What are floaters?
Floaters are shapes and shadows that sometimes appear in your visual field. Often, floaters drift across your eyes when you focus on a white wall or other bright space. They can look like dots, squiggly lines, or other shapes, and they may appear as dark shadows. Most floaters are quite small and dissipate quickly.
It’s not unusual to have floaters from time to time. In most cases, floaters are harmless. However, floaters occasionally are a symptom of a retinal tear or detached retina, so it’s best to have new floaters evaluated at IC Laser Eye Care.
What causes floaters?
Floaters look like they’re right in front of you, but they’re actually a result of changes within the vitreous body that fills your eye.
Many adults have some floaters as they age because the vitreous body shrinks and changes in texture. The stringy new texture can cast shadows on your retina, triggering the floaters. Age-related floaters are generally harmless, and they usually get better in time.
Other causes of floaters, like retinal tears or detachment, are serious. The floaters are a sign that your vitreous is partially or totally detached from your retina. Usually, a retinal tear or detachment causes additional symptoms.
When are floaters a serious problem?
The only way to know is through a detailed eye examination. Most floaters aren’t dangerous, but it’s important to contact IC Laser Eye Care as soon as possible if you have floaters, especially in the following situations:
- Flashing lights (flashes) along with floaters
- Floaters are darker than usual
- Sudden increase in total number of floaters
- Loss of side vision
- Sudden difficulty seeing
The IC Laser Eye Care team can quickly assess your needs and provide immediate care if you’re dealing with chronic, irritating floaters or a serious issue like retinal tear or detachment.
How do you treat floaters?
Although most floaters don’t require treatment, there may be situations where they significantly detract from your vision. That’s where laser treatment can help. The IC Laser Eye Care team performs an in-office procedure to break up the floaters and restore clear, shadow-free vision.
The IC Laser Eye Care team can diagnose your floaters and help you get them out of your sight for good. Call the office located nearest you.
