Understanding Eye Floaters: When to Watch and When to Worry

Noticing small specks or threads drifting through your field of vision? These visual disturbances, commonly known as eye floaters, are a frequent concern, especially as we age. While they are often harmless, there are times when floaters can signal something more serious. 

What Are Eye Floaters?

Eye floaters are tiny shapes that appear in your field of vision, often resembling specks, strands, or cobwebs. They move as your eyes move and may seem to drift away when you try to look at them directly. These floaters are caused by small clumps of gel or cells inside the vitreous, the clear, gel-like substance that fills the inside of your eye. As light enters the eye, these clumps cast shadows on the retina, creating the appearance of floaters. While they can be annoying, they are usually harmless and very common, especially with age.

Common Causes of Eye Floaters

Floaters develop as part of the natural aging process. The vitreous humor, a gel-like substance filling the inside of your eye, slowly shrinks and becomes more liquid over time. As it shrinks, tiny fibers within the gel can clump together, casting shadows on the retina.

Some common causes include:

• Age-related vitreous changes (most common)

• Eye trauma or surgery

• Inflammation inside the eye (uveitis)

• Bleeding in the eye

When Are Eye Floaters Considered Normal?

In most cases, floaters are a natural part of the aging process and do not require treatment. If you have had floaters for years without any sudden changes, if they appear only occasionally and do not interfere with your vision, and if they are not accompanied by other symptoms, there is usually no cause for concern. However, it is still important to mention them during your next routine eye exam so your eye doctor can monitor them and watch for any potential changes over time.

Signs of a Serious Eye Condition

While most floaters are harmless, a sudden onset or change in floaters may be a sign of a more serious condition. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• A sudden increase in floaters

• Flashes of light

• Loss of peripheral vision

• A dark curtain or shadow moving across your vision

• Eye pain or redness with floaters

These symptoms could indicate a retinal tear or detachment, which is a medical emergency. Prompt treatment is crucial to prevent permanent vision loss.

Diagnosing and Monitoring Floaters

At Texas State Optical, our optometrists use advanced diagnostic tools to evaluate the health of your retina and vitreous. During a comprehensive eye exam, we can assess whether your floaters are benign or require further treatment. In rare cases, persistent and severe floaters may be treated with laser therapy or vitrectomy surgery.

Schedule Your Eye Exam Today

Eye floaters are often a normal part of aging, but they can sometimes signal a more serious issue. Paying attention to sudden changes and knowing when to seek help is essential for protecting your vision. If you’ve noticed new floaters or changes in your vision, don’t wait to get your eyes checked.

Concerned about floaters or changes in your vision? Schedule a medial eye exam at Texas State Optical to protect and preserve your vision. Contact our office in Kingwood, Texas, by calling (346) 466-4600 to book an appointment today.