4 Possible Reasons You’re Seeing Floaters

Eye floaters are something most people experience at some point, even if they're annoying. While most floaters aren’t an issue, it’s essential to know when they could signal a bigger visual problem.

At Ophthalmology Associates of Bay Ridge, our four experienced ophthalmologists provide expert care for eye floaters, dry or red eyes, and macular degeneration. We offer general eye exams, diabetic eye care, and contact lenses to help you achieve the best possible vision.

What are eye floaters?

Eye floaters are visual anomalies that occur when the vitreous in the eye changes thickness. It leads to dots or dark spots in the visual fields that may or may not affect how you see.

Floaters are very common with age and can develop slowly or suddenly. People describe them in different ways, some of which include:

• Dark or black spots
• Squiggly lines
• Spider-like shapes
• Thready strands
• Small shadows
• Tiny spots

Some people only experience floaters, while others also have flashes of light. You may see them when looking at the wall, and you may notice they move with your eyes as you look around.

They’re a normal part of the aging process, but can be annoying and bothersome when they’re frequent or obstruct the visual field.

Main causes of eye floaters

Eye floaters happen for various reasons and usually aren’t something to worry about. However, other causes can lead to vision damage. Four of the main causes of eye floaters include the following:

1. Getting older

Age-related floaters are extremely common. They happen when the vitreous in the eye shrinks and liquifies. This causes particles to form and cast shadows on the retina, resulting in visual floaters.

2. Eye inflammation

Uveitis is inflammation within the eye that causes cells to enter the vitreous, leading to floaters in your vision.

3. Posterior vitreous detachment

When the retina detaches from the vitreous, you can experience a sudden shower of floaters as well as flashes of light. This is an emergency that requires immediate attention.

4. Bleeding in the eye

Eye injuries or diabetic neuropathy can allow blood to enter the eye, leading to floaters that can affect vision.

Nearsightedness, cataract surgery, and certain eye medications can also cause floaters to appear.

When to get treatment

For most people, floaters are just a nuisance and aren’t harmful, but there are times when they’re something to worry about. It’s essential to seek treatment if you have a sudden change in vision or any of the following:

Sudden onset

A sudden onset of floaters, flashes, or a significant increase in floaters could signal a bigger issue. These symptoms could indicate a retinal detachment, which is an emergency that requires prompt treatment.

Vision impairment

Floaters that cause a significant visual disturbance warrant treatment. If they appear more frequently or are large enough to obstruct your vision, make an appointment immediately.

Symptom duration

Most benign floaters go away on their own or don’t cause issues. But if your floaters persist for more than six months and bother you, you may need treatment to restore visual function.

To get treatment for bothersome floaters, request an appointment at our Brooklyn, New York, office for an eye exam. You can also contact Ophthalmology Associates of Bay Ridge today or book your general eye exam online.