The human eye is a complex organ, and to understand what causes eye floaters, it's essential to have a basic understanding of its structure. The eyeball is filled with a gel-like substance called the vitreous humor, which helps to maintain the shape of the eye and allows light to pass through. As we age, this vitreous humor can start to liquefy and break apart, forming tiny clumps or strands within the eye.

Causes of Eye Floaters

The most common cause of eye floaters is the natural aging process. Over time, the vitreous humor inside your eye begins to liquefy and form clumps or strands. This process is called vitreous syneresis, and it's completely normal. Most people over the age of 60 have some degree of vitreous syneresis, although not everyone will notice floaters.

There are also other causes of eye floaters, some of which can be more serious. For example, eye injuries, eye surgeries, or eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy can also cause floaters. Inflammation in the back of the eye (uveitis) can lead to floaters, as can bleeding into the vitreous humor. In rare cases, a retinal tear or detachment can cause a sudden increase in floaters, often accompanied by flashes of light and a loss of peripheral vision.

It's important to remember that while most floaters are harmless, a sudden increase in floaters, especially if accompanied by other symptoms, can be a sign of a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Symptoms Associated with Eye Floaters

Eye floaters are usually the primary symptom that people notice. They can appear as small dots, lines, or cobwebs that float in your field of vision. They can be more noticeable when looking at a bright, clear sky or a blank white wall, and they tend to move when you move your eyes.

While floaters are often the only symptom, in some cases, they can be accompanied by other symptoms. For example, if your floaters are caused by a retinal tear or detachment, you might also experience flashes of light, a loss of peripheral vision, or a dark curtain moving across your field of vision.

Treatment Options

Most of the time, no treatment is necessary for eye floaters. However, if your floaters are causing significant problems with your vision or affecting your quality of life, there are treatment options available.

One option is a vitrectomy, a surgical procedure where the vitreous humor is removed from your eye and replaced with a saline solution. However, this procedure carries risks, such as retinal detachment and cataracts, and is usually only considered for severe cases.

A newer option is laser vitreolysis, where a laser is used to break up the floaters, making them less noticeable. This procedure is less invasive than a vitrectomy, but it's still relatively new, and not all floaters can be treated this way.

Home Remedies for Managing Eye Floaters

While there's no cure for eye floaters, there are some home remedies that can help you manage them. For example, if you notice a floater in your field of vision, moving your eyes up and down can help shift the floater out of the way. Staying well-hydrated can also help, as dehydration can cause vitreous shrinkage, which can lead to floaters.

Regular eye exercises can also be beneficial. These can help to reduce eye strain and improve blood circulation to the eyes, which can, in turn, help to prevent the formation of new floaters. Taking breaks from screen time, getting regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy diet can also contribute to overall eye health.

Take Steps to Maintain Your Eye Health Today

If you're concerned about your eye floaters, it's always a good idea to discuss them with your doctor. They can help to rule out any serious conditions and discuss treatment options if necessary. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and getting regular eye exams are the best ways to keep your eyes healthy and prevent complications.

For more on the causes, symptoms and treatment for eye floaters, contact Inclima Eye Care at our West Haven, Connecticut office. Call (203) 694-0418 to schedule an appointment today.