If stringy, squiggly lines appear in your vision when looking at bright lights, you’re not alone. These “floaters” are very common and typically harmless. There are some instances, however, where you may want to consult an eye doctor. Use this guide to learn more about what eye floaters are and how they can be treated.

What Are They & What Causes Them? 

The floaters themselves are typically flecks of a protein called collagen. They come from your eye’s vitreous, which is a gel-like part of your eye that helps it keep its shape. The protein “floats” in front of your retina, which is a part of your eye that is sensitive to light. When your eye takes in bright light, it reaches the vitreous before the retina. The floaters you see are shadows of the flecks of protein cast on your retinas.

Floaters often become more and more visible as you get older, as the vitreous softens with age. While floaters are generally benign, they can sometimes be indicative of a bigger issue such as retinal tears or retinal detachment. If you start to see more floaters or experience loss of vision or any type of eye pain, it’s important to consult with an eye doctor.

Prevention & Treatment

In time, your brain may start to naturally ignore the floaters. If a floater is in the center of your vision, moving your eye up and down can possibly shift it to a less prominent place.

If your floaters are so significant that they are obstructing your vision, there is a surgery that can be performed called a vitrectomy. This is when the vitreous of the eye—and the floaters that come with it—is removed and replaced with a saline solution. This surgery has significant risks to your vision, however, and is rarely performed.

Lastly, if your floaters do end up being symptoms of a condition such as retinal tears or retinal detachment, your eye doctor can inform you of treatment options and next steps.

If you’re looking for an eye doctor that goes the extra mile for their patients, check out Alexander Eye Associates & Optical in Rochester, NY. They treat patients of all ages with various types of eye conditions. Whether you need a routine check-up or post-operative care, the expert optometrists at this locally owned and operated clinic are there or you. For more information, visit them online or call (585) 325-3070.