What Are Floaters? You may be concerned about a visual issue if you're experiencing floaters in your vision. At Dr. Rigney Vision in Owasso, OK, our optometry team is here to help.

Many people experience eye floaters from time to time. While the appearance of floaters can vary, they often look like gray or black spots that seem to drift when you move your eyes. Some people see floaters as strings, strands, or cobwebs. When you focus on a floater, it darts away.

The vitreous humor inside the eye liquefies and gets smaller as we age. This natural aging process can create clumps of collagen fibers that cast small shadows onto your retina. These small shadows are the floaters you see moving across your field of vision.

Are Floaters Serious?

The most common cause of floaters is age-related changes in the vitreous humor, which is the gel-like substance that fills the inside of the eye. As we age, the vitreous can become more liquefied and form clumps or strands, casting shadows on the retina, which leads to the perception of floaters.

Usually, floaters are not serious. Several people experience floaters more regularly as they get older. If you notice a staunch uptick in the number of floaters, you must speak with our eye doctor to ensure your eyes are healthy.

Conditions Related to Floaters

While most floaters occur for benign reasons, some serious conditions can cause floaters. Inflammation in the back of the eye can cause floaters, putting pressure on the vitreous humor. People with autoimmune conditions are more likely to experience this type of inflammation than others. Bleeding in the eye can also lead to floaters.

Some people experience floaters due to a torn retina, a serious problem that can lead to blindness if left untreated. Eye surgery and eye medications can also cause floaters to form.

What to Expect

Visit us for your eye exam, and we'll review your medical history and discuss your reason for visiting the eye doctor. Our doctor will perform an eye exam and check for conditions that floaters can indicate. If your floaters bother you, our optometrist can discuss treatment options.

Visit Dr. Rigney Vision for Eye Care

Whether you're dealing with blurry vision, floaters, or need diabetic eye care, Dr. Rigney Vision in Owasso, OK, is proud to help you and your family with eye issues. Contact our optometry clinic at (918) 272-3937 to learn how we can support your optimal eye health.