Eye floaters are a common visual phenomenon that many people experience at some point in their lives. These small, moving spots or shapes in your field of vision can be quite annoying and distracting, but are they treatable?
 

What Are Eye floaters?

Eye floaters are small, semi-transparent or cloudy spots or shapes that drift through your field of vision. They are caused by the natural breakdown and clumping of the vitreous humor, the clear, gel-like substance that fills the inside of your eye. As you age, the vitreous humor can start to shrink and pull away from the back of the eye, creating small shadows that you perceive as floaters. Eye floaters can take on various shapes, such as:

• Spots
• Strings or cobwebs
• Ring shapes
• Clouds or hazy areas

These floaters are typically more noticeable when you look at a plain, light-colored background, such as a clear sky or a white wall. They can be especially bothersome when trying to read, work on a computer, or perform other detailed tasks.
 

Common Causes of Eye Floaters

While eye floaters are often harmless, they can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious eye condition. Some of the eye conditions associated with floaters include:

• Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD): As mentioned earlier, PVD is a common cause of eye floaters and is generally not a serious condition.
• Retinal tear or detachment: A retinal tear or detachment can cause sudden onset of new floaters, as well as flashes of light and a loss of peripheral vision. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
• Uveitis: Inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye, can lead to the development of eye floaters.
• Diabetic retinopathy: This eye condition, which can occur in people with diabetes, can cause the formation of new blood vessels in the eye, leading to floaters.
• Vitreous hemorrhage: Bleeding into the vitreous humor can cause the appearance of new floaters.

How Floaters Can Be Treated

The treatment for eye floaters depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. In many cases, floaters are simply a nuisance and do not require any treatment. However, if the floaters are accompanied by other symptoms, such as flashes of light or a sudden increase in the number of floaters, it's important to seek medical attention.
 

Non-surgical Treatments for Eye Floaters

For mild to moderate cases of eye floaters, there are several non-surgical treatment options that your ophthalmologist may recommend:

• Observation: If the floaters are not causing significant visual impairment or distress, your ophthalmologist may recommend simply observing the condition over time. Many people learn to adapt to the presence of floaters and find that they become less noticeable over time.
• Lifestyle changes: Making certain lifestyle changes, such as reducing screen time, wearing sunglasses, and improving your overall eye health, can help minimize the impact of eye floaters.
• Eye drops or medications: In some cases, your ophthalmologist may prescribe eye drops or medications to help reduce inflammation or address the underlying cause of the floaters.
• Vitreous aspiration: This non-surgical procedure involves using a small needle to remove some of the vitreous humor, which can help reduce the visibility of floaters.

Surgical Options for Treating Eye Floaters

If non-surgical treatments are not effective or if the floaters are particularly severe, your ophthalmologist may recommend a surgical procedure to address the issue. Some of the surgical options for treating eye floaters include:

• Vitrectomy: This is a surgical procedure in which the vitreous humor is removed and replaced with a clear, saline solution. This can help to reduce the visibility of floaters, but it is a more invasive procedure with a longer recovery time.
• Laser treatment: In some cases, your ophthalmologist may use a laser to break up or vaporize the floaters, making them less visible.
• Lensectomy: In rare cases, the lens of the eye may need to be removed and replaced with an artificial lens to address severe or persistent floaters.

Your ophthalmologist will carefully evaluate your individual situation and recommend the most appropriate course of action.
 

Schedule a Consultation with Gulf Coast Retina Center Today

Eye floaters are a common and often harmless visual phenomenon, but in some cases, they can be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition. If you are experiencing persistent or worsening eye floaters, it's important to consult with an ophthalmologist to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
 

If you are struggling with eye floaters, schedule an appointment with our experienced ophthalmologist. Visit Gulf Coast Retina Center at our office in Sarasota or Venice, Florida. Be seen today or call (941) 312-2769 to book an appointment.