Understanding Eye Floaters: Eye floaters are tiny, drifting shapes that appear in your field of vision, often resembling dark specks, strands, or cobweb-like patterns. They are a common occurrence and generally not a cause for concern, affecting approximately 70% of people.
What Causes Eye Floaters?: Floaters develop as a result of natural aging changes in the vitreous, the gel-like substance inside the eye. Over time, the protein fibers within the vitreous shrink and clump together, casting shadows on the retina, which creates the floating shapes you see.
When to Seek Medical Attention: While floaters are usually harmless, a sudden increase in their number, the appearance of flashes of light, blurred vision, or eye pain could indicate a serious issue such as retinal detachment. If you experience these symptoms, seek immediate medical care.
Managing and Reducing Floaters: In most cases, floaters diminish or become less noticeable over time. If they become bothersome, shifting your eyes up and down may help move them out of your central vision. Additionally, maintaining a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and Vitamin A can contribute to overall eye health.