Of all the reasons to visit an eye doctor, seeing little particles in the corner of your field of vision might seem strange. However, these disturbances, otherwise known as “floaters” are quite common. To better understand what they are, why they appear, and how they should be treated, consult the guide below.

What Are Eye Floaters?

If you’ve ever seen what looks like small squiggles, dots, lines, or specks in the corner of your eye, you’ve experienced floaters. These are the result of bits of vitreous gel detaching from the retina and floating inside your eye, causing shadows to appear.

Are They Dangerous? 

Although floaters may be concerning or irritating, in most cases, they aren’t anything to worry about. Most eye doctors consider them to be a natural part of getting older. Typically, during an episode, the floaters will go away on their own after a bit of time, especially if you stop moving your eyes and allow them to settle the bottom. If you are frustrated with the frequency in which you experience floaters, they can be removed with surgery.

When Should You See an Eye Doctor About Them?

Although floaters usually aren’t considered dangerous, certain circumstances require a trip to the eye doctor’s office. If your floaters suddenly increase in severity and frequency and are accompanied by loss of side vision or flashes of light, see a professional immediately. These symptoms indicate the retina has detached from the back of the wall, which, if left untreated, could lead to decreased or even complete loss of vision. 

If you want to talk to an eye doctor about your floaters, turn to the team at Tri-State Centers for Sight in Cincinnati, OH. With multiple locations throughout southwest Ohio and northern Kentucky and over 25 years of top-quality experience, they have the skills and resources needed to ensure optimum optic health. Visit their website to learn more about their practice, and call (859) 331-6616 to schedule an exam today.