Have you ever noticed tiny spots, threads, or cobweb-like shapes drifting across your field of vision? These are called floaters, and while they’re usually harmless, they can sometimes signal an underlying eye health issue. Understanding what causes floaters and knowing when to seek professional care is essential to maintaining clear and healthy vision.

What Are Floaters?

Floaters are small, shadowy shapes that move with your eye’s motion and seem to dart away when you try to look directly at them. They occur when small particles or strands within the vitreous humor (the gel-like substance that fills your eye) cast shadows on your retina. While floaters are more common as we age due to the natural shrinking and liquefying of the vitreous, they can also arise from other causes.

Common Causes of Floaters

• Aging and Vitreous Changes: As we age, the vitreous becomes more liquefied and separates from the retina, a process called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). Floaters are often a normal result of this process.
   

• Eye Injuries or Trauma: Injuries to the eye can cause floaters by disrupting the vitreous or retina.
   

• Inflammation: Conditions such as uveitis, or inflammation of the eye, can introduce debris into the vitreous, leading to floaters.
   

• Retinal Tears or Detachment: A sudden increase in floaters, especially when accompanied by flashes of light or a shadow in your vision, may indicate a serious issue like a retinal tear or detachment. This requires immediate medical attention.
   

• Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy: People with diabetes may develop floaters due to bleeding in the eye or damage to retinal blood vessels caused by diabetic retinopathy.

The Importance of Regular Retinal Screenings

While floaters are often harmless, they can occasionally signal a problem that requires treatment. Regular retinal screenings help detect and monitor changes in your eyes that could lead to serious conditions like retinal detachment or diabetic retinopathy.

At Patel Vision Group, we use advanced diagnostic tools to ensure your retinal health:
 

• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): OCT is a non-invasive imaging technique that captures detailed, cross-sectional images of your retina. It helps identify abnormalities in retinal layers, including tears, swelling, or early signs of disease.
   

• Optomap Imaging: Optomap provides an ultra-widefield view of the retina, allowing us to detect subtle changes in areas not visible with traditional methods. This comprehensive imaging ensures that even the periphery of your retina is thoroughly examined.

When Should You See an Eye Doctor About Floaters?

While most floaters are benign, it’s important to schedule an eye exam if you experience:
 

• A sudden increase in the number of floaters
   

• Flashes of light in your vision
   

• A shadow or curtain effect across your vision
   

• Persistent floaters that affect your ability to see clearly

These symptoms may indicate a retinal tear or detachment, which requires immediate treatment to prevent vision loss.

Protecting Your Vision with Patel Vision Group

We’re committed to safeguarding your vision through advanced diagnostics and personalized care. Our state-of-the-art technologies, such as OCT and Optomap, allow us to detect and manage retinal conditions before they become severe. Regular eye exams are the best way to protect your vision and ensure early detection of potential issues.

If you’re concerned about floaters or simply want to stay proactive about your eye health, schedule an eye exam with Patel Vision Group and ensure your retinal health is in expert hands. Visit our office in Visalia, Redding, Roseville, Monterey, Salinas, Sacramento, Fresno, or Fair Oaks, California. Call (559) 739-8550, (530) 221-6557, (916) 788-2960, (831) 375-7755, (831) 443-5250, (916) 629-8033, (559) 538-1567, (916) 966-4700, or (559) 500-7685 to book your appointment today.