If you occasionally see specks drifting through your line of vision, you’re not alone—it’s a common occurrence for many. Usually, it’s only a minor concern, but sometimes, it is an indication of a serious underlying issue. While it’s always best to consult an eye doctor to know for sure, here’s some information to help you better understand floaters.

What Are Eye Floaters & What Causes Them?

Floaters are the small shapes you see floating around in your vision that seem to zoom across your sight as your eyes move. They are caused by a tiny patch of proteins or a cluster of cells that are floating free in the vitreous humor—the clear fluid between your retina and lens. These protein fibers in the vitreous break down as you age, making them more common the older you get. The images or floaters that you see are actually just shadows of these fibers. Floaters may be more noticeable if you’re nearsighted, have diabetes, or had a recent eye injury.

However, sometimes floaters can point to a more serious condition such as an eye tumor, a detached or torn retina, an autoimmune condition, bleeding in the vitreous, an infection, or other eye diseases. Thus, it’s best to see an eye doctor as soon as possible if floaters are disrupting your vision.

Prevention & Treatment

In most cases, floaters are an annoyance and will become less noticeable if you stop paying attention to them. Sometimes, you can also get relief by  looking up and down to change the position of the floater in the vitreous.

Since eye floaters are impossible to prevent, try observing some basic practices that promote healthy eyes to minimize their occurrence. This includes eating a nutritious diet, maintaining the correct weight, wearing sunglasses when necessary, regularly resting your eyes, and refraining from smoking.

If your eye doctor recommends medical treatment during more pressing circumstances, they might suggest laser vitreolysis to dissolve or break apart large floaters or another surgical option.

Make healthy vision a priority when you visit Alan L. Ginsburg OD in High Point, NC. This trusted eye doctor will provide you with top-quality services for eye diseases, contact lenses, family eye care, and glaucoma testing. You can also expect to receive first-rate care and attention whether you come in for a vision test or an eye examination. Call his office at (336) 889-6566 to schedule your appointment, or visit this website to know more about his optical services.