Floaters

What are floaters?

Eye floaters are dots, specks, or cobweb-like spots that appear in your vision. They vary in size, shape, and appearance but move out of the way whenever you look directly at them. 

Most floaters occur due to wear-and-tear that affects the vitreous — a squishy, gel-like substance that’s inside your eyeballs. As the vitreous breaks down, microscopic fibers clump together and cast shadows on your retina. These shadows are what eye doctors call floaters.

What are the symptoms of floaters?

Common symptoms of floaters include:

• Small shapes in your central vision
• Spots, strings, or dark specks that move with your eyes
• Spots or shapes that are more noticeable when you look at a plain bright background
• Strings, specks, or cobwebs that float in and out of your line of vision

Almost everyone sees floaters on occasion, but if yours persist, get worse, or occur alongside flashes of light, contact the team at Marano Eye Care right away.

What causes floaters?

The most common cause of floaters is the natural aging process. As you get older, the jelly-like substance inside your eyes liquifies. As the vitreous breaks down, it sags and becomes stringy. These fibers clump together and cast shadows on your retina.

Other factors responsible for floaters include inflammation or bleeding at the back of the eye, a torn retina, and certain types of medication.

Who is at risk of floaters?

Floaters affect people of all ages and races, but several factors may increase your risk, including:

• Being 50 or older
• Being nearsighted
• Having diabetic retinopathy
• Experiencing complications during cataract surgery
• Eye inflammation

You’re also more likely to experience floaters if you get hit in the eye or experience another type of trauma.

How are floaters diagnosed?

To diagnose floaters, the team at Marano Eye Care reviews your ocular health history, asks about your symptoms and lifestyle, and conducts a comprehensive eye exam. During your exam, the team assesses the back of your eyes, including the vitreous, to determine the underlying cause.

How are floaters treated?

Treatment of floaters depends on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. Most mild cases resolve on their own with rest and at-home measures of care. If the floaters impair your vision or interfere with your quality of life, the team might recommend:

Surgery to remove the vitreous

During surgery, the team makes a small incision in your eye and replaces the vitreous with a solution that helps maintain its shape. 

Using a laser to disrupt the floaters

During this type of treatment, the team uses a medical laser to break up floaters in your vitreous. Breaking up the floaters makes them smaller and less noticeable.

If floaters are negatively affecting your vision, request an appointment at Marano Eye Care. Book online or call the nearest location to speak with a member of the administrative staff today.