What Are Eye Floaters?
Eye floaters are small, shadowy shapes that appear to drift across your field of vision. These shapes can vary from tiny spots and specks to cobweb-like strands, often most noticeable when looking at something bright, like a clear sky or a white wall. Floaters occur when the vitreous gel inside your eye begins to shrink or thicken with age, creating tiny clumps that cast shadows on the retina. Although floaters are usually harmless and a natural part of aging, they can be annoying and sometimes alarming.
When to Be Concerned About Floaters
While most floaters are benign, a sudden increase in their number, especially if accompanied by flashes of light or a loss of peripheral vision, could signal a more serious condition, such as a retinal tear or detachment. These issues require immediate medical attention to prevent permanent vision loss. If you experience a significant change in floaters, it’s crucial to consult an eye care professional promptly. Regular eye exams can also help monitor any changes in your vision and ensure that floaters remain a harmless part of your visual experience. FLOATERS