Floaters

What are eye floaters?

Eye floaters are spots (black, gray, or clear strings, specks, or cobweb-like shapes) in your vision. They tend to drift around as you move your eyes, darting away when you try to look at them directly. 

Much of the time, eye floaters develop because of age-related changes that occur when the vitreous (gel-like substance in the inside in your eyes) liquifies with age and contracts. They’re caused by scattered clumps of collagen fibers that cast shadows on your retina.

While not necessarily cause for concern, if you notice a sudden increase in floaters, light flashes, or other vision changes, see Dr. Brader right away since such symptoms can indicate an emergency eye condition requiring prompt treatment. 

Which symptoms can floaters cause?

Floaters may appear as:

• Small shapes in your vision
• Dark specks
• Knobby strings that float
• Spots when you look at plain backgrounds
• Small shapes

Floaters may eventually drift out of your line of vision, only to return. They can become a nuisance, distracting you while reading, studying, or working.

What may increase my risk of floaters?

Eye floaters could appear because of aging, eye disease, or other eye conditions. Examples include:

• Being over 50
• Eye inflammation
• Torn retina
• Bleeding in your eye
• Retinal detachment
• Medications
• Nearsightedness
• Complications after cataract surgery
• Eye injuries 
• Diabetic retinopathy

While adopting healthy habits and protecting your eyes from injuries may diminish the chance of developing floaters, you can’t necessarily avoid them.

How are floaters diagnosed?

To diagnose floaters and their cause, Dr. Brader discusses your medical history, reviews your symptoms, and completes a vision screening and comprehensive dilated eye exam. The exam helps her obtain a detailed look at the back part of your eyes. She uses advanced imaging technology to help visualize your floaters and determine the cause.  She then tailors a treatment plan and lets you know what to expect going forward.

How are floaters treated?

Treating floaters at Main Line Retina might include one or more of the following:

• Watchful waiting
• Finding ways to ignore floaters
• Eye drops
• Medications
• Laser treatment
• Surgery

If you have new floaters this can be an eye emergency and you might need immediate treatment to correct the issue and reduce the chance of severe complications. Follow up with Dr. Brader to determine the cause of your floaters and receive the necessary treatment.

Schedule a floaters evaluation at Main Line Retina by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.