Are you seeing tiny spots, squiggly lines, or cobweb-like shapes drifting across your vision? These are called eye floaters, and they are usually harmless.
During a comprehensive eye exam, our expert team can examine the inside of your eyes, determine the cause of floaters, and recommend treatment if necessary. Read on to learn what floaters are, why they appear, and when they may signal a more serious eye problem.
What are eye floaters?
Floaters appear when tiny clumps of gel or cells in the vitreous, the clear gel-like substance inside your eye, cast shadows on your retina. They often look like small dots, threads, squiggles, or cobwebs drifting across your vision.
Floaters move as your eyes move, and they tend to be more noticeable when looking at a bright background, like a clear sky or a white wall.¹
What causes eye floaters?
Floaters are usually related to natural changes in the eye as you age. Common causes include:
- Aging changes in the vitreous that cause it to shrink or become more liquid
- Small clumps of cells or collagen fibers in the vitreous
- Nearsightedness (myopia), which can make floaters more noticeable
- Eye trauma or injury
- Inflammation inside the eye
- Recent eye surgery
When are eye floaters serious?
You should contact an eye doctor immediately if you notice:
- A sudden surge in floaters
- Flashes of light in your vision
- A shadow or curtain over part of your vision
These symptoms can signal retinal tears or detachment, which require urgent care to prevent permanent vision loss.
How to monitor and manage floaters
For most people, floaters do not require treatment. However, it’s important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam to rule out serious conditions. During your exam, our trusted optometrist in Arlington and Memphis can:
- Examine your retina and vitreous for any signs of tears or detachment
- Ensure your glasses or contact lenses are up to date and support your vision
- Discuss strategies to manage floaters that interfere with daily life
If floaters become disruptive, treatments such as laser therapy or vitrectomy may be necessary, but these are typically reserved for more severe cases.
Protect your vision and gain peace of mind
Floaters are common, and most are harmless, but sudden changes or flashes of light can signal a serious problem. An eye exam allows our eye doctor to thoroughly examine your eyes, check your retina, and ensure your vision is healthy. Schedule an appointment today to protect your vision and gain peace of mind about your eye health.
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