Floaters are so common that it would be strange if you didn’t develop a few during your lifetime. They’re especially noticeable when you’re looking at a bright background like a clear sky or white wall.
Most often harmless and related to the natural aging process, floaters can become incredibly distracting. And, in some cases, a sudden increase could indicate an underlying disorder that requires immediate medical care.
The team at Marano Eye Care, a division of Ophthalmology New Jersey, offers outstanding eye care services to adults and teens from our offices in Denville, Livingston, and Newark, New Jersey.
Our expertise includes diagnosing and treating, when necessary, the underlying cause of floaters. Here’s more from our team regarding what floaters are, when you should be concerned, and what treatment options are available.
Floaters occur when tiny clumps of collagen form in the vitreous. This is the clear, gel-like substance that fills the inside of your eye. When light passes through the eye, these clumps cast shadows on the retina, creating the floating shapes you see.
Most floaters are related to natural aging of the eye, but they can also appear due to:
Diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), and blocked blood vessels can also cause bleeding into the vitreous. The resulting blood cells may be mistaken for collagen-based floaters.
We encourage everyone to have routine eye exams. This allows us to discuss changes in your vision, such as increased floaters, as we measure your visual acuity and track your eye health.
Conditions such as posterior uveitis require a specialist’s care. A sudden shower of floaters, especially when accompanied by flashes of light or a curtain-like shadow across your vision, could signal a retinal tear or detachment. This is a sight-threatening emergency that requires urgent medical care.
Otherwise, some people consider eye floaters an occasional nuisance that’s easy to ignore. For others, they interfere with activities like reading, driving, or even simply enjoying a sunny day.
If floaters are distracting you from your daily routine, we encourage you to schedule an eye exam.
Depending on the underlying cause, here are treatment options our Marano Eye Care specialists may discuss with you:
In many cases, floaters fade or become less noticeable over time. The brain gradually adapts and learns to ignore them.
If floaters aren’t significantly interfering with your vision, your provider may recommend monitoring the situation rather than pursuing active treatment.
This minimally invasive procedure uses a medical laser to break up large floaters into smaller, less noticeable fragments. It can be an effective option for some patients, especially those with a few prominent floaters.
For patients whose floaters are truly debilitating, your specialist may consider a vitrectomy. During this surgical procedure, which is reserved for the most severe cases, the vitreous gel (along with the floaters) is removed and replaced with a clear solution.
Every patient’s needs are unique. The best way to decide on treatment is through a comprehensive eye exam. Your ophthalmologist can evaluate your floaters and discuss the safest options for your situation.
If floaters are interfering with your daily life, don’t suffer in silence. Schedule an appointment at Marano Eye Care today by calling one of our New Jersey offices.
If you have symptoms of a retinal tear or detachment or another ophthalmologic emergency, call 973-322-0100 immediately.
