What You Need To Know About Those Pesky Eye Floaters in Your Vision
Submitted by Elman Retina Group on December 18, 2022
Have you noticed little spots or squiggles in your visual field? If you have been experiencing pesky little eye floaters, then this article is for you. Here, Elman Retina Group’s retinal specialists, Dr. Michael Elman and Dr. Sidney “Sid” Schechet, answer common questions about eye floaters.
Are Eye Floaters Normal?
Eye floaters can be normal, especially as you age. As you get older the vitreous body, or the clear gel substance that fills your eyeballs, can begin to shrink and liquify. This can cause the appearance of small floaters in your visual field. While the floaters will not go away on their own, they may become less noticeable over time.
Eye floaters can have other causes as well. The cause will determine whether or not the eye floaters are serious.
When Are Eye Floaters Serious?
The only way to know when eye floaters are serious is through a comprehensive eye exam. You should seek medical help immediately if you notice a sudden increase in floaters, a big new floater or any other vision changes.
In addition to advancing age, eye floaters can have a number of other causes. These causes may require immediate medical attention. Other causes of eye floaters can include the following:
- Retinal detachment (a serious condition that should be treated immediately)
- High blood pressure
- Migraines
- Getting up quickly from sitting or lying down (this can cause a temporary vision disturbance)
- A blow to the head or eye
How Are Eye Floaters Treated?
The most common treatment for age-related eye floaters is no treatment at all. Eye floaters do not go away on their own, but they tend to become less noticeable over time. You may not even know that they are there after a while.
Eye floaters can be removed by surgery or laser treatment. However, these procedures can carry serious risks.
If the eye floaters have a cause that is not related to age, then that cause will most likely be treated in lieu of treating the eye floaters.
Why Do Eye Floaters Occur?
As discussed above, eye floaters can occur for a variety of reasons. The following factors indicate an increased risk of developing eye floaters:
- Being 50 or older
- Nearsightedness
- Diabetes
- Past cataract surgery
- An eye injury
- Eye inflammation
Schedule an Eye Exam
The only way to know for sure if your eye floaters are serious is to schedule an eye exam. Schedule an appointment with Elman Retina Group today by calling or emailing our office.
