Have you ever looked at a bright sky or computer screen and suddenly noticed tiny specks, strings, or shadow-like shapes drifting across your vision? Eye floaters can be unsettling, especially if they appear out of nowhere or seem to multiply.
If you’ve been concerned about these changes, you might be wondering what’s normal and what needs attention. In this blog, we’ll share the common causes of floaters, the signs that they are serious, and when to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.
What are eye floaters?
Floaters tend to drift across your sight like faint dots, wavy lines, or translucent fibers. They are often more noticeable when looking at a bright background like blue sky, white paper, or a glowing screen.¹ These shapes appear because the gel inside your eye, called the vitreous, contains tiny clumps or strands that cast small shadows on your retina. Your brain interprets those shadows as floating spots.
Floaters often increase with age, but stress, dehydration, or eye fatigue can make you notice them more.
What causes eye floaters?
Several different changes inside the eye can create floaters. Some are harmless, and others require quick attention. Common causes of eye floaters include:
- Age-related changes in the vitreous: As you grow older, the vitreous becomes thinner and more liquid. Small clumps form, and those clumps create shadows that you see as floaters.
- Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD): If the vitreous pulls away from the retina, you might notice a sudden burst of floaters or even quick flashes of light. PVD happens frequently with age.
- Eye trauma or surgery: An impact to the eye or past procedures like cataract surgery can shift or disturb the vitreous and lead to new floaters.
- Inflammation or infection: Conditions such as uveitis can leave debris in the vitreous that shows up as floaters.
How long do eye floaters last?
Eye floaters can linger for weeks or even months, and many people notice them less over time as the brain adjusts. Some floaters fade or drift out of your direct line of sight, while others stick around but become less distracting.
When should I worry about eye floaters?
Most floaters are simply annoying, not dangerous, but certain changes need urgent evaluation. Contact one of our eye doctors in Pensacola right away if you notice¹:
- A sudden increase in floaters
- Flashes of light
- A shadow that moves over your vision
- A dark curtain that blocks part of your sight
- Loss of side (peripheral) vision
These symptoms may indicate a retinal tear or detachment, and fast treatment helps you protect your vision.
How to treat eye floaters
During a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor can get a close, detailed look at your retina and vitreous. This visit helps identify whether your floaters are harmless, age-related changes or signs of something more serious.
Treatment depends on your diagnosis:
- Many floaters don’t require treatment at all.
- Some may need monitoring over time.
- If your exam reveals a retinal tear or detachment, prompt care is essential to preserve vision.
Most people adjust to floaters and eventually notice them less often.
Tips to make eye floaters less noticeable
You can’t always prevent floaters, but you can make them easier to ignore and reduce eye strain by:
- Taking short breaks from screens throughout the day
- Keeping your workspace bright and evenly lit
- Wearing sunglasses outdoors to reduce glare
- Staying hydrated
- Scheduling routine eye exams to monitor your eye health
Feel confident about your eye health
It can be scary to suddenly see eye floaters when you have never noticed them before. A visit with our eye doctor helps you understand what’s happening and ensures your vision stays protected.
Schedule an appointment at Dr. C. Vision Care today and detect serious issues before they affect your sight.
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