Eye floaters: what they are and what to do if you notice them, according to an eye doctor
Eye floaters are one of those visual experiences that can be surprising, confusing, and even a little alarming when you first notice them. Suddenly seeing small spots, threads, or shadowy shapes drifting across your field of vision often raises immediate questions about eye health and whether something serious might be wrong. While eye floaters are extremely common—especially as we age—they are frequently misunderstood, leading many people to worry unnecessarily or, conversely, to ignore symptoms that deserve medical attention.
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As our eyes naturally change over time, the structures inside them also shift, sometimes creating visual effects that were never noticed before. In most cases, eye floaters are harmless and simply part of the normal aging process. However, there are situations where a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or changes in vision can signal an underlying issue that should not be ignored. Knowing the difference between what is normal and what requires professional evaluation is key to protecting long-term eye health.
Understanding what eye floaters are, why they occur, and when to seek help can provide peace of mind and help you respond appropriately if they appear. By being informed and paying attention to changes in your vision, you can take a proactive role in maintaining healthy eyes and catching potential problems early.
Eye floaters: what they are and what to do if you notice them, according to an eye doctor
Eye floaters are a common visual phenomenon that many people notice but often
misunderstand. They can appear as tiny spots, threads, squiggly lines, or cobweb-like shapes drifting across your vision. Floaters become especially noticeable against bright backgrounds, such as a clear sky or a white wall, and they seem to move as your eyes move, often darting away when you try to focus on them. Some floaters stay in one place, while others drift around, and in some cases, people may also notice flashes of light, Healthline notes.
In fact, eye floaters are tiny bits of protein called collagen that float in the gel at the back of your eye, called the vitreous. As you get older, these fibers shrink and clump together, casting small shadows on your retina, or the floaters that you see.
The flashes of light that some people experience happen when the vitreous pulls on the retina.
If floaters or flashes appear suddenly or increase a lot, it’s important to see an eye doctor.
These phenomena are most common at people aged 50 to 75, nearsighted people, or those who has had cataract surgery. While they are harmless most of the time, it’s important to know when to check with a doctor.
In case the floaters and flashes are accompanied by vision loss it can be a sign of more serious conditions such as eye infections, inflammation (uveitis), retinal tears or detachment, vitreous haemorrhage, or migraines.
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