Floaters Specialist

What are floaters?

Floaters appear as little, shadowy shapes that look like a strand of thread, a spot, or a squiggly line and seem to drift across your field of vision. 

What causes floaters?

A gel-like fluid called vitreous fills the inside of your eye. When light enters your eye, it passes through the vitreous on its way to the retina.

Over time, the vitreous thins out and becomes stringy or develops clumps of gel. You see these clusters and strings as floaters when they get in the way of light passing through your eye and cast a shadow on the retina.

You’re more likely to develop floaters as you age, if you are nearsighted, have had surgery for cataracts, or if you have a history of:

• Eye injury
• Eye infection or inflammation
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Bleeding in the eye
• Vitreous detachment
• Swelling inside the eye

Are floaters dangerous for your eyes?

Floaters aren’t dangerous. They eventually sink to the bottom of your eye and settle in an area below your line of vision. Floaters can, however, be a sign that you have a torn retina, an eye injury, bleeding, or inflammation.

When should you see your ophthalmologist for floaters?

Call Negrey Eye Associates immediately if you notice a sudden increase in floaters, experience flashes of light, or suddenly lose peripheral vision. These are the symptoms of retinal detachment, which must be repaired quickly to prevent vision loss.

How are floaters treated?

Floaters often don’t need treatment until they start to interfere with your vision. When they become a problem, there are two treatments possible: laser vitreolysis and vitrectomy. The treatment that’s best for you depends on factors like your age and the size and location of your floaters. 

If you’ve been experiencing floaters, call the Negrey Eye Associates office nearest you or book an appointment online today.