Understanding Eye Floaters: Causes, Symptoms, and When to See an Optometrist
Do you notice tiny specks drifting across your vision, especially when looking at a bright background? These floating shapes—often described as cobwebs, dots, or threads—are known as eye floaters. While generally harmless, they can sometimes indicate a more serious eye condition that requires attention from an eye doctor in Edmonton.
What Are Eye Floaters?
Eye floaters are small clumps of collagen that float within the vitreous humour, the gel-like substance inside your eye. They appear as dark spots or thread-like shapes because they cast shadows on the retina. When you try to focus on them, they often move away, making them difficult to examine closely.
Symptoms of Eye Floaters
Eye floaters vary in size, shape, and density. You may notice:
- Small dark spots or squiggly lines drifting in your vision
- Transparent strands that resemble cobwebs
- Floaters that move with your eyes but continue drifting after eye movement stops
- Increased visibility of floaters when looking at a bright sky, white screen, or plain background
Most floaters are simply a normal part of ageing, but any sudden changes should be checked by an optometrist in Edmonton.
What Causes Eye Floaters?
Floaters form when the gel-like vitreous humour inside the eye begins to shrink and form clumps. This process, called vitreous detachment, is common with age, but floaters can also develop due to:
- Eye injury or trauma
- Inflammation (uveitis)
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Post-surgical changes in the eye
Some people are born with floaters, while others develop them over time.
When Should You See an Optometrist?
Most floaters are harmless, but some may indicate a more serious problem. Contact an Edmonton optometrist immediately if you experience:
- A sudden increase in floaters
- Flashes of light in your vision
- A dark curtain or shadow covering part of your visual field
- Peripheral vision loss
These symptoms could signal retinal detachment, a medical emergency requiring urgent treatment.
Treatment for Eye Floaters
For most people, eye floaters do not require treatment and may fade over time. However, in rare cases where they significantly interfere with vision, options include:
- Vitrectomy – A surgical procedure that removes the vitreous gel and replaces it with a clear solution
- Laser Therapy – A less invasive option that breaks up larger floaters to reduce their appearance
Your Edmonton optometrist will determine the best course of action based on your symptoms and overall eye health.
Schedule an Eye Exam in Edmonton
If you’ve noticed new or worsening floaters, Optometrists’ Clinic Inc. is here to help. Serving the Edmonton area since 1938, our experienced team provides comprehensive eye exams to assess your vision and detect potential eye health issues.
Don’t ignore changes in your vision. Schedule an appointment with an Edmonton optometrist today by contacting Optometrists’ Clinic Inc. at one of our convenient locations.
