Never ignore if you notice anything wrong with your vision. It is advisable to get regular eye examinations even if you are not experiencing any vision problems. Staying proactive is key, and following preventive measures can help you maintain good eye health.
Diagnosis of Eye Floaters
If you experience eye floaters, you must go for a detailed eye exam to determine the cause of eye floaters. The eye care specialist will perform several tests to diagnose the condition and will tell you to get the right treatment.
Imaging Tests
In some cases, your ophthalmologist or eye doctor may use imaging tests, like ultrasound or optical coherence tomography (OCT). This is usually done to obtain a more detailed view of the retina and vitreous. These eye tests can help identify any underlying issues, such as retinal detachment or retinal tear.
Dilated Examination of Your Eyes
A dilated eye exam will diagnose eye floaters. During this exam, the ophthalmologist uses special eye drops to dilate (widen) your pupils, allowing them to get a better view of the inside of your eye. This helps detect any abnormalities in the retina and vitreous.
Treatment of Eye Floaters
It’s important to note that most eye floaters are not dangerous and do not require treatment. However, if floaters are bothersome or caused by a more serious condition, treatment is necessary.
Observation
Many times, the eye doctor will suggest a wait-and-see approach. As time passes, the eye floaters may settle down and become less noticeable. But you should always go for regular eye exams to monitor any changes and to confirm that there are no underlying issues.
Vitrectomy
Depending on the severity of the eye condition, sometimes a surgical procedure called vitrectomy becomes necessary. During this eye procedure, the vitreous gel is removed and replaced with a clear solution. This procedure effectively eliminates floaters but carries a higher risk of complications, such as retinal tears or retinal detachment. It’s important to discuss with your eye doctor whether a vitrectomy is needed. In fact, your eye doctor will be able to determine if this procedure is necessary.
Laser Treatment
Symptomatic vitreous floaters that significantly affect your eye vision may be treated with laser treatment. This eye procedure uses a laser to break up the floaters, reducing their prominence. While generally safe, laser treatment may not completely eliminate floaters. Your eye surgeon will recommend the best treatment based on the seriousness of your eye condition.
Laser Therapy for Retinal Tear or Detachment
If a problem with the eye called a “retinal tear” is found, you must treat it quickly to prevent it from worsening. Eye doctors can use a special treatment called laser therapy or cryotherapy to close the tear and prevent more damage. If the retina comes completely loose, surgery might be needed to fix it.
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Conclusion
Seeing small spots or lines in your vision, also known as eye floaters, is something that many people experience. While they are usually not harmful, you must know about the possible reasons and signs that could suggest a more serious problem. Getting regular eye check-ups from expert eye doctors and seeking medical help if you notice any worrying symptoms are very important for keeping your eyes healthy.
If you’re worried about eye floaters, talk to an expert and experienced eye doctor who can thoroughly check your eyes and recommend the best treatment. By learning about what causes eye floaters, their symptoms, and how they can be treated, you can take the right steps and take effective action to keep your eyes and vision in good shape.
Call Bagan Strinden Vision For Eye Floaters Treatment & More
At Bagan Strinden Vision, we specialize in providing eye care services to address various needs. With over 25 years of experience, our devoted team has successfully assisted over 30,000 individuals with cataracts and 15,000 with LASIK surgeries. Whether you require treatment for glaucoma, general eye care, eyelid procedures, laser eye surgery, or cataract surgery, you can rely on our expertise and commitment to excellent care. Take the first step towards a healthier vision, and contact us today.
