Eye floaters are very common but many people still don’t understand what they are, how they’re caused, and what can be done about them. At Eagle Vision Eye Clinic in Longmont, CO we have years of experience diagnosing and treating eye floaters. Our optometrist wants to help you gain a better understanding of the condition and available treatment options.
What are Eye Floaters?
Small drifting spots that randomly occur in your visual field are known as floaters. They tend to move as your eye moves and appear more frequently when you are in bright light. For the majority of people, floaters do not significantly interfere with eyesight. However, they can cause shadows if they are very large.
Floaters can come in different shapes such as squiggly lines, rings, threads, dots, or cobweb shapes. If you are seeing dark shapes in your field of visions that look like lines or threads, and they move whenever you try to “focus” on them, you are likely experiencing floaters.
What Are the Causes of Eye Floaters?
The majority of floaters are caused by collagen, which is part of the vitreous fluid in your eye. Those proteins shrink to threads as you age and bond together, casting a shadow over the retina. These buildups can also cause you to see flashes of light.
How are Floaters Treated?
Sometimes, floaters disappear on their own. Many cases of floaters do not get worse over time, and living with mild floaters can easily be done. Treatment involves vitreous fluid being drawn out with a needle and then refilled with a saline solution. This treatment is reserved for serious cases.
Floaters can appear as a symptom of a more serious condition. Floaters can signal a detached or torn retina, vitreous bleeds, inflamed retinas or vitreous, and even eye tumors. Always see an optometrist if you experience a loss of side vision, flashes of light, an increase in the number of floaters, eye pain, floaters that come after trauma or surgery, or any other changes that get worse over time. Our eye doctor will assess your condition to determine the severity of your floaters and offer treatment accordingly.
Contact Our Optometrist in Longmont, CO for Floater Treatment
If you are tired of dealing with eye floaters, the optometry professionals at Eagle Vision Eye Clinic are ready to assist you. For more information on floaters or to schedule an appointment with our eye doctor, call us today at (303) 651-2020.