What Are Eye Floaters And Do They Require Treatment?

Eye floaters come in different forms and affect everyone in a different way. Some people may see eye floaters as clear circles connected together to form a shape and others may see them as black dots or even as squiggly lines. Floaters seem to move around as you move your eyes. There will be times when they are more noticeable, such as when you are outside on a sunny day.

What causes eye floaters?

There are several possible causes for eye floaters. One of the most common causes is eye changes due to age. As you age, the vitreous that fills your eyes to help keep their shape can change and shrink. As this happens, it becomes stringy and will cause shadows that are seen as eye floaters onto your retina.

Trauma to your eye is another risk factor for developing eye floaters. If you injure your eye or feel you may have a torn or detached retina, it is very important that you see your optometrist immediately. Putting off proper treatment for certain injuries can increase your chances of suffering permanent vision loss.

Why do people see eye floaters differently?

While eye floaters may be caused by the same thing, there will be many factors that determines how you see them through your eyes. The size of the string, the location of the string and even the number of strings will all play a part in how you see them. They will be casting their shadow from a certain spot and this spot plays a bit part in the color of the eye floater. Obviously, a bigger string is going to cast a bigger shadow and having several strings will cause more eye floaters.

Should you see an optometrist for eye floaters?

Although eye floaters are extremely common and are generally nothing to worry about, there are also more serious causes. A torn or detached retina are just a couple serious risk factors. Another one you want to rule out that can cause eye floaters is eye tumors. Eye floaters from tumors is rare, but you should see your optometrist if you feel you are at risk for any of these factors. 

You also want to see your optometrist if you suddenly see more eye floaters, if you experience flashes of light with the eye floaters, if the eye floaters disrupt your normal field of vision, if you are experiencing any vision loss or if your eyes hurt. To learn more, contact a company like Anderson Family Vision Care with any questions or concerns you have.