Floaters in Eyes: What Are They and What Should You Do?

The Vision City of Lake Worth is a full-service optometry and eye care clinic with eye exams, vision correction, and floaters treatment for patients in Lake Worth, TX. In addition, our optometrist provides preventative care to protect your eyesight. If you suspect you have floaters, schedule an appointment with us today to see how our expertise in optometry can help you.

What Are Floaters?

Floaters are small pieces of debris that float in the vitreous humor, the clear gel that fills the inside of your eye. They can be dots, lines, squiggles, or cobwebs and are usually harmless. However, if you experience a sudden increase in floaters, it could signify retinal detachment, and you should see an optometrist.

What Causes Floaters?

Most floaters are caused by bits of debris trapped in the vitreous humor. As we age, the gel begins to break down and form clumps. These clumps cast shadows on the retina, which we see as floaters.  Diabetes, eye inflammation, or injury to the eye can also cause floaters within the eye.

Are Floaters Dangerous?

Generally, no. Floaters are a nuisance, but they are not harmful to your eyesight. However, if you experience a sudden increase in floaters, it could be a sign of retinal detachment. Retinal detachment is a serious medical condition that can cause blindness. Call your optometrist immediately if you experience a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or blurry vision.

How Are Floaters Treated?

There is no sure-fire cure for floaters, but there are treatments that can help. If your floaters are mild and do not interfere with your vision, you can simply ignore them. However, if they are bothersome, your eye doctor may recommend one of the following treatments:

Vitrectomy: A vitrectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the vitreous humor from the eye. This procedure is usually done if you have a large number of floaters or if they are interfering with your vision.

Laser Treatment: A laser can be used to break up the clumps of debris that cause floaters. This procedure is called vitreolysis and is usually only recommended for small floaters.

Floaters are small, dark spots that seem to float in your field of vision. While they are usually harmless, they can be a nuisance. However, you can do a few things to prevent floaters from forming in the first place.

How to Prevent Floaters

One of the best ways to prevent floaters is to have regular eye exams. Eye exams or vision exams will allow your eye doctor to catch any problems early on and treat them accordingly.

In addition, you can take steps to reduce your risk of developing eye problems that can lead to floaters. These reductions include quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. Taking care of your overall health will go a long way in preventing floaters.

Finally, wear protective eyewear when participating in activities that could put your eyes at risk of injury. This requires optical protection while using power tools or playing a sport. In addition, wearing safety glasses or goggles can help prevent eye injuries that could lead to floaters.

Book an Appointment for Vision Exam Today

If you are concerned about floaters in your eyes, schedule an appointment with Vision City of Lake Worth in Lake Worth, TX, today. Our optometrist will perform a comprehensive eye exam and determine the best course of treatment for you. Call us at (817) 546-9000 to make an appointment with our optometry experts.