Eye floaters are spots in your vision that disappear when you look at them. The eye contains a jellylike substance called vitreous, and when this substance grows more liquid, it becomes visible and produces this effect. While you should visit an eye doctor whenever you experience unusual symptoms, the guide below will help you understand what could be causing the issue.

Conditions That Cause Floaters

In most cases, floaters are a normal part of the eye’s aging process. However, in certain circumstances, they could indicate underlying conditions.

An abrupt increase in floaters can be a sign of retinal detachment, a condition in which the tissue at the back of the eye separates from the blood vessels that give it nourishment and oxygen. In this case, floaters are usually accompanied by bright flashes of light or peripheral vision loss. Floaters are also associated with eye inflammation, infections, injuries, and diabetic retinopathy, which is another type of damage to the blood vessels.

How to Prevent Floaters

Everyone experiences occasional vision changes, so there is no singular way to prevent them. In general, aim to maintain optimal eye health as much as possible.

Eat a balanced diet, stay active, and quit smoking. Wear sunglasses whenever you're outdoors during the day. Take regular breaks from electronics to give the eyes a chance to rest. You can do this by following the 20/20/20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at an object at least 20 feet away for a minimum of 20 seconds. Also, be sure to visit an eye doctor annually or anytime vision issues arise.

How Floaters Are Treated

Floaters often go away on their own. However, when they’re symptoms of an underlying health concern, the treatment depends on their cause.

If you experience retinal detachment, an eye doctor might perform a vitrectomy, which removes the jellylike substance and replaces it with a saline solution.

If you experience vision changes, always visit the eye doctor. The team at Tri-State Eye is here to help. With locations in Middletown and Milford, NY, they provide comprehensive vision services in the Tri-State Area. Their eye doctors, eye surgeons, and retina specialists will help you see as well as possible. Call (845) 703-2020 to discuss your symptoms, or visit them online to learn more about conditions that cause floaters.