Have you ever noticed small, bright objects that appear to float across the surface of your eyes? If so, you’ve seen eye floaters, a common issue affecting over three-quarters of Americans. While these may seem to be grounds for an urgent visit to an eye doctor, you can learn to live with and minimize them. Have a look at some useful information about eye floaters in the guide below.

What Are Eye Floaters?

These "floaters" are actually small fragments of a protein called collagen, which forms part of the gel-like vitreous fluid found in the back of the eye. They can appear as long strands, dots, rings, or other shapes, and they may be black, white, or, less commonly, multicolored. Floaters may seem to dart away when you try to look directly at them. They also often seem to drift around your eyes regardless of where you look, even after you’ve stopped moving your eyes.

What Causes Them?

Floaters typically start to appear as the protein fibers that make up the vitreous begin to break down with age. Tiny shreds of these proteins will drift over your eyes in clumps, casting a shadow onto the retina. They’re more common among those older than 50, but you may also notice them if you’re nearsighted, have suffered eye trauma, or have undergone cataract surgery. They may also appear as a result of diabetic retinopathy, eye tumors or diseases, or, in extreme cases, detached or torn retinas.

How Are They Prevented and Treated?

A healthy diet rich in nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin will keep the vitreous strong and less susceptible to damage. You can also protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses while outdoors and prescription lenses as needed.

If you have just a few eye floaters, there shouldn’t be anything to worry about. However, if you notice a sudden increase in the number of floaters, more floaters appearing after an injury or a surgical procedure, flashes of light, eye pain, or disruption to or loss of vision, visit an eye doctor as quickly as possible.

These signs can indicate the development of serious eye problems that may require prompt corrective treatment or even surgery. If you have enough floaters to block your field of vision, it may be necessary to perform a procedure called a vitrectomy, which involves the removal of debris from the vitreous.

If you’ve recently experienced eye floaters affecting your vision, turn to the team at Blue Earth Valley Eye Clinic. With two convenient locations in Blue Earth and Winnebago, MN, these skilled eye doctors offer a range of solutions to floaters and other common eye health issues, including surgery, eye exams, and ocular health monitoring services. Call (507) 526-2222 to schedule a consultation, and visit them online to learn more about their services.