Part of regular eye care is knowing and understanding how your eyes work and the various conditions and phenomena that can impact them. Momentary spots in one's vision is a common experience for many people. These are called floaters, and everyone should be aware of their characteristics and when they may need further evaluation by an eye doctor. To that end, below is a more in-depth introduction to floaters.

A Guide to Floaters

What They Are

Floaters are light, dark, or grayish specks, dots, strings, squiggly lines, or cobwebs in a person's field of vision. They are usually fairly elusive: as you move your eyes or try to look directly at them, they will dash around and typically disappear in a matter of seconds. Floaters are often most obvious when looking at something bright, such as a sunny sky, or a light-colored solid object, like a bare white wall. Most people only ever notice floaters during one of these scenarios. In general, fleeting flecks in one's field of vision are normal.

So, what causes floaters? They are actually strands of vitreous, a gel-like substance that comprises a huge part of the human eye. As a person ages, vitreous grows more watery and, thus, more visible, which is why floaters are more prevalent among older folks.

When to Seek Treatment

While occasional, brief-duration floaters are usually no reason for concern, there are situations in which you should get checked out by an eye care professional. These include: when there is a sharp increase in the number or occurrence of floaters, when floaters are accompanied by bright flashes of light in the same eye, and when you also experience peripheral vision loss at the same time as the floaters. There is usually no pain with these symptoms, but they can signal a vision-jeopardizing issue like a retinal tear or detachment.

If you notice floaters in your vision, take note of how long they last and how often they occur. To address any concerns, contact the optometrists at Staarmann Family Vision Center. Serving Fairfield and Cincinnati, OH, they offer a wide range of eye care services, including eye exams and vision therapy. Schedule an appointment today by calling (513) 874-1718, or visit them online. For more useful tips and information, check out their Facebook.