Floaters are an eye condition that can be an annoyance and may even be frightening. Floaters may appear as tiny specks or “cobwebs” or as small, dark shadows, “thread-like” strands, or even “squiggly” lines that actually float around in your field of vision. They tend to move as your eyes move, but not necessarily in the same direction, and often just drift away when your eyes stop moving.
Generally, floaters are a normal and expected consequence of the aging process of your eyes. In most cases, if left alone, they will “settle” and no longer be annoying. Most patients are able to simply ignore their presence unless they become greater in number or prominence. Typically they become more noticeable when looking at a white background such as a plain piece of paper or a clear blue sky.
The “back of the eye” is filled with a gel-like substance called the Vitreous. The Vitreous occupies approximately 80% of the volume of the eye. As we age, the normally gel-like Vitreous tends to shrink and become somewhat “stringy”. These strands of Vitreous can actually cast shadows on the Retina and create the appearance of floaters.
The likelihood of experiencing floaters increases as we get older and is more common if you are very nearsighted or have diabetes. Sometimes other eye conditions or problems inside the eye may cause floaters such as infection, inflammation, hemorrhage, a retinal tear, or trauma to the eye.
Occasionally, a small section of the Vitreous gel may pull away from the Retina all at once instead of slowly and gradually. This can cause a noticeable and sudden increase in the number of floaters that you see and can be frightening. This is called a Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) and is NOT sight threatening.
However, if light flashes, distorted vision, or decreased vision accompany the floater, there is an increased likelihood that you have a Retinal Detachment, which is a sight threatening medical emergency. If you experience any of these symptoms you should call and tell the receptionist or doctor on call about your symptoms.
After a thorough dilated eye examination your eye doctor is able to diagnose whether your floaters are part of normal aging or due to a more serious and possible sight-threatening problem. If the flashes and floaters are simply a sign of a PVD, and no other problem is present, then no treatment is necessary. If there is a retinal tear or detachment, then a timely referral to a retinal specialist will be arranged.
Treatment of Flashes and Floaters
In the unusual event that your floaters are extremely bothersome because there are a great number of them or because they are particularly dense, a surgical procedure called Vitrectomy may be considered. Performing a Vitrectomy requires a Retina Surgeon to actually remove the Vitreous gel along with any debris or strand like material that may be interfering with your vision.
Vitrectomy is considered major eye surgery and most eye surgeons are quite hesitant to recommend Vitrectomy as treatment for floaters unless the disturbance of your vision is very significant. The flashes are likely to go away on their own within a few days or weeks. Floaters may take weeks or months to diminish, and may not completely go away. With time, floaters will become less apparent as the mind adjusts to their presence. Fortunately, for the vast majority of people who have floaters, even though they may be annoying, no treatment is required or recommended.
If you or someone you know is experiencing flashes or floaters please call Eyecare Medical Group at 207.828.2020 for more information or to schedule and appointment.
