Floaters

If you see odd shapes moving around your eyes, you might be experiencing floaters. Though usually harmless, you can rely on retina specialist Neel Lamba, MD, MBA, at Next Level Retina in Oak Brook, Illinois, for a comprehensive evaluation to ensure you have healthy eyes and to provide treatment, if needed. If you’ve noticed these bothersome dots or lines traveling across your eyes, call today to book an appointment or use the online scheduler any time, day or night.

What are floaters?

Floaters are small, semi-transparent particles or clumps that appear in your vitreous, which is the gel-like substance that fills the inside of your eye between the lens and the retina. They can take various shapes, such as dots, squiggly lines, or cobwebs, and often move around when you try to focus on them. 

Floaters are common and typically harmless, although they can be annoying or bothersome.

Can floaters be dangerous to my eyesight?

While floaters themselves aren’t usually dangerous to your eyesight, they can sometimes be indicative of underlying eye conditions that may require treatment. In rare cases, floaters can be associated with serious eye conditions like retinal detachment or bleeding within your eye, which can potentially lead to vision loss if left untreated. 

Therefore, if you experience any new or sudden onset of floaters, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Lamba as soon as possible to rule out any serious underlying issues.

What causes floaters?

The exact cause of floaters is often related to changes in your vitreous gel that occur as part of the natural aging process. As you age, your vitreous gel becomes more liquid-like and can develop small pockets or strands that cast shadows on your retina, resulting in the perception of floaters. 

Other factors that can contribute to the development of floaters include eye injuries, inflammation in your eye, and certain underlying medical conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy.

How are floaters treated?

Treatment for floaters typically depends on the underlying cause and severity of your symptoms.

In most cases, no treatment is necessary, and floaters may become less noticeable over time as your brain learns to ignore them. 

However, if floaters significantly impact your vision or are associated with underlying eye conditions, Dr. Lamba may perform treatment options, such as:

Vitrectomy

This surgical procedure involves removing your vitreous gel along with any floaters or debris within it and replacing it with a saline solution or gas bubble.

Laser therapy

Dr. Lamba may use laser treatment to break apart large floaters or to seal retinal tears or holes that may be causing floaters.

Medications

In some cases, Dr. Lamba may prescribe medications to treat underlying conditions, such as inflammation or infection, that may be contributing to the development of floaters.

If you think you have floaters, call or book an evaluation online with Dr. Lamba to ensure a proper diagnosis and appropriate management.