At Southside Eye Care, our experienced ophthalmologists and optometrists—including Dr. Michael Keverline, Dr. Theodore Hallberg, and Dr. Ian Uber—provide personalized care for patients experiencing floaters, flashes, and other vision changes. With a strong commitment to individualized treatment and advanced diagnostic tools, we ensure every patient receives expert guidance and thorough evaluation for their eye health concerns.
What Are Eye Floaters?
Eye floaters are small debris floating in the vitreous, the gel-like substance inside your eye. These specks cast shadows on the retina, which is why you see them when you look at a bright, plain background—like a blue sky or white wall.
Floaters come in different shapes and sizes. You might notice them as:
- Dark spots
- Transparent squiggly lines
- Web-like strands
- Ring-shaped shadows
They usually move when your eyes move and may seem to dart away when you try to look at them directly.
Are Floaters Normal?
Yes—in many cases, floaters are a normal part of aging. As we age, the vitreous begins to shrink and pull away from the retina, called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). This can create floaters as collagen fibers clump together inside the eye.
Floaters are especially common in people over 50, those who are nearsighted, or anyone who has had eye surgery or trauma.
When Should You Be Concerned?
While floaters are often harmless, a sudden increase in floaters, especially when accompanied by light flashes or peripheral vision loss, could signal a retinal tear or detachment—a medical emergency. If this happens, seek care from an eye specialist immediately.
Explore Eye Floater Treatments in Chesapeake, VA
No treatment is usually necessary if your floaters are mild and do not affect your vision. However, routine eye exams are crucial to monitor eye health and catch problems early.
If floaters significantly interfere with your daily life, ask your eye doctor about options like laser therapy or vitrectomy. Occasional eye floaters are a normal part of aging for many people—but don’t ignore them if you have sudden changes. When in doubt, get checked out by an eye care professional. Call us today at 757-484-0101 to schedule an appointment.
