Types of Eye Floaters and What They Mean

Sometimes, out of nowhere, people notice small shapes drifting across their field of vision and naturally panic. 

Those shapes are known as eye floaters, which occur when tiny clumps form inside the vitreous gel, a jelly-like substance that fills the vitreous humour of the eye.

 Understanding the different types of eye floaters and what they mean could prove to be invaluable in calming you down and making a smart decision about what to do.

These somewhat harmless clumps float through the gel-like fluid and cast shadows on the retina, which you might notice more when looking at a blue sky, white wall, or blank wall where the background is bright and clear.

A perfect solution for you is the non-invasive, pain-free YAG laser vitreolysis treatment we offer at Laser Vision. Click here or call 0808 304 5174 today to take the first step towards clearer vision.

Common Types of Eye Floaters

The shape and size of eye floaters experienced by patients vary. Some of our patients have described them as black spots, dots, circles, or lines drifting across their field of vision.

In contrast, others notice squiggly lines, jagged lines, or shapes that look like cobwebs or heat waves.

In some instances, albeit not as often, some individuals have spoken about seeing flashes of light, too.

Posterior Vitreous Detachment and Floaters

One of the most common causes of floaters is posterior vitreous detachment, which occurs when the vitreous gel separates from the retina as the eye changes with age.

During this vitreous detachment, the jelly-like substance shrinks and pulls away from the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. As scary as all of this may sound, it is important to remember that it is something that occurs naturally as people age, and it isn’t dangerous.

Yes, the floaters will be noticeable, but there is a great option available if you want to undergo treatment.

When Floaters Could Signal a Serious Condition

As mentioned, the vast majority of floaters are harmless. However, it is important to take note and get professional help if there is a sudden increase in new floaters, flashes of light, or loss of peripheral vision.

These symptoms may be linked to a retinal tear or detachment, where the retina pulls away from the back of the eye. If that sounds like it could be a serious condition, it is because it has the potential to be. If you do not see a specialist and leave your condition untreated, it can lead to permanent loss of vision.

When to See an Eye Doctor

If you suddenly notice new floaters, flashes, or a shadow in your peripheral vision, it is important to see an eye doctor or ophthalmologist. 

The specialist you see will likely want to perform a detailed examination of the optic nerve, retina, and vitreous humour to help determine the cause of your eye floaters and whether they pose a serious concern to your vision.

Although floaters are normal and occur naturally in many people, an expert assessment ensures that conditions such as retinal detachment or tears are quickly identified and treated.

After all, getting the all clear from an eye doctor has to go some way towards easing your worries. Plus, you can always check how you can help prevent your central vision from worsening.

Click here or call 0808 304 5174 today to speak to our experts at Laser Vision, and visit one of our state-of-the-art clinics.