An eye doctor shares valuable insights on how to address the situation if you begin to see floaters in your vision.
Understanding eye floaters
Eye floaters are a common phenomenon. They can be distracting and sometimes concerning. However, most people experience them at some point in their lives. According to experts, about seven in ten individuals see floaters.
Floaters appear as spots, strings, or cobwebs in your vision. They can drift around when you move your eyes. When you try to look directly at them, they seem to dart away.
These floaters are often a natural part of aging. As we age, the jelly-like substance in our eyes, called the vitreous, can liquefy and contract. This process causes protein fibers to shrink and clump together, creating the shadows known as floaters.
Common reaction to floaters
Many individuals are relieved to discover they are not alone in their experience with floaters. Comments from people experiencing floaters reveal their frustration.
One person said: I have the clear ones and the black ones. Always looking to swat them or it’s crawling A bother sometimes
A second wrote: I get these quite often, I suffer from ocular migranes too.
While a third commented: Was told these were symptoms when I had Scarcodosis been advised to watch out for them again.
Another added: I naturally ignore them but unfortunately it usually blinds me.
Someone else said: Floaters are normal! A huge increase in them could be a retinal detachment so get to the Optometrist!
Had floaters. For a while now what can be done about them? Another user added.
These shared experiences highlight that floaters are a common occurrence.
You should be concerned about floaters.
Although floaters are generally harmless, there are certain situations that warrant caution. The Eye doctor – NHS advises that if floaters are longstanding and stable, there is likely no cause for concern. However, you should seek medical attention if you experience:
– Sudden onset of floaters or flashes
– An increase in the number of floaters
– A dark “curtain” or shadow moving across your vision
– Blurred vision or eye pain
– Floaters following eye surgery or injury
These symptoms could indicate serious problems with the back of the eye.
For most people, floaters are harmless and don’t require treatment. If they become bothersome, there are a few strategies you can try:
– Shift the Fluid: Look up and down to shift the fluid in your eyes, which may help move floaters out of your field of vision.
– Eye Health Supplements: Consider taking omega-3, zinc, Vitamin A, and fatty acids to support eye health.
– Healthy Lifestyl: Maintain a balanced diet, avoid smoking, and ensure proper nutrition to promote better vision.
In summary, eye floaters are a common experience, especially as we age.
While they can be distracting, most floaters are harmless. However, if you notice sudden changes or new symptoms, it is crucial to consult a medical professional. Understanding floaters and knowing when to seek help can help you maintain your eye health.