Floaters and the Retina: Should You Be Concerned?
Eye floaters are spots that appear in your vision. They can vary in shape and size, from specks and strings to cobwebs. They may drift as you move your eyes and seem to dart away when you try to look at them directly. Floaters aren’t dangerous in and of themselves, but they can indicate a more serious issue. Here’s what you need to know.
What Causes Floaters?
Eye floaters may be caused by various factors, including:
- Age: As you age, the vitreous, the gel-like substance that fills the space between the lens and retina, may separate from the inner surface of the eyeball. Clumps and strings of collagen fibers within the vitreous can form, which may block some of the light passing through the eye and create floaters.
- Inflammation: Inflammation in the middle layer of tissue in the eye wall, known as uveitis, can cause floaters in the vitreous. Uveitis may be a sign of infection, an autoimmune disorder, or an inflammatory disease.
- Bleeding: Blood cells in the vitreous can appear as floaters. Retinal tears, detachments, diabetes, high blood pressure, blocked blood vessels, and injury can all result in bleeding into the vitreous.
- Torn retina: A retinal tear can cause floaters and lead to a retinal detachment, which, if left untreated, can cause permanent vision loss.
- Eye surgeries and medications: Certain medications injected into the vitreous can create air bubbles that appear as floaters. Also, silicone bubbles added to the vitreous during certain surgeries can look like floaters.
When to See a Retina Specialist
You should contact a retina specialist as soon as possible if you experience:
- More eye floaters than usual
- A sudden onset of new floaters
- Flashes of light in the same eye as the floaters
- A gray curtain or blurry area that blocks part of your vision
- Peripheral vision loss
These painless symptoms may appear mild at first, but they could be indicative of a tear or detachment in the retina. A retinal detachment is a sight-threatening condition that requires immediate treatment.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Eye floaters can occur as a normal response to aging. However, they can also be indicative of a more serious retinal condition. If you’re experiencing eye floaters, it’s important to see a retina specialist and keep up with your regular eye appointments. The retina specialists at Vitreoretinal Consultants can assess your eye floaters and develop an effective treatment plan. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.