Eye floaters are small specks, threads, or cobwebs that drift across the field of vision. These visual disturbances become noticeable when looking at a plain, bright background, such as a clear blue sky or a white wall. Floaters are a common occurrence and are generally harmless.
How Long Floaters Typically Last
Most eye floaters fade or become less noticeable over a period ranging from a few weeks to six months. While floaters may not completely disappear, they often move out of the central line of sight due to gravity, making them less bothersome. The brain also adapts to their presence, learning to ignore them over time.
Most eye floaters result from age-related changes in the vitreous humor, the clear, gel-like substance filling the space between the retina and the lens. As a person ages, the vitreous naturally liquefies and shrinks. During this process, tiny collagen fibers within the vitreous can clump together, casting shadows on the retina, which are perceived as floaters. This breakdown can also lead to a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), where the vitreous separates from the back wall of the eye, often resulting in larger, more noticeable floaters.
When Floaters Persist
Some eye floaters, especially larger or denser ones, may not fully disappear or move out of the visual field. They can remain a constant presence, though their impact on daily vision can vary.
New floaters can also develop over time, especially as aging continues and the vitreous changes further. While persistent or new floaters do not necessarily signal a serious problem, it is important to distinguish between common, harmless floaters and those that might indicate an underlying condition requiring medical attention.
When to Seek Medical Attention and Treatment
Certain symptoms accompanying eye floaters require immediate medical attention. A sudden increase in the number or size of floaters, especially if accompanied by flashes of light, could indicate a retinal tear or detachment. Other warning signs include a shadow or curtain appearing in the field of vision, or any loss of peripheral vision. These symptoms are considered medical emergencies because an untreated retinal tear can lead to a retinal detachment, potentially causing permanent vision loss.
An eye doctor diagnoses floaters through a dilated eye exam, allowing for a thorough examination of the retina and vitreous. Treatment for floaters is generally considered only for severe, vision-impairing cases that do not resolve on their own. One such treatment is YAG laser vitreolysis, a non-invasive procedure that uses short pulses of laser light to break up floaters into smaller, less noticeable fragments or vaporize them. Another option is a vitrectomy, a surgical procedure where the vitreous gel containing the floaters is removed and replaced with a saline solution. Vitrectomy is typically reserved for more severe cases due to potential risks, including retinal tears, detachment, or cataracts.