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As we age, many of us will start to notice floaters drifting across our fields of vision. In most cases, these little dots or squiggly lines are fairly harmless, but can also be symptoms of more serious eye problems, including inflammation and even tumors. Below is a quick overview of eye floaters and why you should speak to an optometrist after any sudden vision changes.

What Are Eye Floaters?

Floaters might appear as large dots, silvery squiggles, or lines that move across your eyes, and appear to dart away if you try looking directly at them. For some people, they can be a constant annoyance, or you may only notice them when looking at something bright.

What Causes Floaters?

Inoptometrist most cases, eye floaters are just little pieces of collagen, a protein that makes up the gel-like part of your eye. The natural aging process, along with some medical conditions, can cause collagen filaments to shrink together into small clumps. The floaters you see are actually shadows cast onto your retinas by these collagen clusters.

Are Floaters Dangerous?

Most people will start to experience floaters as they age, typically between the ages of 50 and 75. In the vast majority of cases, floaters are perfectly harmless, and you’ll likely start to notice them less over time.

However, they can sometimes indicate more serious eye problems, such as diabetic retinopathy, a torn retina, or internal bleeding. If you suddenly notice a dramatic increase in floaters, loss of peripheral vision, or eye pain, make an appointment with your optometrist immediately.

 

Whether you’re shopping for a great new pair of glasses or need an eye exam, Baldwin Optical is ready to provide the care you need. Their optometrist has been voted the best eye doctor in Alabama’s Chilton County, thanks to this clinic’s expertise and commitment to their patients. Visit their website or call (251) 210-3741 to make an optometrist’s appointment today, and follow their Facebook for more eye care tips and advice.

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