Eye Floaters and What They Mean

Have you ever noticed small specks, strings, or cobweb-like shapes drifting across your vision - especially when looking at a bright background like the sky or a white wall? These visual disturbances are called eye floaters, and while they’re often harmless, they can sometimes signal an underlying eye condition that needs attention.
 

What Are Eye Floaters?

Eye floaters are tiny clumps of gel or cells that form inside the vitreous, the clear, gel-like substance that fills the inside of your eye. As light enters your eye, these clumps cast shadows on your retina - the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye - creating the appearance of floating specks or strands in your vision. Floaters tend to move when you try to look at them directly, which can make them seem to dart away. They’re usually most noticeable in bright lighting or when viewing plain backgrounds.
 

Common Causes of Eye Floaters

In most cases, floaters are a normal part of the aging process. Over time, the vitreous gel naturally shrinks and becomes more liquid, causing fibers within it to clump together. This process, known as vitreous detachment, is common in people over 50.

Other possible causes include:

• Eye injury or trauma

• Inflammation inside the eye (uveitis)

• Bleeding within the eye due to diabetic retinopathy or hypertension

• Retinal tears or detachment, which are medical emergencies
 

When to See an Eye Doctor

While most floaters are benign, a sudden increase in floaters, especially when accompanied by flashes of light, blurred vision, or a dark shadow across your visual field, could indicate a retinal tear or detachment. This requires immediate medical attention to prevent permanent vision loss. If you’ve recently noticed new or worsening floaters, it’s important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam to determine the cause and rule out any serious conditions.
 

Managing and Treating Eye Floaters

For most people, floaters become less noticeable over time as the brain adapts and learns to ignore them. However, in rare cases where floaters are dense and significantly affect vision, treatments such as vitrectomy or laser therapy may be recommended by your eye doctor.
 

Schedule Your Eye Exam at Brandon Eyes

Eye floaters are a common part of the visual experience, particularly as we age. While they’re often harmless, they can sometimes signal more serious eye conditions. Regular eye exams play a vital role in maintaining healthy vision and catching problems early.

If you’re seeing floaters or noticing any changes in your vision, it’s important to have your eyes evaluated by a professional. At Brandon Eyes, our experienced optometrists provide thorough eye exams to detect and treat issues early. Visit our office in Middleton or Madison, Wisconsin. Please call (608) 833-7256 or (608) 833-0301 to book an appointment today.