Floaters
-
- Tweet
Jose Mayans, MD
Ophthalmologist & Retinal Surgeon located in Odessa, TX
In most cases, having eye floaters isn’t serious. But, depending on your symptoms, they can be cause for concern. At his clinic in Odessa, Texas, Jose Mayans, MD, brings more than 20 years of ophthalmology experience to diagnosing and treating eye conditions that lead to floaters. If you have sparks, strands, or flecks disrupting your vision, call Jose Mayans, MD, or schedule an appointment online today.
Floaters Q & A
What are floaters?
Floaters are a way to describe spots that disrupt your vision. They often appear gray or black, and vary in appearance from strings and spots to cobwebs that float throughout your vision. In most cases, a floater drifts when you try to look at it or move your eyes.
Eye floaters are small groups of cells or a tiny speck of protein stuck in your vitreous humor. This material is similar to a raw egg white and supports the back two-thirds of your eyeball. This tissue helps light reach your retina so the images you see can get to your brain for processing.
When you have a floater, you actually see its shadow against your retina, not the tissue cluster or protein itself.
What causes floaters?
You can experience eye floaters for several reasons, including:
- Age-related changes in your eye
- Eye inflammation in the posterior uveitis, or back of your eye
- Bleeding in your eye
- A torn retina
- Certain eye medications or surgery
In most cases, eye floaters are harmless. But they can indicate a serious condition, especially if you have a lot that suddenly appear.
How are floaters diagnosed and treated?
Dr. Mayans performs a comprehensive eye exam to determine what’s causing your floaters. During your appointment, he asks specific questions about your floaters and also looks for additional eye symptoms to help reach a diagnosis.
In most cases, floaters don’t require medical treatment. If yours are due to an underlying condition, like diabetes or inflammation, Dr. Mayans works with you and your primary physician to more effectively manage those issues.
Rarely, eye floaters can significantly impair your vision. In these situations, Dr. Mayans might recommend a surgical procedure to remove and replace your vitreous. There are also laser procedures that can provide relief by breaking up large floaters to make them less visible.
In some cases, eye floaters indicate serious conditions, like diabetic retinopathy or a torn retina. Without treatment, these conditions can lead to permanent vision loss, so Dr. Mayans might recommend surgery or laser therapy.
For more information on eye floaters, call Jose Mayans, MD, or schedule an appointment online today.
