Why Do You Get Eye Floaters?
Most people go through their daily lives with nothing impeding their vision, so if you're seeing something moving across your vision, it can be quite alarming. These are eye floaters, and while not everyone experiences them, many do. If you think you might have eye floaters, read on to find out what you need to know.
What are Eye Floaters
Eye floaters are actually not a foreign substance or something that got into your eye. They're part of what makes up your eye, believe it or not.
Your eye contains something called vitreous. When the vitreous becomes less gelatinous and more liquidy, microscopic fibers can clump up over the surface of the eye. What you're actually seeing is the shadows that they produce when light hits the surface of your eye but can't reach the retina because the fibers are in the way.
Are They Concerning
Having the vitreous change is a normal part of life, especially as you age. Most people who experience eye floaters don't need to be concerned about it. However, floaters should never impair your vision or get in the way of your daily life. If you feel that your floaters are distracting enough or that there are so many of them that you're having difficulty seeing clearly, you should consult an optometrist.
When It's Serious
Although eye floaters don't cause any problems on their own, they can be an indicator of serious conditions.
If you notice other symptoms with your vision, you should see an eye doctor right away. For example, if you're having difficulty seeing clearly - even if it isn't due to your vision being obscured by floaters - it may indicate an issue. For example, things like cataracts can change the vitreous of your eye, causing floaters. Of course, floaters aren't a big deal, but the overall symptoms of cataracts can be.
In short, if you ever have vision problems and floaters at the same time, get in touch with an eye doctor. Doing so in a timely manner could be the difference between a treatable eye condition and experiencing permanent vision damage.
If seeing an eye doctor on a regular basis isn't already part of your routine, you should make it one. Eye doctors can detect problems long before they become a serious issue and ensure that you receive the treatment you need to keep them from ever being noticeable by you.
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