Vitreous floaters appear as small specks, dots, circles, lines, or cobwebs that drift through the visual field. Although they seem to be in front of the eye, they actually move within it. They are composed of tiny clumps of gel or cells suspended in the vitreous, the jelly-like substance filling the eye. What we perceive are the shadows these clumps cast on the retina.
The most common cause is a physio pathological change in the vitreous. As we age, the vitreous tends to condense or shrink. This process may lead to the formation of clumps or strands. When the vitreous detaches from the back of the eye, it is called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). Floaters are more frequent in association with PVD but can also occur independently. In most cases, floaters are not serious and tend to become less noticeable over time. Occasionally, PVD can damage a retinal vessel and cause vitreous hemorrhage. If floaters persist and significantly impair quality of life, minimally invasive surgical removal or laser treatment may be considered.
What to Watch For
Most of the time, floaters and flashes are not signs of a serious issue. However, there are situations in which these symptoms may indicate a serious eye condition, such as a retinal tear or retinal detachment, often due to posterior vitreous detachment. Seek urgent ophthalmic evaluation if you experience:
- Sudden appearance of numerous new floaters
- Significant increase in light flashes.
- A grey shadow or curtain moving across your peripheral vision
- Sudden narrowing of the visual field
These symptoms could indicate a retinal tear or detachment, conditions that require immediate medical intervention to prevent vision loss.
Being aware of these warning signs and consulting an eye specialist promptly can make a significant difference in preserving long-term eye health.