Floaters

Have you ever noticed specks or squiggles drifting across your vision? Eye floaters are a common condition that many people experience at some point. While floaters are usually harmless, a sudden increase in floaters could indicate a retinal tear, which requires prompt attention. For comprehensive eye care, schedule an appointment at Eye Care & Surgery. We offer expert care at three convenient locations: in Washington Heights, Manhattan; near the Grand Concourse in the Bronx, directly across from Yankee Stadium; and in New Rochelle, just minutes from downtown and near New Rochelle High School. Call your nearest Eye Care & Surgery office or book your appointment online today.

What are eye floaters?

Eye floaters appear in your field of vision. Often black or grey, most people describe them as spots, strings, cobwebs, or specks. Floaters move when you look around and disappear when you try to look directly at them. 

Most floaters are harmless. They usually disappear after some time or when you try to look at them. Sometimes, floaters are more noticeable when you look at a solid colored, bright background, like a blue sky. 

What causes floaters?

There’s a jelly-like substance inside your eye called vitreous. Tiny fibers inside the vitreous can cast shadows on your retina, which is the back of the eye that sends nerve impulses to your brain. The shadows caused by the fibers are what you see when you have an eye floater.

The most common cause of floaters is getting older. As you age, the vitreous becomes more liquid, and you may experience more floaters. The vitreous shrinks and gets stringy, casting more shadows on the retina. 

Some other causes include inflammation in the back of the eye, torn retina, or bleeding in the eye. These conditions cause the vitreous to release debris, which may appear as floaters. 

You’re at increased risk for eye floaters if you:

• Are over the age of 50
• Are near-sighted 
• Suffered eye trauma
• Have eye inflammation
• Have diabetic retinopathy

Are floaters a sign of a more serious condition?

Many people have floaters now and then. Typically, they aren’t a sign that something is wrong. However, if you notice a sudden increase in the number of floaters you see, you should seek medical care at Eye Care & Surgery.

More floaters, flashes of light, or darkness in any part of your vision could be a sign of a more serious condition. If you lose peripheral vision or see light flashes, you may have a tear in your retina, a serious but treatable condition by the experts at Eye Care & Surgery.

A torn retina is often painless but occurs when the vitreous sags and pulls on the retina. If left untreated, retinal tears can lead to a retinal detachment and may cause permanent vision loss.

If you’re concerned about floaters in your vision, the doctors at Eye Care & Surgery can help. Call the office or request an appointment online. 

Do you suffer from Cataracts? Ask us how Cataract Surgery can help you today.