What Could Be Causing Floaters in My Eyes?

Have you ever noticed tiny spots, squiggles, or cobweb-like shadows drifting across your vision? These are called floaters, and they’re a common visual phenomenon that many people experience, especially as they age. While they’re often harmless, floaters can sometimes signal an underlying eye condition that needs attention.
 

What Are Floaters?

Floaters are small clumps of cells or fibers inside the vitreous humor, the gel-like substance that fills the inside of your eye. As light enters your eye, these clumps cast shadows on the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye) which is what you perceive as floaters.
 

Age-Related Changes

The most common cause of floaters is vitreous degeneration, which typically occurs with age. Over time, the vitreous gel begins to shrink and liquefy, causing collagen fibers to clump together. These clumps create floaters that drift in your field of vision.
 

Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)

As the vitreous shrinks, it may pull away from the retina, a condition known as posterior vitreous detachment. This process is normal but can lead to an increase in floaters and even flashes of light. While PVD is often harmless, it should be monitored by an eye care professional to rule out more serious complications.
 

Eye Injuries or Trauma

Injuries to the eye can disturb the vitreous and lead to floaters. Trauma may also increase the risk of retinal tears or detachments, both of which require immediate medical attention.
 

Inflammation (Uveitis)

Inflammation inside the eye, such as posterior uveitis, can cause floaters. Uveitis may be triggered by infections, autoimmune diseases, or other underlying conditions. Symptoms may include floaters, blurred vision, redness, and pain.
 

Bleeding in the Eye

Conditions like diabetic retinopathy or retinal vein occlusion can cause blood to leak into the vitreous. Blood cells suspended in the gel can appear as floaters. Any sudden appearance of floaters accompanied by vision loss warrants immediate evaluation.
 

When to See an Eye Doctor

While floaters are often benign, certain warning signs should prompt a comprehensive eye exam:
 

• A sudden increase in floaters
• Flashes of light in your vision
• A dark curtain or shadow across part of your visual field
• Any loss of peripheral or central vision

These symptoms could indicate a retinal tear or detachment, which is a medical emergency.
 

Don’t Ignore Changes in Your Vision

Floaters are a natural part of the aging process for many people, but they shouldn’t be ignored - especially if they appear suddenly or change rapidly. Monitoring your eye health and understanding the potential causes of floaters can help you take proactive steps to preserve your vision. Our experienced team is here to provide personalized care and thorough evaluations to keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear.
 

If you’re experiencing floaters or any other changes in your vision, schedule an eye exam with Eye Rx today. Contact our office in Dumfries, VA, by calling (571) 404-0188 to book an appointment.