When Should I Worry About Floaters?

Seeing specks, threads, or cobweb-like shapes flitting through your visual field? These visual irregularities, called floaters, are mostly harmless. But sometimes, they can point to a more serious issue that needs medical attention.

At InVision Eye Care, we've been the New Jersey leaders in eye care for three decades plus, and our patients trust us for comprehensive floater diagnosis, management, and treatment.

Here's what you need to know about floaters and when they might signal a problem.

What Causes Floaters?

To understand when to worry about floaters, you need to know how and why they happen. The main reason floaters happen is age-related.

Over time, usually starting after age 50, the gel-like substance in your eye - the vitreous humor - starts shrinking in a process called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD).

As it does so, it tugs at the retina (the light-sensing cells at the back of your eye.)

Small clumps or strands of the vitreous humor may loosen during this detachment process and start floating in the eye. They cast shadows on your retina, which you visually perceive as floaters. You may also notice brief flashes of light (called flashes) simultaneously.

PVD happens to virtually everyone by age 70. It's very normal, and PVD usually happens without any significant problems. However, in rare cases, the vitreous may pull too forcefully at the retina, causing a tear.

This weakens the retina and can lead to a vision-threatening condition called retinal detachment. Diabetic retinopathy can also cause an increase in floaters due to leaking blood vessels. Eye trauma or inflammation may cause floaters too.

When Should You See an Eye Doctor About Floaters?

If your floaters are significant enough to bother you, contact us for an eye exam as soon as possible. Certain warning signs mean you need immediate care, including:

• Floater Increase: A sudden increase in floaters, especially in clusters.
• Flashes of Light: Prominent flashes in your peripheral vision alongside increased floaters.
• Shadow: A dark curtain or hazy shadow over part of your vision.
• Vision Changes: Blurriness or trouble focusing.

These symptoms could represent a retinal tear or detachment that needs immediate treatment to avoid vision loss.

Can Floaters Be Treated?

Most people adjust to floaters over time, but if they become bothersome or interfere with daily activities, treatment options are available, including laser therapy (vitreolysis) and, for severe cases, vitrectomy surgery to remove the vitreous humor and the floaters.

We provide personalized evaluations to determine whether treatment is necessary and discuss the safest options for you.

Help For Floaters in Lakewood, NJ

If you're concerned about floaters, InVision Eye Care can help. Our Lakewood, NJ office serves patients throughout Ocean County, Monmouth County, and New Jersey. Call us at 732-210-0140 to schedule an evaluation.