Symptoms
Seeing small shapes in your vision that appear as dark spots or translucent cobwebs.
Spots that move when your eyes move, and drift away when you try to focus on them directly.
Spots that are most noticeable when you look at a bright background, such as a blue sky or a white wall.
Causes
Age-related vitreous changes: The most common cause is the natural shrinking of the vitreous humor, causing strands to clump together and cast shadows on the retina. This is called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD).
Inflammation: Inflammation inside the eye (uveitis) can release debris into the vitreous.
Bleeding in the eye: Bleeding into the vitreous can occur in diabetes, high blood pressure, blocked blood vessels, or injury.
Torn retina: Vitreous shrinkage can tug on the retina with enough force to cause a tear.
Eye surgery: Eye surgeries sometimes lead to floaters.
Medications: Certain medications can sometimes cause floaters.
Medicine Used
There's typically no medicine used to treat floaters directly, as they often fade or become less noticeable on their own. If floaters are caused by an underlying condition like inflammation or bleeding, that condition will be treated with appropriate medication (e.g., corticosteroids for uveitis). In rare, severe cases significantly affecting vision, a vitrectomy (surgical removal of the vitreous) or laser treatment (vitreolysis) may be considered, but these carry risks.
Is Communicable
No, eye floaters are not communicable or contagious. They are not caused by an infection that can be spread to others.
Precautions
Routine eye exams: Regular check-ups with an eye doctor can help detect and monitor floaters, as well as identify any underlying conditions.
Prompt medical attention for sudden changes: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, loss of peripheral vision, or any other sudden changes in your vision.
Manage underlying conditions: If floaters are related to a condition like diabetes or high blood pressure, managing those conditions can help prevent further eye problems.
How long does an outbreak last?
Floaters are not an outbreak. Floaters usually do not "go away" entirely, but they often become less noticeable over time as the brain learns to ignore them. If floaters are caused by a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), the initial symptoms may be more pronounced for a few weeks or months, gradually improving. If floaters are related to other conditions, their persistence depends on the underlying condition's treatment and course.
How is it diagnosed?
Eye floaters are diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. The ophthalmologist will dilate your pupils to get a better view of the back of your eye, including the vitreous and retina. This allows them to identify the floaters and determine their cause, as well as rule out any other eye problems.
Timeline of Symptoms
Initial onset: Individuals may notice a sudden appearance of spots, threads, or cobwebs in their vision.
Fluctuation: The floaters may appear to move and drift around, being more noticeable at certain times (e.g., when looking at a bright background).
Adaptation: Over time, the brain may adapt to the floaters, and they become less noticeable.
Possible persistence: The floaters may not disappear entirely, but their impact on vision usually diminishes as time passes.
Sudden worsening: A sudden increase in floaters or the appearance of flashes of light should prompt immediate medical evaluation.
Important Considerations
Most floaters are harmless: While annoying, most floaters are a normal part of aging and don't require treatment.
Urgent evaluation for new or worsening symptoms: A sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or vision loss can indicate a retinal tear or detachment, which requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
Discuss concerns with an eye doctor: If floaters are significantly affecting your vision or causing anxiety, talk to an eye doctor about your concerns and potential management options.
Vitrectomy risks: Be aware that vitrectomy is an invasive procedure with potential risks, and it is generally reserved for severe cases of floaters that significantly impair vision.