Eye Floaters? Here’s When You Should See an Eye Specialist

Have you ever seen small spots, strands, or web-like shapes floating in your vision?These visual disturbances are known as eye floaters, and they’re surprisingly common — especially as we age. While most floaters are harmless, some can be a sign of a more serious eye condition that requires immediate medical attention.

At Abate Eye Hospital, we help thousands of patients every year understand, monitor, and treat floaters safely. Let’s dive into what causes eye floaters, when they’re normal, and when you shouldn’t ignore them.

What Are Eye Floaters?

Eye floaters are tiny clumps of gel or cells inside the vitreous humor — the clear, jelly-like substance that fills the inside of your eye. With age, the gel inside the eye gradually shrinks and becomes more fluid, leading tiny fibers to bunch up and create shadows on the retina, which we see as floaters.

Common Causes of Eye Floaters

✅ Natural aging (most common)

✅ Nearsightedness

✅ Eye injuries

✅ Eye inflammation (uveitis)

✅ Complications after eye surgery

Most floaters are benign and simply a part of the natural aging process.

When Should You Be Concerned?

While occasional floaters are usually not dangerous, certain sudden changes may indicate a serious problem, such as a retinal tear or retinal detachment — both of which need urgent treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.

 Consult an eye specialist right away if you notice any of the following:

A sudden increase in the number of floaters

Flashes of light in your vision

A dark curtain or shadow gliding across what you see

Loss of side (peripheral) vision

Eye pain along with floaters

These could be warning signs of a retinal tear, detachment, or other sight-threatening condition.

How We Diagnose and Treat Floaters at Abate Eye Hospital

At Abate Eye Hospital, a trusted eye clinic in Kerala, our experienced ophthalmologists perform thorough eye examinations to check for retinal problems or other underlying causes. This typically includes a dilated eye exam and retinal imaging.

 Treatment options may include:

• Monitoring: If floaters are harmless, we may recommend periodic check-ups.
  
  
• Laser treatment (YAG laser vitreolysis): In selected cases, a laser can break up troublesome floaters.
  
  
• Vitrectomy: For more severe cases, a surgical procedure may be advised to remove the vitreous gel along with the floaters.
  
  

Protect Your Vision — Don’t Delay

Floaters are often harmless, but sudden changes should never be ignored. Early detection and treatment can save your sight.

If you notice new floaters, flashes of light, or any sudden vision changes, contact Abate Eye Hospital in Kannur, Kerala immediately for a comprehensive eye exam.

Book your appointment today and let our specialists help you keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear!