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Eye Floaters and What Causes Them

As you age, it’s normal to develop eye floaters in your field of vision. These small shapes are formed from clumps of vitreous jelly in the eyes. While there’s usually no cause for alarm or treatment, these visual disturbances are sometimes severe, such as the case of retinal detachment.

Understanding Floaters

Have you ever had dust on a camera lens that showed up in the picture? This scenario can also be used to describe the look of floaters in the eye. Many patients describe floaters as small forms that float in their field of vision and move across their eye.

Though these bits are annoying, they can naturally occur with age. You likely won’t notice them unless you’re looking at something white or lightly colored. While floaters are not usually a problem, it’s always best to have them evaluated before you dismiss them. Typically, floaters can take on many characteristics, and some people describe them as:

•Shadows
•Spots
•Spider webs
•Squiggly lines
•Threads

Who’s at Risk?

You’re more likely to develop floaters if you’re over 50 years of age, have underlying medical issues like diabetes, and have undergone surgical procedures of the eye. Your family history does play some part in your eye health.

Sometimes, eye floaters accompanied with flashes of light can be a sign of retinal detachment, which is a severe condition that must be treated as soon as possible.

The Importance of Regular Eye Examinations

Most of the time, floaters are nothing to be concerned about, but you can’t know for sure until they’re evaluated by an eye care professional. It is important to seek out professional assessment if you are noticing floaters that are getting worse, are accompanied by flashes, or that are bothersome to your vision to ensure that retinal detachment is not a problem.

Schedule a Consultation

If you have floaters or flashes in your field of vision, schedule a consultation today at Kung Eye Center. For your convenience, you can utilize our website to get more information or to fill out a contact form. A simple eye examination can put your mind at ease on whether your floaters are a normal part of aging or something more serious. Should you experience a retinal detachment, acting quickly can help to preserve your vision.

Request an Appointment

Please call our New York office at (929) 429-2928 or our New Jersey office at (732) 724-2535 with any questions you may have.

STATEN ISLAND, NY EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ