Eye floaters are small, dark, shadowy shapes that appear in your field of vision. They may look like spots, threads, lines, cobwebs, or squiggles, and they seem to float in front of your eyes.
Most people have experienced eye floaters at some point in their lives. For some, they are a minor annoyance. But for others, they can be a significant source of distress and can interfere with vision. If that is the case, you should visit an eye specialist doctor for an examination.
What causes eye floaters?
Eye floaters are most commonly caused by age-related changes in the clear gel that fills your eye (vitreous). As you age, the vitreous begins to liquefy and shrink. This process can cause clumps of gel to form and float in the liquid vitreous.
Other causes of eye floaters include:
Posterior vitreous detachment –
This occurs when the vitreous gel separates from the back wall of your eye. It’s a common cause of floaters, especially in people over age 50.
Bleeding inside your eye –
Any eye injury or a condition that increases the pressure inside your eye, such as glaucoma can lead to floaters.
Torn retina –
The retina is the thin layer of tissue at the back of your eye that senses light and sends images to your brain. A tear or detachment of the retina can cause floaters.
How are eye floaters treated?
In most cases, eye floaters do not require treatment. When a person is generally healthy, they are usually just a nuisance rather than an indication of a more serious problem. People who experience a sudden increase in floaters should see the best eye surgeon in India immediately and have a dilated retinal examination performed to rule out any retinal pathology.
If eye floaters are interfering with your vision, several treatment options are available, including:
Vitrectomy –
This is a surgical procedure to remove the vitreous gel from your eye. It is usually performed if you have a lot of floaters or if they are severely interfering with your vision.
Laser therapy –
This is a non-surgical procedure that uses lasers to break up the clumps of gel that cause floaters.
Floaters can also be a symptom of other serious eye problems. So, it’s important to see an eye doctor if you have new or worsening floaters.