Eye Floaters
What are Eye Floaters?
Eye floaters are small, shadowy shapes that appear in your vision and seem to drift or “float” when you move your eyes. These shapes can take on various forms, such as dots, circles, lines, cobwebs, or cloudy spots.
While floaters are generally not a cause for concern, a sudden increase in their number or size, particularly when accompanied by flashes of light or vision loss, may indicate a more serious condition, such as a retinal tear or detachment, and requires immediate medical attention.
What are Eye Floaters?
Symptoms of Eye Floaters
The main symptom of eye floaters is the appearance of small shapes or specks in your vision that move as you move your eyes. Other associated symptoms may include:
- Flashes of light in your peripheral vision
- A sudden increase in the number or size of floaters
- A dark shadow or “curtain” in your peripheral vision
If you experience a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or a dark shadow in your vision, it’s crucial to seek immediate attention from the knowledgeable team at The Sight Centre.
In rare cases, eye floaters may be associated with more serious eye conditions, such as retinal tears, retinal detachment, or eye tumours.
What are the causes of Eye Floaters?
Eye floaters are generally caused by age-related changes in the vitreous, the gel-like substance that fills the inside of the eye. As we age, the vitreous can become more liquid and less gel-like, causing it to pull away from the back of the eye. This process, called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), is a common cause of eye floaters.
Other potential causes of eye floaters include inflammation in the back of the eye (uveitis), bleeding in the eye (vitreous haemorrhage), torn or detached retina, eye surgeries or injuries, and certain medications.
In rare cases, eye floaters may be associated with more serious eye conditions, such as retinal tears, retinal detachment, or eye tumours.
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Management and Treatment Options
At The Sight Centre, we offer various management and treatment options for eye floaters tailored to the specific needs and underlying cause of the condition.
Vitrectomy Surgery
A vitrectomy removes the blood and scar tissue and repairs retinal detachment.
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YAG Vitreolysis
A non-invasive procedure using a YAG laser to reduce the appearance of floaters and improve vision.
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If you’re experiencing bothersome eye floaters or have concerns about your eye health, contact The Sight Centre today to schedule a comprehensive eye examination.
