Spots and Floaters

Spots (often called floaters) are small, semi-transparent or cloudy specks or particles within the vitreous, which is the clear, jelly-like fluid that fills the inside of your eyes. They appear as specks of various shapes and sizes, threadlike strands or cobwebs. Because they are within your eyes, they move as your eyes move and seem to dart away when you try to look at them directly.

Spots are often caused by small flecks of protein or other matter trapped during the formation of your eyes before birth. They can also result from deterioration of the vitreous fluid, due to aging; or from certain eye diseases or injuries.

Signs and Symptoms

• Seeing small, floating spots

Detection and Diagnosis

Using special instruments to look into your eyes, our doctors can distinguish between harmless floaters and flashes and more serious retinal problems such as holes, tears or detachment. The usual symptoms of these more serious problems include seeing hundreds of small floating spots, persistent flashing lights, or a veil-like blockage of a portion of the vision. If you experience any of these, you should contact us immediately.

Treatment

There is no way to eliminate the floater through surgery, laser treatment or medication. With time, the floater will become less noticeable as the brain adjusts to its presence and can "tune out" the floater. The floater will always be somewhat observable and present, particularly if one eye is covered and the patient looks at a light-colored background.

Anyone a sudden onset of a new floater should be examined promptly. At An Eye To The Future we will perform a dilated exam and look at the vitreous and retina with specialized equipment. Sudden flashes or floaters could be symptoms of a vitreous detachment, which is a benign condition that carries the risk of developing into a retinal tear and/or retinal detachment.