Eye doctor reveals when to be concerned about seeing ‘floaters’
They explained that, while common, there's one thing to look out for
As you age, you inevitably notice various changes in your body - suddenly those knees aren't so keen on your morning jog, while years of live gigs leave your hearing not quite as sharp as it used to be.
The same goes for our eyesight, although there are often ways you can look after your peepers to maintain their youthful side for as long as possible.
With regular eye examinations, a well-balanced diet and supplements that can help prevent and mitigate some eye conditions, you’ll be on your way to a healthier set of optics in no time.
Earlier this month, an expert took to Reddit to dispel a few myths that many people have heard, telling users: “I am an eye doctor AMA [ask me anything].”
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Along with questions about the best ways to deal with astigmatism - an imperfection in the curvature of the eye - and whether or not you might need to fork out for a pair of specs, one Redditor asked about floaters, or 'floaties'.
“What causes eye floaties (those dark floating specs in your vision) I was told not to be concerned, but not what causes them," they asked.
“They are annoying. But should I be concerned?”
What are eye floaters?
WebMD experts categorise eye floaters as being small spots of collagen drifting through your field of vision.
They may appear more prominent when you look at bright things like white printer paper or a clear, blue sky.
The NHS claims lots of people, especially senior citizens, get floaters and flashes - so it’s a pretty common phenomenon.
These peculiar shapes may appear to some as black or grey dots, while others have previously complained of seeing wavy lines or cobwebs.
How are eye floaters formed?
The NHS states that eye floaters are usually caused by a harmless process called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), where the gel inside your eyes changes.
“As you age, the protein fibres that make up the vitreous shrink into little shreds that clump together,” writes a Web MD specialist. “The shadows they cast on your retina are floaters.”
It’s understood that if you see flashes in your vision then this is because the vitreous has pulled away from the retina.
You may also experience eye floaters and/or flashes if you are nearsighted or have had cataract surgery in the past.
When should you be worried about eye floaters?
In the Reddit thread, the doctor explained: “Eye floaters are common, they are basically wads of connective tissue floating around the vitreous (jelly part of the eye that gives it the structure and shape).
“If they are longstanding it is fine. If you wake up one morning with new ones and start seeing flashing lights you should see an eye doc ASAP!”
So if you’ve had these floaters or flashes for a long time and they are not affecting your vision, then practitioners consider these squiggly lines or small dark dots harmless.
However, if you’re suffering from floaters or flashers for the first time, the number dramatically increases or you have blurred vision, then you should contact a medical expert to seek out advice.
How to get rid of eye floaters naturally?
If eye floaters annoy you, then experts suggest you try to get them out of your field of vision by shifting the fluid around in your eyes.
To do this, simply continue to look up and down, rather than side to side.
Another method is to take specific supplements for eye health - these include Vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc.
If you are a smoker, practitioners suggest cutting the habit could have a positive impact on the number of eye floaters affecting your vision while eating a well-balanced diet could help too.
Jess Hardiman