Have you ever noticed small, shadowy shapes drifting across your vision? 

These shapes are often described as specks, threads, or cobwebs. In medical parlance, however, they are generally known as eye floaters.

Floaters can be fairly benign, but in some cases, they are symptoms of a developing issue. This is why it can be useful to mention them to your eye doctor during check-ups, to be safe.

What are eye floaters?

What are floaters? Eye floaters are tiny clumps of cells or protein that form in the gel-like substance inside your eye called the vitreous. 

When light passes through your eye, the clumps cast shadows against it. This is how they become visible as floaters obscuring part of your vision. 

Symptoms and types of eye floaters

Eye floaters may have variable presentations for different people. However, they are generally seen as small and dark shapes floating across your field of vision. 

When you try to look at or focus on floaters, they often seem to dart away. They may also be accompanied by flashes of light or a shadow or curtain in your peripheral vision.

If you notice a gradual or sudden increase in blurry vision and floaters, this is often a sign to see your eye doctor for a consultation. They can determine if a deeper problem is causing them.

What causes eye floaters?

1. Ageing 

As you age, the vitreous in your eye begins to change. Among other things, the fibres that attach it to the retina can break.

These fibres can turn into floaters casting shadows on the retina. The process where those fibres separate from the retina is called vitreous detachment, by the way. It is widely considered the most common cause of floaters.

2. Eye injuries or surgeries

Can eye injury cause floaters? Yes, it can! 

Trauma to the eye or procedures like cataract surgery can lead to the development of floaters. In some cases, it may actually be due to bleeding in the eye caused by those. 

3. Inflammation

Conditions like uveitis (inflammation of the eye) can cause debris to form in the vitreous. Again, this debris floats and casts shadows in the eye, resulting in floaters.

‍4. Underlying health conditions

Eye floaters may also be associated with a number of other health conditions. For example, people with the following problems are more likely to present symptoms of floaters:

• Diabetic retinopathy
• Retinal tears
• Retinal detachment
• Vitreous haemorrhage or bleeding in the eye

When to seek help for floaters

As noted earlier, most floaters are harmless. However, they can also be caused by problems that require speedy intervention from a medical professional. 

Take two of the underlying health conditions we noted as possible causes, for example. Retinal tears and retinal detachments are both urgent problems. In fact, they can lead to permanent vision loss if not addressed swiftly.

Aside from immediate medical attention, regular eye check-ups can help patients deal with such issues. This is because such check-ups can identify problems early on for prompt treatment. 

If you suffer from any of the following, for instance, it is advised to see your doctor:

• A dramatic and noticeable increase in floaters
• A sudden propensity to see flashes of light
• Loss of your peripheral or central vision
• Persistent floaters starting to affect daily activities
• Accompanying symptoms like tunnel vision or blurred vision

Get an examination for your eye floaters today

Ultimately, it would be wise to prioritise your eye health by being vigilant about changes in it. Even seemingly innocuous symptoms like floaters may more complex issues.

To identify if your floaters are benign or not, schedule an eye exam with us today. Our doctors will assess you and your vision to see if you actually need treatment for eye floaters