Have you ever noticed tiny specks, strings or cobweb shapes drifting across your vision? These are called vitreous floaters, commonly known as just floaters, and are extremely common with most people experiencing them at some point in their lives.
Whilst they are typically harmless, floaters can sometimes signal a more serious eye condition. This blog explores what floaters are, why they occur, when they’re normal, and when they might warrant a visit to your optometrist.
Floaters can take on many shapes & sizes, but the most common look like 'worms' or 'spots' (as illustrated below)
Images - Wikipedia & Optometrists Clinic Inc
What Are Floaters?
Floaters are small particles within the eye’s vitreous humor, a gel-like fluid that fills the centre of the eye (like a car tyre is filled with air to keep its shape, your eye is filled with a gel-like substance).
When you’re young, this vitreous has a consistent, jelly-like consistency. As you age, the vitreous begins to liquefy and shrink, causing fibres and cells to clump together. These clumps are now suspended in your vitreous and, as light enters your eye, causes a shadow to be cast on your retina. These shadows are what we perceive as floaters.
Floaters are most noticeable when you’re looking at a plain, bright background (like a clear sky or a white wall) and they tend to drift away when you try to look at them. This is because floaters move as your eye (and therefore vitreous) moves.
They are much more obvious when it’s a bright day… they are shadows, after all!
Why Do Floaters Occur?
Floaters generally appear as a result of the natural aging process. However, they can also result from other factors, such as:
Eye injury: Trauma to the eye can disrupt the vitreous and cause floaters to form.
Short-sightedness: People who are short-sighted (myopic) are more prone to developing floaters due to their eyes being bigger than average.
Eye surgery: Procedures like cataract or laser surgery can lead to the appearance of floaters.
Inflammation: Conditions like uveitis, an inflammation of part of the eye, can cause debris to accumulate in the vitreous.
Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD): This occurs when the vitreous separates from the retina, often as part of aging, and commonly results in floaters.
Retinal detachment: This is where the retina separates from the tissue at the back of the eye that provides it with oxygen. This is rare but is a medical emergency requiring treatment. Symptoms of a retinal detachment included below.
When Are Floaters Normal?
In most cases, floaters are just a harmless result of aging. For example, occasional specks in your vision that move as you move your eyes are typically normal. Here are some situations in which floaters are likely harmless:
You’ve had them for years, and they haven’t changed significantly.
They appear only occasionally, usually when it’s bright (e.g. season changes), not constantly or in high numbers.
They’re small and infrequent, not affecting your ability to see clearly or perform daily tasks.
Over time debris tend to settle with gravity, and your brain often learns to ignore minor floaters, making them less noticeable.
When to Be Concerned About Floaters
While most floaters are nothing to worry about, sudden changes in their appearance or your vision should be taken seriously. Here’s when you should consider seeing an optometrist:
A Sudden Increase in Floaters: If you suddenly notice a lot more floaters than usual (i.e. hundreds not tens), it could signal an issue with the retina.
Flashes of Light: Experiencing flashes of light in your peripheral vision can indicate could an issue with the vitreous or retina.
Loss of Peripheral Vision: A dark shadow/curtain/veil over your peripheral vision may indicate a retinal detachment. This is a medical emergency and needs to be addressed urgently.
Eye Pain and Redness: Floaters accompanied by pain, redness, or sensitivity to light can suggest inflammation or infection.
Diagnosing and Treating Floaters
If you experience any of the concerning symptoms above, an optometrist can perform a detailed retinal examination to determine if there are any tears, detachments, or other issues.
For ‘normal’ floaters that don’t interfere with vision, no treatment is typically needed. However, if you are worried, contact your optometrist for advice.
Conclusion
Most floaters are a normal part of aging and are usually harmless, though they can be annoying. However, sudden changes in floaters, flashes of light, or vision loss could signal a serious eye condition requiring immediate medical attention. Regular eye examinations can help monitor changes in your vision and ensure any potential issues are addressed early. Remember, your vision is essential—when in doubt, it’s always best to consult your optometrist.
By understanding what floaters are, and recognising when they’re of concern, you can protect your vision and enjoy peace of mind about your eye health.
Hayley Brunsden BSc MCOptom FBDO CL
Founder | Optometrist
CBTR Opticians, Beaconsfield
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