Floaters look like tiny specks floating around on the surface of your eye. However, no matter how much you rub your eyes or use eye drops, these specks are still there. That’s because these specks are actually on the inside of your eye.
Floaters come in all shapes and sizes. They can appear as cobwebs, spots, thread-like strands, or squiggly lines.
The middle of your eye is filled with a clear substance called vitreous gel. Light passes through the vitreous gel and onto the retina. As you age, pieces of the vitreous gel begin to clump together. These little clumps cast a shadow on your retina, resulting in the appearance of specks floating in your vision. The vitreous gel can also start to shrink and pull away from the eyewall. This is common with age and is referred to as posterior vitreous detachment.
Floaters are also quite common after cataract surgery or if you have had an inflammation of the eye.
Floaters look like tiny specks floating around on the surface of your eye. However, no matter how much you rub your eyes or use eye drops, these specks are still there. That’s because these specks are actually on the inside of your eye.
Floaters come in all shapes and sizes. They can appear as cobwebs, spots, thread-like strands, or squiggly lines.
It is common for older people to experience flashes occasionally. Flashers can be a symptom of posterior vitreous detachment, usually occurring as the vitreous pulls or rubs on the retina.
If you experience flashing lights for the first time or a sudden increase in the frequency of flashes, coupled with one or more of the following, you may be experiencing retinal detachment:
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact us immediately to be evaluated by one of our specialists.
Vision is restored immediately and the patient is able to return to daily activities right away.
