What Are Floaters?
Floaters are perceived as “black spots,” “cobwebs,” or “insect-like shadows” drifting across your field of vision. They are often noticed when looking at bright backgrounds such as a white wall or the blue sky. Floaters are a common age-related change in the eye.
- Black dots or string-like shadows appear in vision
- They move with eye movement
- More noticeable in bright environments
Main Causes of Floaters
Most floaters are caused by age-related changes in the vitreous — the gel-like substance filling the inside of the eye. As we age, the vitreous becomes more liquefied and small clumps (opacities) form, which cast shadows on the retina.
Benign Floaters
- Caused by natural aging of the vitreous
- Common in individuals over 40
- No treatment required, but monitoring is advised
Warning Signs
- Sudden increase in the number of floaters
- Flashes of light (photopsia)
- Partial vision loss, like a curtain obscuring vision
- Symptoms affecting one eye more than the other
These signs may indicate serious conditions like retinal detachment or vitreous hemorrhage and require urgent retinal examination.
Examinations Performed at Our Clinic
For patients with floaters, we perform thorough evaluations to rule out any critical conditions.
- Visual acuity and intraocular pressure testing
- Slit-lamp examination to observe vitreous opacities
- Fundus examination with pupil dilation
- OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) to analyze retinal layers
Please avoid driving and use public transportation when visiting us.
Treatment Options
Benign floaters typically require no treatment. The brain often adapts to them over time, making them less noticeable.
However, if a retinal tear or detachment is found, laser treatment or surgery may be necessary. Early detection is crucial to preserving vision. Please consult us promptly if you notice new symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will floaters go away on their own?
Benign floaters often become less bothersome over time as your brain adapts. However, if symptoms worsen, a medical evaluation is recommended.
Can floaters be completely removed with treatment?
While not always possible to eliminate entirely, some cases may improve with vitrectomy surgery. This procedure carries risks and is considered only when necessary.
Can over-the-counter eye drops or supplements help?
Certain supplements may support eye health, but they do not directly eliminate floaters.