Eye Floaters: Are They Serious?

Eye floaters are common and usually harmless, but they can sometimes be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. These tiny spots, threads or squiggly lines appear in your field of vision, drifting across your eye like shadows. But what exactly causes them, and when should you be concerned?

Eye floaters are the result of tiny fibers and proteins clumping together in the vitreous, the jelly-like substance inside your eye. As light passes through the eye, these clumps cast shadows on the retina, creating the appearance of floaters. While these floaters are generally painless and more of a nuisance than a threat, they can sometimes indicate a more serious issue.

The most common cause of eye floaters is the natural aging process. As we age, the vitreous slowly shrinks and partially liquefies, causing it to pull away from the interior surface of the eye. This shrinkage can lead to the formation of floaters as the vitreous fibers clump together. Other factors that can contribute to eye floaters include myopia, diabetic retinopathy, eye inflammation, eye trauma, previous eye surgery and age (50 or older). While occasional eye floaters that develop slowly over time are generally not a cause for concern, a sudden increase in floaters or the appearance of new symptoms could indicate a more serious problem. These symptoms may include loss of peripheral vision, blurred or total loss of vision, sudden and frequent flashes of light, an increase in the intensity, size, and shape of floaters, and consistent pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention. These could be warning signs of retinal tearing, retinal detachment or hemorrhaging in the vitreous. Retinal detachment is a particularly serious condition that can lead to permanent vision loss or even blindness if not treated promptly. 

Given that eye floaters can sometimes signal a serious condition, it’s important to err on the side of caution. Anytime you notice changes in your vision, such as an increase in floaters, flashes of light, or a loss of peripheral vision, you should contact your eye doctor immediately. Regular eye exams are crucial for monitoring your eye health and catching potential problems early.

Eliminate any worries about how serious your eye floaters might be by scheduling a comprehensive eye exam with Skyline Vision Clinic. If you’re seeing gray or black spots, thread-like strings, cobwebs, wavy lines or experiencing darkness around your peripheral vision, it’s time to get checked out. Call 719-630-3937 or fill out the request form at WEBSITE to schedule your appointment today.