Got "Floaters" in Your Field of Vision? When Are They Normal & When Are They Cause for Concern

If you’ve noticed tiny specks, squiggles, or cloud-like shapes drifting across your field of vision, then you’ve experienced eye “floaters.” They’re common for most people and are a normal part of aging—usually, not something you need to worry about. 

However, there are times when they represent a more serious eye problem. 

Dr. Bimal Patel at Focus Refined Eye Care in the Heights and Montrose sections of Houston, Texas, encourages regular eye exams. He examines your eyes and looks for potential concerns and changes, such as vitreous, which is the gel-like substance in your eye that can cause floaters. 

What are eye floaters? 

Eye floaters are small. They’re shadowy shapes that appear to float in your vision, often in the form of dots or cobweb-like shapes. They’re tiny clumps of gel-like vitreous substance that fill your eyeball. As you age, this substance breaks down and liquifies. This structural loss creates spidery shadows or “floaters”  in your line of vision. 

When should you be concerned 

Occasional floaters are common in people over the age of 50. However, there are a few signs you want to be aware of, and if you notice them, seek medical attention immediately. 

For example,

• A sudden increase in floaters
• Flashes of light in your peripheral vision 
• A dark curtain fell across your vision 

These are symptoms of potentially more serious issues like a retinal tear or detachment.. If the vitreous fluid detaches from the retina, it’s a medical emergency. Left untreated, you could lose your eyesight.

Risk factors 

Several factors can indicate potential complications from floaters: 

Nearsightedness

If you’re nearsighted, you’re already at risk thanks to your longer eyeball. That stretch can increase the risk of tears or make your retina more fragile. 

Earlier eye injuries 

If you experienced a stick in the eye or other eye injuries when you were younger, that can put you at risk later in life. Additionally, eye surgeries can increase your risk. 

Inflammatory eye conditions

Uveitis is an eye inflammation. The uvea includes your iris and can feel painful or look red. 

Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetes can damage your blood vessels throughout your body, including the ones in your eyes. This can lead to bleeding in your eyes or eye floaters.  

Expert diagnosis 

Dr. Patel performs a comprehensive eye exam. He may dilate your pupils or use other tests to examine your eye health. Based on findings, he may recommend regular eye exams for observation, or in more serious cases, laser therapy or even surgery. Yet, most floaters don’t require such treatment and will fade away on their own. 

If you’ve noticed new or worsening floaters or haven’t had a recent eye exam, you can schedule your eye appointment online at Refined Focus Eye Care in Houston, Texas's Heights or Montrose neighborhoods.