Have you ever looked up at the sky, ceiling and or wall and saw spots, specks, and webs that drift away? These pesty things are called floaters. Many people have them. These may be annoying or worry you, but they should not interfere with your vision. Indianapolis Eye Doctors Dr. Amy Walden & Associates are here to explain what they are and how they are treated.
What are Floaters?
Eye floaters are very common; believe it or not, most people have experienced them in some form or another. They may be more noticeable when you look at something bright or a sky that is blue with no clouds. Eye floaters are spots in your vision and may occur more often as you age. These age-related changes deposits or condensation occur in the vitreous, which is a gel-like substance that helps the eye maintain a round shape. As we age, tiny fibers within this gel-like substance can clump up and cause shadows on your eye, with actual particles, but shadows. Once you start to see floaters, they usually stay with you, but you tend to notice them less as times passes.
Floaters can come in many different shapes:
- Tiny specks
- Spots
- Cobweb like threads
- Squiggly lines
- Rings
- Shadows
What Causes Floaters?
Most commonly floaters are caused by age. These changes can occur at any age but is most common among people between the ages 50 to 75. They are more common if you have had cataract surgery and or if you are nearsighted as well.
Some other causes, which are not as common are:
- Eye injury
- Eye tumors
- Eye disease
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Torn retina
- Detached retina
- Inflamed vitreous
Similar Symptoms to Floaters
Migraine headaches can have a similar type of effect, but this is not a floater. This is an aura and will last anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes. This can also move and will usually produce a migraine headache after. Flashes can also be mistaken for floaters as well. Flashes may be caused by detached and or torn retina. These auras and flashes can be jagged lines, wavy and or shooting lights that can resemble “shooting stars”. If you experience flashes, seek medical attention quickly.
When you should contact your Indianapolis Eye Doctors?
If you have only experienced a small number of floaters and they are not interfering with your day-to-day, you should not worry. This is common as you get older. But if you see any of the below, contact your Indianapolis Eye Doctors to have your eyes examined.
- An increase in the number of floaters
- Floaters after you have had eye surgery
- Floaters after any trauma
- Loss of any vision
- Flashes of light
- Any sudden drastic changes that keep getting worse
It is always important to pay attention to the signs that your eyes and body give you. You know your body best and if you are experiencing any symptoms that you believe may not be normal and or increase, it is best to be safe than sorry. Your vision is not something that should be taken for granted. Always set up and appointment with your eye doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms that are affecting your vision.
How Are Floaters Treated?
Most floaters that are benign do not require any medical treatment that will get rid of the floaters. They can be annoying, but most should fade and become less noticeable. If you have large floaters and they do obstruct part of your vision, contact your Indianapolis Eye Doctors and they will be able to diagnose and provide you with the best solution for your situation.
Although floaters can be annoying, most commonly they should not affect your vision. If you have any further questions and or are experiencing any symptoms that you may be concerned about, please feel free to schedule an appointment with Indianapolis Eye Doctors Dr. Amy Walden & Associates.