Floaters are small, dark spots that appear to float in front of your eyes. They’re caused by tiny pieces of the eye’s gel-like substance (vitreous) that break down and clump together.
Symptoms
- Spots or threads: Seeing small, dark spots or thread-like structures.
- Movement: Floaters move as your eyes move.
- More noticeable: Floaters are more noticeable when looking at a bright, uniform background.
Causes
- Aging: Floaters are a common age-related phenomenon.
- Vitreous detachment: As we age, the vitreous gel can shrink and detach from the retina.
- Eye inflammation: Certain conditions can cause inflammation that leads to floaters.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you experience:
- Sudden increase in floaters: A sudden shower of floaters.
- Flashes of light: Seeing flashes of light.
- Vision loss: Any loss of vision.
Consult an eye care professional if you’re concerned about floaters or if you experience any unusual symptoms.
