Why Do I See Objects Floating Through My Field of Vision?

Floaters refer to the gray, brown, or black specks or cobwebs that occasionally drift before our eyes. Nearly everyone experiences floaters during their lifetime, particularly as we age. While floaters are generally harmless, the sudden onset of many floaters may indicate significant eye issues that require immediate attention. Innovative Eye Care in Bakersfield, CA, is here to talk about floaters and when you should seek treatment.

Understanding Floaters

Eye floaters are spots in your vision that typically appear when you look at plain, light backgrounds. They may drift or disappear when you move your eyes. Eye floaters usually occur due to age-related changes to your vitreous humor. As you age, the vitreous humor begins to shrink and break down, causing clumps of gel to form. These clumps cast tiny shadows on your retina, and that is what you perceive as floaters. While most floaters are not a concern, large amounts of sudden floaters can indicate diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears or detachments, and other issues that require attention from your eye doctor.

When to Seek Treatment

Occasional floaters that come and go are not an immediate concern. However, you should see your optometrist as soon as possible if the number of floaters increases suddenly since it suggests an acute change in the condition of one or both eyes. Seeing larger and darker spots than the typical floater also requires follow-up by an optometrist since these generally result from conditions that can cause permanent vision loss.

Your optometrist will refer you for surgery to treat severe cases of floaters. These may include a vitrectomy or laser vitreolysis. A vitrectomy removes the vitreous humor and large floaters to restore visual clarity, while laser vitreolysis breaks down floaters into smaller, less noticeable pieces.

Contact Innovative Eye Care for All Your Optometry Needs

If you are looking for an optometrist serving Bakersfield, CA, and the surrounding areas, consider Innovative Eye Care. Our optometry team can evaluate your eyes and provide effective treatment for several eye and vision issues, so call us and schedule an appointment today at (661) 213-3310.