What Causes Eye Floaters To Get Worse

Eye floaters are not an uncommon occurrence, although they can be distressing. These tiny specks or webs that float across your vision can be attributed to a variety of causes, some harmless and some that demand immediate attention.

What are Eye Floaters?

Eye floaters are a common phenomenon and described as spots, specks, knots, cobwebs, or other tiny structures that move around in your field of vision. Though they are usually harmless, they can be irritating for the person experiencing them.

Floaters are generally found in the vitreous humor, which is the clear, gel-like substance that fills the center of the eye. This gel-like substance is supposed to be clear and transparent and is vitally important for our eyesight. However, with age, the vitreous humor can become thicker and stringier, leading to the formation of eye floaters.

Causes of Eye Floaters

There are several causes of eye floaters, some common and others that require immediate attention.

Age-related eye changes: As we age, the vitreous humor in our eyes can undergo structural changes, becoming thicker and more stringy and causing the movement of floaters in front of our eyes.

Eye infections or inflammations: Inflammatory conditions such as uveitis and infections like endophthalmitis can cause floaters which demand immediate medical attention.

Eye injuries: Sudden blood loss or traumatic injuries to the eyes can cause the formation of floaters.

Retinal detachment: Sudden onset of floaters accompanied by flashes of light could be a sign of retinal detachment, a potentially serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Migraines: Migraine headaches can lead to the formation of floaters, especially if accompanied by visual disturbances.

How Are Eye Floaters Diagnosed and Treated?

An eye exam is the most common way of diagnosing eye floaters. Your eye specialist will examine your eyes, dilating the pupils and looking for changes to the vitreous humor. They may also recommend additional tests like slit-lamp examination or ultrasound if there is a suspicion of any other underlying causes.

Treatment options for eye floaters depend on the degree of your symptoms and the underlying cause. For harmless floaters, the use of eyeglasses with high-quality lenses, adjusting your computer or phone screen brightness, and taking breaks from digital devices can help reduce symptoms. In some cases, surgery, laser therapy, or eye injections may be necessary to remove or reduce the floaters.

Facts and Myths About Eye Floaters

There are several facts and myths surrounding eye floaters. Here are some commonly heard beliefs and misconceptions:

Myth: Everyone experiences floaters.

Fact: While many people experience floaters, not everyone does.

Myth: Eye floaters indicate a serious eye condition.

Fact: Floaters usually don't indicate a serious underlying condition. However, if accompanied by sudden flashes of light or peripheral vision loss, retinal detachment may be the cause and requires immediate medical attention.

Myth: Eyeglasses can make floaters worse.

Fact: Eyeglasses with high-quality lenses can actually help reduce the symptoms of floaters.

Conclusion

While eye floaters can be distracting and irritating, they are usually harmless. It's essential to get your eyes examined if you have sudden onset floaters, especially if accompanied by flashes of light or vision loss. By taking steps to reduce your risk, such as not smoking, wearing sunglasses when outdoors, and eating a healthy diet, you can promote eye health and reduce the likelihood of developing floaters in the future.