If you suddenly spot drifting specks or faint shapes drifting across your vision, it can be unsettling. Many people worry that something serious is happening, and a comprehensive eye exam often becomes a top priority.
Floaters usually happen because of normal changes inside the eye, but certain symptoms can be a sign of severe issues. Understanding what these shapes mean can help you feel more confident about your eye health.
What do eye floaters look like?
Eye floaters appear as tiny dots, strands, or translucent shapes that move as your eyes move. People often spot them more clearly against bright backgrounds like a sunny sky or a blank wall.¹
Floaters seem to drift or wiggle because they sit inside the gel-like vitreous, not on the front surface of your eye. Your brain interprets the shadows they cast on the retina as floating shapes.
Why eye floaters appear
Several changes inside the eye can lead to floaters in the eyes:
Age-related changes
As people grow older, the vitreous naturally becomes thinner and less uniform. Small fibers and clumps form within the gel, and those formations create shadows that look like floaters.
Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)
When the vitreous pulls away from the retina, you may suddenly notice more floaters and occasional flashes of light.
Injury or eye procedures
Trauma and past surgeries, such as cataract surgery, can disturb the vitreous, leading to new floaters during the healing process.
Inflammation
Inflammatory conditions like uveitis release debris into the vitreous, and that material becomes visible as drifting shapes.
Signs your floaters may be serious
Most floaters don’t threaten your vision, but certain changes call for urgent care. Contact Kristin Campbell OD right away if you notice¹:
- A sudden spike in the number of floaters
- Bright flashes of light
- A shadow or a curtain covering part of your vision
- Loss of side (peripheral) vision
These symptoms may indicate a retinal tear or detachment. Early treatment protects your sight and reduces the risk of long-term vision loss.
How to treat eye floaters
During a comprehensive eye exam, our experienced eye doctors in Delaware, Ohio, examine the vitreous and retina closely to pinpoint why floaters developed. Some floaters simply need monitoring over time. If a retinal tear or detachment is present, treatment may be necessary to stabilize your vision. Many people adapt to floaters and never require any type of procedure.
Ways to make floaters less distracting
While floaters can’t always be prevented, you can reduce how much they interfere with your day:
- Take routine breaks from digital devices
- Work and read in bright, balanced lighting
- Wear quality sunglasses outdoors
- Keep up with scheduled comprehensive eye exams
Support your vision with proactive care
Floaters can catch you off guard, but they often occur due to natural changes inside the eye. If anything feels unusual, a prompt visit can give you answers, protect your vision, and help you feel more at ease about your eye health.
Schedule an appointment at Kristin L. Campbell OD and get peace of mind about what’s happening inside your eyes.
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