It can be a little unsettling: you glance at a blank wall or the sky, and something moves in your line of sight. Maybe it looks like a thread, a cobweb, or a dark dot. You try to blink it away, but it’s still there – drifting slightly when you move your eyes. These little visual visitors are called floaters, and they’re incredibly common.
Most of the time, floaters are harmless. They tend to show up gradually with age, and for many people, they come and go without much issue. But not all floaters are created equal. When they appear suddenly, increase rapidly in number, or come with flashes of light, they can be a sign of something more serious. That’s when it’s time to give your optometrist a call.
What Are Eye Floaters and Why Do You See Them?
Floaters are tiny clumps of collagen protein that form inside the vitreous – the gel-like substance that fills the middle of your eye. As the vitreous naturally shrinks and becomes more liquid with age, these clumps float freely and cast small shadows on the retina. What you’re seeing isn’t the floater itself, but its shadow.
Most people describe floaters as:
- Tiny spots
- Threadlike strands
- Cobweb-like shapes
- Squiggles or rings
These specks move when your eyes move, often drifting out of central vision and becoming less noticeable over time.
Common Causes of Floaters in Fort Worth Patients
Floaters are most often linked to the aging process. The older we get, the more likely the vitreous is to change in texture – from firm gel to more liquid – which increases the chance of protein clumps forming.
That said, floaters can also be triggered by other conditions, including:
- Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)
- Retinal tears or detachment
- Inflammation inside the eye (uveitis)
- Bleeding within the eye
- Eye injuries or trauma
- Eye infections
- High myopia (nearsightedness)
In these cases, the floaters aren’t just visual nuisances – they’re signs your eye needs medical attention. A thorough eye exam can help rule out more serious causes and keep your vision protected.
When to Contact Altig Optical About Floaters
If you’ve had the occasional floater for years, you likely don’t need to worry. But if you suddenly notice:
- A large increase in floaters
- Bright flashes of light in your peripheral vision
- A dark curtain or shadow moving across your field of vision
These could be signs of a retinal tear or detachment – both of which require immediate attention to preserve your vision. Retinal detachment is especially serious and can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated quickly. The presence of new floaters along with other visual changes always warrants a call to your optometrist.
Eye Exams at Altig Optical in Fort Worth
When you visit your optometrist, they’ll typically perform a dilated eye exam or use advanced retinal imaging to examine the back of your eye. These exams allow them to see the vitreous and retina clearly and identify whether the floaters are part of the normal aging process or a sign of something more urgent.
Even if your symptoms seem minor, a professional evaluation is the only way to rule out retinal damage. Don’t wait and see – floaters may seem small, but your long-term vision depends on swift, accurate diagnosis.
Fort Worth Vision Care You Can Trust
At Altig Optical, we treat floaters seriously – because your sight is too important to risk. Whether you’re dealing with mild symptoms or something more sudden and severe, our team is here to help. Our diagnostic tools can detect signs of eye disease early, allowing us to provide timely care and peace of mind.
If you’ve noticed new floaters, bright flashes, or any sudden change in your vision, don’t delay. Call us at (817) 391-7956 to request an eye exam.
We're committed to protecting your vision and supporting your eye health every step of the way.
FAQ
Are floaters always a sign of aging?
- Most floaters are age-related, but they can also be caused by eye injuries, infections, or inflammation. If you’re unsure, schedule an eye exam to determine the cause.
Can floaters be treated or removed?
- Mild floaters don’t usually require treatment. In rare cases where floaters severely impact vision, a procedure called a vitrectomy may be considered – but this is generally a last resort.
Do floaters affect both eyes?
- Floaters can affect one or both eyes, depending on the underlying cause. Many patients report noticing them more in one eye than the other.
Is it normal to see floaters every day?
- If your floaters are stable and unchanged, it can be normal to notice them on bright backgrounds or while reading. Any sudden changes, however, should be evaluated by your eye doctor.