Are Floaters Really Harmless? The Case for Taking Them Seriously

Have you started to see floaters in your vision? If so, you may be wondering whether you need to see an eye doctor.

While some floaters can be completely harmless, they could also be signs of more severe conditions. Keep reading to learn more about whether floaters are really harmless and why you should take them seriously.

What are Floaters?

Floaters are shapes, dots, or lines that can appear in your vision. Patients with floaters often notice them more when looking at a bright, clear surface like the sky or a white wall.

While the appearance of floaters can vary from patient to patient, some describe them as:

• Cloudy, amoeba-like shapes
• Spots
• Strands or threads
• Squiggly lines
• Spider-like shapes

Some patients also notice flashes of light along with these symptoms.

What Causes Floaters?

Floaters are typically caused by clumps of gel or cells floating inside the vitreous, which is the jelly-like substance that fills the middle of your eye. This typically happens as a result of the natural aging process, when the vitreous starts to shrink, lift, and pull on the retina.

This is called posterior vitreous detachment. These clumps floating in the vitreous then pass in front of the macula, which casts shadows onto your retina.

While floaters caused by posterior vitreous detachment are typically harmless, other causes of floaters could be signs of a more severe condition that needs to be treated.

Can Floaters Be Dangerous?

In some cases, floaters can be a sign of a retinal tear or retinal detachment. This is a serious condition that can cause irreversible vision damage and blindness.

If you begin seeing a sudden onset of new eye floaters, flashes of light, shadows in your vision, or more eye floaters than usual, you may have a detached retina, and you should seek emergency medical care right away.

Floaters can also be caused by underlying conditions like diabetic retinopathy, uveitis, and tumors, which can pose a threat to your vision and health. Because floaters can be signs of such conditions, all of which require medical treatment to prevent them from getting worse, taking floaters seriously is essential to protecting your eyesight and overall health.

Age is also significant in determining whether floaters are harmless or concerning. Most people over 50 will experience some floaters due to normal age-related changes in the vitreous. 

However, if you're younger and experiencing floaters, this could indicate a more serious issue requiring attention. If you begin experiencing symptoms of floaters, especially if they have a quick onset, you should schedule an eye exam with your ophthalmologist at Premier Eye Care of Eastern Idaho. 

They'll perform tests, including a retinal examination with pupil dilation, and ask questions about the symptoms you've been experiencing.

Am I at Risk for Floaters?

While anyone can develop floaters, you may be at a higher risk if you:

• Are age 50 or older
• Are nearsighted
• Have a family history of retinal tears and detachment
• Have a history of uveitis
• Have had cataract surgery

How are Floaters Treated?

Not all eye floaters require treatment, as many tend to fade in visibility over a few weeks or months. However, if you are experiencing significant vision problems and discomfort from your floaters, you may require a surgery called vitrectomy.

During a vitrectomy, your eye surgeon will apply a local anesthetic to your eye. Then, they will make three small incisions in your eye while using an advanced microscope.

Your eye's shape will also be maintained by a fluid infusion. Your eye surgeon will then carefully remove the vitreous gel causing your floaters.

Typically, patients do not need stitches or sutures after the procedure and only have to wear a patch and shield to protect the eye for about 24 hours. This quick procedure, taking only about an hour, has a high success rate, with around 93% of patients experiencing a significant reduction or elimination of floaters.

However, as with any procedure, there are potential risks. Some patients may develop cataracts quicker after surgery, and there is a small chance of retinal detachment or an intraocular infection.

Living with Floaters

For those with floaters that don't require surgical intervention, there are ways to manage daily life:

• Adjusting lighting conditions can help minimize the appearance of floaters
• Moving your eyes up and down can shift floaters out of your central vision temporarily
• Using dark mode on electronic devices may reduce contrast that make floaters more visible
• Regular eye examinations can monitor for any changes in your condition
• Checking your peripheral vision daily to ensure your side vision isn't compromised

While many floaters are harmless, they should never be ignored, particularly if they appear suddenly or are accompanied by other symptoms. Early intervention, especially in the case of retinal tears or detachment, can be vital for preserving your sight.

Have you been experiencing symptoms of floaters? Schedule an appointment at Premier Eye Care of Eastern Idaho in Idaho Falls, ID, to stay on top of your eye health.