What Are Eye Floaters and When Should You Worry?

Eye floaters are a common visual phenomenon that most people experience at some point in their lives. These small, shadowy shapes that drift across your field of vision can be annoying, but they’re often harmless. However, in some cases, floaters can signal a more serious underlying eye condition that requires immediate attention.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what eye floaters are, what causes them, and when you should seek medical advice.

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What Are Eye Floaters?

Eye floaters are small spots, threads, or cobweb-like shapes that seem to float in your field of vision. They are most noticeable when looking at a plain, bright background, like a clear blue sky or a white wall.

Despite their appearance, floaters are not objects floating on the surface of your eye but rather shadows cast on your retina by tiny clumps of material inside the vitreous, the gel-like substance that fills the inside of your eye.

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What Causes Eye Floaters?

Floaters are often a natural part of the ageing process, but they can have other causes, including:

1. Ageing and Vitreous Changes

As we age, the vitreous gel inside our eyes becomes more liquid and shrinks slightly, causing clumps or strands of collagen to form. These clumps cast shadows on the retina, resulting in floaters.

2. Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)

As the vitreous shrinks, it can pull away from the retina, leading to a condition called posterior vitreous detachment. While common and typically harmless, PVD can sometimes cause retinal tears or detachment, which require urgent treatment.

3. Eye Trauma

Injury to the eye can cause floaters by disturbing the vitreous or retina.

4. Inflammation (Uveitis)

Inflammation in the eye, particularly in the vitreous or retina, can lead to floaters. This is often associated with autoimmune conditions or infections.

5. Bleeding in the Eye

Bleeding inside the vitreous, often caused by conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, can create floaters.

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When Should You Worry About Eye Floaters?

While floaters are usually harmless, certain signs indicate a more serious problem that requires immediate attention. You should see an eye care professional if you experience:

1. A Sudden Increase in Floaters
   
   A dramatic increase in the number of floaters could signal a retinal tear or detachment.
2. Flashes of Light
   
   Flashes of light (photopsia) in your peripheral vision may indicate the vitreous pulling on the retina, which could lead to a retinal tear or detachment.
3. A Shadow or Curtain in Your Vision
   
   This could indicate a retinal detachment, a sight-threatening emergency that requires immediate treatment.
4. Blurred or Distorted Vision
   
   Significant changes in your vision, including blurring or distortion, could indicate an underlying eye condition.
5. Floaters Following an Eye Injury
   
   If floaters appear after trauma to your eye, seek prompt medical attention.

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How Are Eye Floaters Diagnosed?

Your optometrist or ophthalmologist can diagnose the cause of floaters through a comprehensive eye examination. This may include:

• Dilated Eye Exam: To examine the retina and vitreous for any abnormalities.
• OCT Scans or Ultrasound: To provide detailed imaging of the inside of your eye.

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Treatment Options for Floaters

1. No Treatment (Observation)

In most cases, floaters don’t require treatment. Over time, they often settle out of your line of sight or become less noticeable.

2. Vitrectomy

In severe cases where floaters significantly impair vision, a surgical procedure called a vitrectomy can be performed to remove the vitreous gel and replace it with a clear solution. However, this is rarely necessary and carries risks.

3. Laser Therapy

Some specialists offer laser treatment to break up floaters, though this is not commonly performed in the UK and may not be suitable for all patients.

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Preventing Eye Floaters

While floaters can’t always be prevented, maintaining good overall eye health can reduce your risk:

1. Have Regular Eye Exams
   
   Routine eye checks can catch problems early before they become severe.
2. Manage Chronic Conditions
   
   Conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can increase the risk of eye problems, including floaters.
3. Protect Your Eyes from Injury
   
   Wear protective eyewear during activities that could lead to trauma.
4. Eat a Healthy Diet
   
   A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids supports eye health.
5. Avoid Smoking
   
   Smoking increases the risk of many eye conditions, including floaters.

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Final Thoughts

Most eye floaters are harmless and a natural part of ageing, but sudden or dramatic changes in floaters should never be ignored. Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial to preserving your vision if a more serious condition is involved.

If you’re concerned about floaters or notice any unusual changes in your vision, don’t hesitate to contact your optometrist or ophthalmologist. Your eyes are precious—take care of them!

For more information visit NHS England