When Should I Worry About an Eye Floater?

Seeing a small speck, line, or cobweb-like shape drift across your vision can be unsettling. These are known as eye floaters, and they are often caused by normal changes inside the eye. While many floaters are harmless, a sudden change in their number or appearance can sometimes indicate a more serious retinal problem. At Quality Eye Care in Jacksonville, we encourage patients to pay attention to new vision changes and know when an eye floater deserves prompt evaluation.

What Causes Eye Floaters?

The inside of the eye contains a clear, gel-like substance called the vitreous. As we age, the vitreous can become more liquid and form small clumps or strands. These structures cast shadows on the retina, creating the spots, threads, or cobwebs that appear to move through your field of vision.

Occasional floaters that have been present for a long time and remain unchanged are commonly associated with normal aging. However, new or rapidly increasing floaters should not be ignored.

When Is an Eye Floater a Warning Sign?

Certain changes may indicate that the vitreous is pulling on the retina or that a retinal tear or retinal detachment has developed. Contact an eye doctor promptly if you experience:
 

• A sudden increase in the number of floaters

• New flashes of light

• A dark shadow in your side vision

• A curtain or veil covering part of your vision

• Sudden blurred or decreased vision

• New floaters following an eye injury

A retinal tear or detachment can threaten vision and requires timely diagnosis and treatment. Even when symptoms turn out to have a less serious cause, an eye examination is the safest way to determine what is happening.

Who Has a Higher Risk of Developing Floaters?

Eye floaters become more common with age, particularly as the vitreous naturally changes. People who are significantly nearsighted may also experience floaters more frequently.

Other circumstances, including previous eye surgery, eye trauma, inflammation inside the eye, or certain retinal conditions, can contribute to new floaters. If you have existing eye disease or a history of retinal problems, it is especially important to report sudden visual changes.

How We Evaluate New Floaters

When you visit us for new eye floaters in Jacksonville, we can examine the structures inside your eye and evaluate the retina for signs of a tear, detachment, bleeding, inflammation, or other abnormalities.

A dilated eye examination may be recommended because dilation allows us to see the retina and back of the eye more thoroughly. Additional testing may be appropriate depending on your symptoms and findings.

Do Not Wait on Sudden Vision Changes

One stable floater may simply be an age-related change, but a sudden shower of floaters, flashing lights, shadows, or loss of vision requires prompt attention. If something about your vision feels noticeably different, having your eyes evaluated can help determine the cause and protect your sight.

Schedule an eye evaluation with Quality Eye Care for new or concerning eye floaters. Visit our office in Jacksonville, FL, or call (904) 601-1300 to book an appointment today.