WHAT ARE FLOATERS?

Floaters are small particles that you see moving in your field of vision. They are in fact tiny areas of contracted vitreous; the clear jelly-like substance that fills the inside of the eye. We see them as spots, strands, webs or various other shapes because they cast shadows on the retina as light enters the eye. They are more noticeable when looking at a blank background such as a blue sky, a white wall or a computer screen.

WHAT CAUSES FLOATERS?

For most people, floaters occur naturally with age as the vitreous gel shrinks and changes consistency. As this occurs, it will eventually separate from the retina, causing a larger floater. Usually, this process occurs without any negative consequences, but in some cases, the gel pulls a piece of the retina with it, causing a hole or tear in the retina. If this goes untreated, fluid can collect under the retina causing it to detach. People who are highly near-sighted, diabetics and those who have experienced recent trauma to the eye are at greater risk of retinal detachment.

CAN FLOATERS BE TREATED?

If you suspect that you have floaters, be sure to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors to make sure that your condition isn’t serious. Floaters without any other symptoms such as crescent-like flashes of light are usually not problematic. If, however, you are also experiencing flashing lights in your peripheral vision or any sense of a curtain or shade encroaching from any direction, you could be having a more serious problem involving the retina that warrants immediate attention. Most floaters are harmless but annoying and they usually become less noticeable over time. Only in rare instances are floaters surgically removed.