Eye Floaters and Posterior Vitreous Detachments: What You Need to Know
What Are Eye Floaters?
Eye floaters are small, shadowy shapes that appear in your field of vision. They may look like specks, dots, lines, or cobweb-like strands. While it may seem like these floaters are on the surface of your eye, they are actually inside it, floating in the vitreous of the eye—a gel-like substance that fills the interior of your eyeball.
Floaters occur when tiny clumps of gel or cells form within the vitreous and cast shadows on your retina. They are often most noticeable when you’re looking at a plain background, such as a blank wall or the sky.
What Causes Floaters?
Floaters are usually a normal part of the aging process. As we get older, the vitreous can shrink or become more liquid, leading to the formation of clumps or strands. This process is often harmless and can cause the floaters to appear over time.
While occasional floaters are common and usually not a cause for concern, an increase in their number or a sudden appearance of floaters should be monitored closely.
What is Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) and Its Connection to Floaters?
A posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) happens when the vitreous begins to shrink and separate from the retina. This is a natural part of aging and commonly affects people over 50. As the vitreous detaches, it can cause floaters to appear or become more noticeable.
Although PVD may seem worrisome, it is typically harmless. In most cases, symptoms gradually diminish over time and there is no need for treatment or surgery. However, monitoring any sudden vision changes is important to rule out complications such as a retinal tear or detachment, which require prompt medical attention.
Who is at Risk for Floaters and PVD?
Certain factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing floaters or developing PVD, including:
- Age: As you get older, the vitreous naturally begins to shrink.
- Nearsightedness: People who are nearsighted are more likely to experience floaters and PVD.
- Eye surgery or injury: Prior eye surgeries, such as cataract surgery, can increase the risk.
- Inflammation in the eye: Conditions like uveitis (inflammation of the eye) can also increase the likelihood of floaters and PVD.
When Should You Seek Medical Attention?
While floaters are typically harmless, there are certain situations where you should contact an eye care professional immediately, especially if you experience:
- A sudden increase in the number of floaters or a large group of floaters appearing suddenly
- A flash of light in your vision
- Cobweb-like floaters that seem to impair your vision
- A loss of peripheral vision or dark spots appearing in your field of vision
While floaters and PVDs are generally common and often benign, it’s essential to get regular eye exams, especially as you age, to ensure any potential issues are detected early. If you experience sudden changes in your vision, don’t hesitate to reach out to your eye doctor. Early detection and treatment can help preserve your sight for the long term.
If you’re concerned about floaters and PVD, schedule an appointment with Retina Associates of Utah today at one of our retina centers in Salt Lake, Provo, Logan, Layton, and Lehi.