What Is an Eye Floater?

Eye floaters are infinitesimal strands of fiber, condensation or cells that exist in the vitreous (the jelly-like substance) of the eye. People see these tiny strands as floating dark spots whenever the strands cast a shadow onto the retina. The shadows seem to float because as the eye moves from side to side, or up and down, the strands move as well. According to MedicineNet.com, almost everyone has eye floaters in one or both eyes by the age of 70, and they are perfectly harmless in of themselves. However, if the number of floaters suddenly increases, or they are accompanied by flashing lights, it may be a sign of a more serious problem.

Signs and Symptoms

• Eye floaters usually resemble translucent gray-black flecks, strings, or clumps drifting about in your field of vision. They are most perceptible when looking at a plain, light background, such as a blue sky or a white wall. You may notice that whenever you try to fix your gaze upon them, they appear to glide just outside of your point of focus. You may not see them all the time -- most of the time, they drift to the bottom of the vitreous, outside of your line of sight.

Causes

• In most cases, eye floaters develop with age. As one ages, the vitreous becomes more liquid, creating little pockets of liquefied gel, which are then seen as floaters. Floaters also appear when some of the millions of microscopic fibers that attach to the retina become thick and dense with age. Some non-age-related causes of eye floaters include random cellular material floating in your eye, red blood cells that drift into your eye as a result of hemorrhage, a retinal tear, diabetic retinopathy, or inflammation of the vitreous.

Diagnosis

• If you suspect that you have eye floaters, you should visit an ophthalmologist. The doctor will make her diagnosis by taking a look inside your eye. First, she will put drops into your eye that will dilate your pupil. When your pupil is sufficiently enlarged, she will examine your eye with an ophthalmoscope. That way, she will be able to see the floaters for herself and tell you whether there are any other abnormalities that need to be investigated.

Treatment

• There is no safe, effective medicine or treatment to eliminate or decrease floaters. There is some discussion that floaters can be successfully removed by laser, but the evidence is anecdotal and the effectiveness has not been proven through clinical trials. Usually, people do not seek treatment for floaters. Most people gradually become accustomed to them, and very often most floaters fade over time.

Warning

• While floaters themselves are not dangerous, a sudden increase in the number of floaters you see (especially if accompanied by flashing lights or hazy vision) can signify a retinal tear or detachment, both of which can cause permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. If these symptoms occur, call an eye specialist immediately.