You might feel startled the first time dark dots or wispy shapes drift across your sight. Many people worry that they signal something serious, which makes a comprehensive eye exam an important next step.
Most floaters happen because of natural changes inside the eye, but some symptoms call for quick attention. Learning what they mean can go a long way toward easing your concerns.
What do eye floaters look like?
Floaters typically look like tiny dots, thin strands, rings, or shadowy shapes that drift when your eyes move. They show up easily against bright backgrounds such as a computer screen, the sky, or light-colored walls.¹
Eye floaters move inside the vitreous, a clear, gel-like substance that fills the space between the lens and retina. As they shift, they cast shadows on the retina that your brain interprets as floating objects.
What causes eye floaters?
Several common changes and conditions can create floaters in your vision:
Age-related changes
The vitreous slowly becomes more liquid with age. Small fibers gather together inside the gel, and these clumps cause the drifting shapes you see.
Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)
A posterior vitreous detachment happens when the vitreous separates from the retina. This process often causes a sudden burst of floaters or quick flashes of light.
Injury or eye surgery
Trauma and eye procedures, such as cataract surgery, can disrupt the vitreous. That disruption sometimes leads to new floaters during recovery.
Inflammation in the eye
Conditions such as uveitis release debris into the vitreous. These particles show up as noticeable floaters.
Signs floaters may need urgent attention
Most floaters never threaten your vision, but some changes require urgent care. Contact an eye doctor right away if you notice¹:
- A sudden, dramatic increase in floaters
- Flashes of light that appear in one or both eyes
- A dark shade or curtain that blocks part of your vision
- Loss of peripheral vision
These symptoms can be signs of a retinal tear or detachment, and fast treatment protects your long-term sight.
How to get rid of eye floaters
During a comprehensive eye exam, our experienced eye doctors in King look closely at the vitreous and retina to find out why floaters in the eyes appeared. Some eye floaters simply need regular monitoring. If a retinal tear or detachment develops, your optometrist can recommend the correct treatment to preserve your vision. Most people adjust to everyday floaters and never need any type of procedure.
Tips to make eye floaters less noticeable
Floaters can’t always be avoided, but you can make them less noticeable in daily life by following these tips:
- Take regular screen breaks to relax your eyes
- Work, read, or study in bright, balanced lighting
- Wear sunglasses that reduce UV exposure and glare
- Schedule routine eye exams to track changes
Protect your vision and gain peace of mind
Floaters may feel alarming at first, but they often reflect normal changes inside the eye. If anything seems unusual or distracting, an appointment gives you clear answers and protects your eyesight.
Schedule an exam at Magnolia Eye Care in King and feel confident about your vision moving forward.
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