Human eyes contain vitreous humor, a translucent, jelly-like substance attached to the retina. This substance changes as the body ages and sometimes produces debris made of collagen proteins. This debris looks like cobwebs, spots, specks, threads, and dots that float around the eyes. Known as eye floaters, they can create shadows on the retina and are most visible when a person looks at something bright. Learn what causes eye floaters and when you should see an eye doctor about them.

What Causes Eye Floaters?

Age

The most common cause of eye floaters is age. Protein fibers within the vitreous shrink as a person ages, eventually disintegrating and becoming floatable debris. While this change can happen at any time, it is most likely to occur between the ages of 50 and 70. Your eye floater chances increase if you are nearsighted or have undergone cataract surgery. The procedure causes mild trauma to the eyes that can result in posterior vitreous detachment from the retina. Contact your eye doctor if you experience this issue following cataract surgery.

Retina Detachment

Whether retina detachment is due to cataract surgery, heredity, or an injury, it requires immediate attention. Retina detachment causes sudden flashes of light, reduced peripheral vision, and the presence of many new floaters. Eye pain can also occur. If you experience any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your eye doctor right away to avoid serious complications such as partial vision loss and blindness.

Bleeding & Inflammation

Floaters can also appear when the vitreous bleeds or becomes inflamed. Blocked or damaged retina blood vessels cause vitreous hemorrhages, resulting in fluid leaks, blurred vision, and eye floaters. Vitreous and retinal inflammation can also create floaters, whether from an infection or autoimmune disease. Any eye bleeding or inflammation, whether it is related to floaters or not, requires examination by an eye doctor.

Daniel J. Kroger OD provides residents throughout West Chester, OH, and the surrounding areas with comprehensive, affordable eye care services. He offers over 25 years of experience and uses only the latest and most innovative technology. Call (513) 777-3936 today to schedule an appointment, or visit the eye doctor online for more information about their services.