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What are floaters?
You may sometimes see small specks or clouds moving in your
field of vision. They are called floaters. You can often
see them when looking at a plain background, like a blank
wall or blue sky.
Floaters are actually tiny clumps of gel or cells inside
the vitreous, the clear jelly-like fluid that fills the
inside of your eye. |
Although the floaters appear to be in front of the
eye,
they are actually floating in the vitreous fluid inside
the eye. |
While these objects look like they are in front of your
eye, they are actually floating inside. What you see are
the shadows they cast on the retina, the nerve layer at
the back of the eye that senses light and allows you to
see.
Floaters can have different shapes: little dots, circles,
lines, clouds or cobwebs.
What Causes Floaters?
When people reach middle age, the vitreous gel may start
to thicken or shrink, forming clumps or strands inside the
eye. The vitreous gel pulls away from the back wall of the
eye, causing a posterior vitreous detachment. It is a common
cause of floaters.
Posterior vitreous detachment is more common for people
who:
- are nearsighted;
- have undergone cataract operations;
- have had YAG laser surgery of the eye;
- have had inflammation inside the eye.
The appearance of floaters may be alarming, especially if
they develop suddenly. You should see an opthalmologist
right away if you suddenly develop new floaters, especially
if you are over 45 years of age.
Are Floaters Ever Serious?
The retina can tear if the shrinking vitreous gel pulls
away from the wall of the eye. This sometimes causes a small
amount of bleeding in the eye that may appear as new floaters.
A torn retina is always a serious problem, since it can
lead to a retinal detachment. You should see your opthalmologist
as soon as possible if:
- even one new floater appears suddenly;
- you see sudden flashes of light.
If you notice other symptoms, like the loss of side vision,
you should see your opthalmologist.
What can be done about floaters?
Because you need to know if your retina is torn, call your
opthalmologist if a new floater appears suddenly.
Floaters can get in the way of clear vision, which may be
quite annoying, especially if you are trying to read. You
can try moving your eyes, looking up and then down to move
the floaters out of the way.
While some floaters may remain in your vision, many of them
will fade over time and become less bothersome. Even if
you have had some floaters for years, you should have an
eye examination immediately if you notice new ones.
What causes flashing lights?
When the vitreous gel rubs or pulls on the retina, you may
see what look like flashing lights or lightning streaks.
You may have experienced this same sensation if you have
ever been hit in the eye and seen "stars." |
When the vitreous rubs or pulls on the retina,
it creates a sensation of flashing lights. |
The flashes of light can appear off and on for several weeks
or months. As we grow older, it is more common to experience
flashes. If you notice the sudden appearance of light flashes,
you should visit your opthalmologist immediately to see
if the retina has been torn. |
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