What are Floaters?
What is that speck that I see? This is one of the most frequent questions that we get every day. They are commonly called floaters. Floaters are tiny clumps of debris or gel that are suspended within the clear jelly-like fluid that fills the inside cavity of the eye. They can take on different shapes. They are often described as floating dots, specks, or thread-like cobwebs. The appearance of floaters is most often is part of the natural aging process. They are not generally sight threatening nor require treatment.
How do we get floaters?
As we mature, the vitreous gel shrinks and pulls away from the retina, forming floaters in the process. Although annoying, most are not usually sight threatening and do not generally require treatment. But the sudden appearance of new floaters can be a signal to have an eye exam as soon as possible as it may be an early symptom of a retinal detachment.
Often they will fade with time, but if not, most people get used to them. The brain has a way of ignoring them after a while. But when they first appear, they can be quite annoying.
Only with a comprehensive medical eye exam can it be determine whether they are harmless or the beginning of a more serious problem. To schedule an eye exam, call 1-866-865-2020 or click here: online contact form.
