Ask the Eye Doctor: Should I Be Worried About Eye Floaters?
This video illustrates what eye floaters look like—tiny black spots or thread-like shapes that move across your vision. Floaters are usually harmless, but sudden increases or flashes of light may signal a more serious issue. If you're seeing changes, book an eye exam with our optometrists.
Understanding the Causes, When to Seek Help, and the Importance of Regular Eye Exams
What Are Eye Floaters?
Eye floaters are small spots or shapes that drift through your field of vision. They can appear as specks, threads, or cobweb-like images, especially noticeable when looking at a plain, bright background like a clear sky or a white wall. These floaters are usually caused by tiny pieces of a protein called collagen breaking off from the vitreous—the gel-like substance inside your eye. As we age, the vitreous can shrink and detach from the retina, leading to the appearance of floaters.
What Causes Eye Floaters?
Floaters are most commonly associated with the natural aging process. As the vitreous inside the eye changes in consistency, small clumps or strands can form, casting shadows on the retina and creating the appearance of floaters. However, other factors can also contribute to their development:
Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) – A common age-related change where the vitreous pulls away from the retina, leading to an increase in floaters.
Inflammation (Uveitis) – Swelling inside the eye due to infections or autoimmune conditions can release debris into the vitreous.
Eye Injuries or Trauma – Sudden impact or injury to the eye can cause floaters to appear.
Bleeding in the Eye – Conditions such as diabetic retinopathy or retinal tears can lead to blood leakage, manifesting as new floaters.
Retinal Tears or Detachment – A more serious condition where the retina pulls away from the back of the eye, requiring urgent treatment.
The Rule of 5: Understanding Your Risk
If you’re over 50, your risk of developing floaters increases significantly. But what many people don’t realize is that new floaters can sometimes be a warning sign of something more serious. Here’s what you need to know:
If you develop a new floater, there’s a 1 in 5 chance that your optometrist will find a retinal tear during your exam.
If no tear is found initially, you still have a 1 in 5 chance of developing a retinal tear within the next 5 weeks. Your optometrist or ophthalmologist will book you back for a follow-up retinal evaluation around this time to ensure your eyes are healthy and stable.
Floaters are more common in nearsighted individuals, especially those with prescriptions greater than -5.00 diopters, because the eye is 'stretched,' causing the vitreous to want to detach from the retina more easily.
Because of these risks, it’s crucial to see your optometrist immediately when you notice new floaters so they can diagnose the situation and ensure you receive the appropriate care.
When Are Eye Floaters a Concern?
In most cases, eye floaters are normal and harmless. However, there are instances when floaters may indicate a more serious condition. You should see your optometrist immediately if you experience a sudden increase in the number of floaters, flashes of light, loss of peripheral vision, or any other significant changes in your vision. They can diagnose your condition and ensure you get the necessary care if it's required.
How Can I Get Rid of Eye Floaters?
For most people, benign floaters will become smaller and less noticeable over time as the brain adapts to them. In most cases, no treatment is required. However, if floaters are persistent and significantly affect vision, there are a few options:
Observation & Adaptation – The most common approach is simply giving your brain time to adjust. Over weeks or months, many floaters fade or become less intrusive.
Vitrectomy – In rare cases where floaters are highly disruptive, an eye surgeon may remove the vitreous gel and replace it with a clear solution. This procedure carries risks and is usually only recommended for severe cases.
Laser Treatment (Laser Vitreolysis) – Some specialists offer laser treatments to break apart floaters. However, its effectiveness can vary from patient to patient. This treatment does not get rid of the floaters but breaks larger floaters down into multiple smaller ones.
Why Regular Eye Exams Are Important
Even if your floaters seem benign, regular eye examinations are crucial. An eye care professional can assess your overall eye health, monitor changes, and detect potential issues early on. Relying solely on the absence of symptoms can give a false sense of security, as some eye conditions may not present noticeable signs until they have progressed. Regular check-ups ensure that problems are identified and managed promptly, helping maintain optimal vision health.
At Helio Optometry, we use Optomap Ultra Widefield retinal imaging to capture over 80% of the inside of the eye during our routine eye exams. Our optomap imaging system allows us to see many peripheral retinal changes that can lead to a retinal tear or detachment, allowing us to refer our patients off earlier to a vitreal retinal specialist for preventative treatments.
Take Charge of Your Eye Health
Don’t wait for noticeable symptoms to take action. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Helio Optometry in Edmonton today. Our experienced team of eye doctors is dedicated to providing personalized care to help you maintain clear and healthy vision. Early detection and treatment are key to preserving your eyesight and quality of life.
📅 Book your eye exam today. Schedule Your Appointment Here
Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog post by Helio Optometry eye care clinic in West Edmonton is intended solely for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment by a Licensed Optometrist. No doctor/patient relationship is established through the use of this blog. The information and resources presented are not meant to endorse or recommend any particular medical treatment or guarantee and outcome. Readers must consult with their own healthcare provider regarding their health concerns. Helio Optometry and its optometrists do not assume any liability for the information contained herein nor for any errors or omissions. Use of the blog's content is at the user's own risk, and users are encouraged to make informed decisions about their health care based on consultations with qualified professionals.
