Floaters are a common vision issue, especially for seniors. In many cases, they’re nuisances, but sometimes they may signify more serious problems. Here’s what you should know as you decide whether to see an eye doctor about them. 

What Are Floaters & How Do They Form? 

Floaters may look like specks or strings that hang in your vision and usually slide out of sight by themselves or when you try to look at them directly. They’re often visible against white or bright backgrounds. Although they appear to be objects in the external world, they’re part of your eye. 

It’s normal for floaters to occur as you age, thanks to the way the gel between your lens and retina gradually shifts and changes in texture, leaving bits of it in the light that travels through your eye and causing you to see their shapes. If you’re still young but had eye surgery or medications inserted recently, the temporary effect on the gel can cause you to see floaters. In these cases, you can usually ignore them. They’ll either go away on their own or your brain will stop paying attention to them.  

However, the floaters could also be the result of blood leaking into the gel, or the gel might be pulling and tearing your retina. Alternatively, you may be dealing with a disease or infection that causes inflammation in the back of your eye. In rare instances, floaters could suggest tumors. 

How Can They Be Prevented & Treated? 

You can reduce the risk of developing diseases or illnesses that can put floaters in your vision by exercising regularly and eating healthy. You should also drink water frequently to help your body rid itself of toxins. Wear protective eyewear if you’re performing a job that could cause injury to your eyes, and rest them after spending long periods in front of a computer. Get eye exams regularly so that if your floaters are caused by serious issues, they can be addressed right away. 

If the floaters appear and don’t go away, an eye doctor may be able to replace the gel between your retina and lens with a special solution until your body can create new gel. Another option is to have your doctor dissolve the floaters with lasers. In any case, you should head to a clinic immediately if the floaters show up abruptly, rapidly increase in number, or are accompanied by flashes of light or peripheral vision loss. 

If floaters are disrupting your vision, Northern Lights Eye Care in Anchorage, AK, can use their 14 years of experience to check out potential causes for your floaters and other eye-related issues. With their commitment to quality care at an affordable rate, you can get whatever treatments you need, whether it’s a new prescription or an invasive procedure. Make appointments for your entire family, including your children, by calling them today at (907) 276-3937 or messaging them online.