EYE FLOATERS

Floaters are small shadowy specks that seem to sail around in your field of vision. To some, they may look grayish in color and seem like cobwebs or strings drifting about when you move your eyes. To other people, they can manifest in other shapes too.

For most people, having floaters is simply annoying. It is common experience, though, that floaters do not directly block your vision nor does it directly follow your vision’s direction. However, if you notice an increase of floaters, it is always best to consult an eye specialist.

Many people who have floaters rarely notice it unless it has become many and has become an issue of sight accuracy. Since they usually float about your field of vision, the main problem that people have with floaters is the fact that they find it bothersome. Over time, the floaters tend to settle at the bottom of the eye and become less distracting, thus becoming more tolerable.

Causes and Risks: Our eyes are filled with a gel-like substance called vitreous. The vitreous helps in maintaining our eyes’ shapes. As we age, our eyes’ vitreous tends to contract, thus it becomes smaller and pulls away from the eyeball interior. Some parts of our vitreous clump together forming strands. These strands cast shadows on our retina. These shadows are the floaters that we see.

Although the most common cause of eye floaters is age, there is a higher risk for people who are in their 40s, or those who suffered from eye inflammation and surgery. Having floaters may also be more common to those who are near-sighted.


Treatment: Most people who have floaters just tend to ignore them. They are more of a bother than a medical threat. However, if there is an increase in floaters, signs of retinal detachment or if the vision is significantly affected, it is best to consult an eye specialist. Although painless, some worse cases of floaters might cause more serious eye problems. Another option is to undergo vitrectomy – a kind of surgical eye procedure that aims to remove the vitreous humor and replace it with a saline solution. Some doctors, however, would not initially recommend a surgery since it can lead to more health risks.