Eye Health: What to Know About ‘Floaters’ and When to Be Concerned
Our eyes are vital organs, responsible for up to 80 percent of the impressions we receive from the world around us. Vision is integral to how we interact with others, complete tasks, and even regulate sleep cycles, which are influenced by the light we see during the day. Maintaining healthy eyes is essential, as they play a crucial role in almost every aspect of our lives.
While eyesight naturally changes with age, not all symptoms are cause for alarm. One common age-related phenomenon is the appearance of eye floaters, which, although often harmless, can sometimes signal underlying issues.
What Are Eye Floaters?
Eye floaters are tiny specks or thread-like shapes that appear in your vision. They may look like black or gray dots, strings, or cobwebs that drift when you move your eyes. According to the Mayo Clinic, floaters are more noticeable when you try to look at them directly, as they seem to dart away.
Floaters are most often caused by age-related changes in the vitreous, the jelly-like substance inside the eye. Over time, this substance liquefies and contracts, causing protein fibers to clump together. These clumps cast small shadows on the retina, which are perceived as floaters.
How Common Are Floaters?
Eye floaters are extremely common, affecting approximately seven out of ten people at some point. Many individuals are relieved to discover they are not alone in experiencing this phenomenon.
One person shared, “I always thought I had something in my eye, but now I know it’s floaters.” Another added, “I keep seeing ‘flies’ everywhere, rubbing my eyes only to realize they aren’t really there. It’s frustrating.”
Are Floaters a Cause for Concern?
In most cases, eye floaters are harmless and not a threat to your vision. The NHS advises that if you’ve had floaters for a long time and they’re not getting worse or affecting your vision, there’s usually no need to worry.
However, certain factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing floaters, such as being nearsighted or having undergone cataract surgery.
That said, floaters can occasionally be linked to more serious conditions, including:
Eye diseases
Eye injuries
Diabetic retinopathy
Crystal-like deposits in the vitreous
Eye tumors
When to Seek Medical Attention
While floaters are typically benign, there are situations where they could indicate a medical emergency. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention:
Sudden onset of floaters or flashes
A noticeable increase in the number of floaters
A dark curtain or shadow moving across your vision
Blurred vision or eye pain
Floaters following eye surgery or an injury
These symptoms may suggest problems with the back of the eye, such as a retinal tear or detachment, which require prompt treatment.
Managing and Preventing Floaters
For most people, floaters are more of an annoyance than a serious problem. If they obstruct your field of vision, experts suggest moving the fluid in your eyes by looking up and down, which can help shift the floaters out of your line of sight.
To support overall eye health and potentially minimize floaters, consider the following tips:
Eat a balanced diet rich in eye-friendly nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and Vitamin A.
Avoid smoking, which can contribute to eye problems.
Take supplements specifically designed for eye health, as recommended by your doctor.
By prioritizing a healthy lifestyle and paying attention to any changes in your vision, you can maintain better eye health and address potential issues before they become serious.