Floaters

If you’re experiencing tiny shapes and spots in your vision, there is usually no cause for alarm. You can anticipate seeing these eye floaters in your field of vision at some point in your life; however, if you have other symptoms with these eye floaters, board-certified ophthalmologist Andrew Lee, MD, can help. He will check your eyes for any underlying conditions at Irvine Eye Center in Irvine, California, so that you can be confident of your eye health. Call Irvine Eye Center or book an appointment online today.

What are floaters?

Eye floaters are minuscule spots or shapes you can see in your field of vision. When you try to look directly at them, they seem to drift out of focus. Most people experience floaters from time to time, but they’re harmless, and most don’t require any treatment.

While you’re likely to develop increased floaters as you age, some common risk factors are:

• Being diabetic
• Having cataract surgery in the past
• Being nearsighted
• Past eye injuries

Due to age-related or damage-related changes to the vitreous gel inside your eyes, collagen fibers more easily clump together within the gel, casting shadows on the retina. As a result, you see floaters. 

When should I book an appointment for floaters?

There is no need to book an appointment with your ophthalmologist every time you see floaters, but there are cases in which floaters are a cause of concern. You should contact Irvine Eye Center for an appointment if you notice the following:

• A stark increase in floaters
• Vision blockage or blurring with floaters
• Flashes of light with your floaters
• Peripheral vision loss with floaters

While most floaters are typical and not dangerous, floaters with additional symptoms may be a sign of a retinal tear or detachment. Like other eye conditions threatening your vision, addressing them as soon as possible is essential.  

How are floaters treated?

While floaters don’t typically require treatment, routine eye exams at Irvine Eye Center can ensure these floaters are not a sign of a more severe eye condition. If you have concerns about floaters, you may share them with your ophthalmologist during these visits. Regardless, if floaters become obstructive to your vision, there are options to consider. 

Treatment options for eye floaters include:

Vitreous removal surgery

Your ophthalmologist can remove the vitreous through a small incision in your eye. They replace the natural vitreous with an artificial solution, so your eye maintains its shape.

Call Irvine Eye Center or schedule an appointment online to find out if you can benefit from treatments for eye floaters today.