When you start noticing unusual shapes like spots, dots, lines, or what appear to be “cobwebs” obstructing your field of vision, it’s a common reaction to feel concerned. These visual phenomena, commonly referred to as floaters, are experienced by many and often manifest as small, dark, shadowy shapes that drift across your vision. But what exactly are these mysterious floaters and flashes of light? Let’s demystify these occurrences for your peace of mind.
What Are Floaters?
Floaters are essentially tiny clumps of gel or cells inside the vitreous, the gel-like substance that fills the interior of your eye. While they can appear in various shapes and sizes, from tiny specks to larger, web-like structures, floaters are most noticeable when you’re looking at a light-colored, uniform background, like a clear sky or a white wall.
These visual distractions tend to become more common as we age due to the vitreous humor’s natural aging process. During this time, the vitreous begins to liquefy and may start to detach from the retina, leading to the formation of floaters.
Posterior Vitreous Detachment and Other Causes
The primary cause behind the sudden appearance of floaters is a condition known as posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). PVD is a normal part of the aging process and occurs when the vitreous gel separates from the retina. This doesn’t mean that every case of floaters is benign, as they can also signal more serious conditions, including retinal tears or detachment, particularly if accompanied by flashes of light or a sudden increase in the number of floaters.
Other potential causes include the following:
- Trauma to the eye
- Inflammation inside the eye (uveitis)
- Diabetic retinopathy, which involves changes to blood vessels in the retina and can cause bleeding inside the eye
When to See an Eye Doctor
While floaters can be a normal, albeit annoying, part of aging, there are instances when seeing an optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam becomes crucial. Here are some of them.
- A sudden increase in floaters, especially if accompanied by flashes of light
- Any loss of peripheral vision or a shadow that appears to encroach upon your field of vision
- Persistent blurriness or difficulty distinguishing objects, signaling potential eye health issues
It’s paramount to seek professional eye care immediately when new or troubling symptoms arise, as timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent more serious conditions from escalating.
Treatment Options for Floaters and Flashes
In many cases, floaters and flashes do not require any treatment, especially if they’re not impacting your quality of life or vision significantly. Patients may eventually become less annoyed by their presence as the brain can adapt to ignore them. However, in situations where floaters exceedingly hinder vision, a surgical procedure known as a vitrectomy might be considered. It comes with risks so it’s seldom recommended.
Flashes generally diminish on their own over time, but they should be monitored closely as they can indicate vitreous pulling away from the retina or a retinal tear.
If you’re encountering floaters or flashes for the first time or if there’s a sudden increase in their occurrence, reach out to Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry for assistance. We’ll perform a thorough eye exam and offer you a personalized solution. Call us today at (703) 467-9080 or visit our contact page to schedule an appointment!
