Floaters

What are floaters?

Floaters are small specks, dots, or strands that appear in a person’s field of vision. They can be seen as small, dark shapes that move around as the eye moves, and they can be a normal part of the aging process.

Floaters are actually tiny clumps of gel or cells inside the vitreous, which is the clear, jelly-like substance that fills the inside of the eye. As we age, the vitreous can shrink and become stringy, causing clumps or strands to form.

Are floaters dangerous?

While floaters are usually harmless, they can sometimes be a sign of a more serious eye problem, such as a retinal tear or detachment. If you suddenly notice an increase in the number or size of floaters, flashes of light, or a loss of peripheral vision, contact Coastal Skin and Eye Institute to receive immediate medical attention from one of our board-certified ophthalmologists offices in Carmel Valley and Encinitas.

In most cases, floaters do not require treatment and can be ignored. However, if they are causing significant disruption to your vision, a Coastal Skin and Eye Institute ophthalmologist

may recommend surgery to remove them. This is a rare and invasive procedure that is generally only recommended if the floaters are causing severe visual disturbances or if they are associated with other eye problems.