I went for my LASIK consultation and my doctor says I have eye floaters. Can you explain what they are?
Do you ever wonder what is happening when you see tiny grayish spots in your eyes that seem to move in and out of your line of sight? This tiny spots or cluster of spots are called floaters and they rarely interfere with your vision. If you have experienced floaters then you know that they can be annoying and at times even distracting. Below is an article from the American academy of Ophthalmology that explains what floaters are and when you should be concerned:
What Are Floaters and Flashes?
You may sometimes see small specks or clouds moving in your field of vision. These are called floaters. You can often see them when looking at a plain background, like a blank wall or blue sky. Floaters are actually tiny clumps of cells or material inside the vitreous, the clear, gel-like fluid that fills the inside of your eye.
- What Are Floaters and Flashes?
- Causes of Floaters and Flashes
- Floaters and Flashes Symptoms
- Floaters and Flashes Diagnosis
- Floaters and Flashes Treatment
While these objects look like they are in front of your eye, they are actually floating inside it. What you see are the shadows they cast on the retina, the layer of cells lining the back of the eye that senses light and allows you to see. Floaters can appear as different shapes, such as little dots, circles, lines, clouds or cobwebs.
When the vitreous gel pulls on the retina, you may see what look like flashing lights or lightning streaks. These are called flashes. You may have experienced this same sensation if you have ever been hit in the eye and seen “stars.” The flashes of light can appear off and on for several weeks or months.
As we grow older, it is more common to experience floaters and flashes as the vitreous gel changes with age, gradually pulling away from the inside surface of the eye.
Source article: Eyesmart.com
