What are eye floaters?
Eye floaters are spots or small thread-like objects that float around in front of our central vision, and are usually harmless. They can vary in size and shape, from flecks to bubbles, to hair-like clumps. They are especially noticeable on a light surface like a white wall or blue sky, less noticeable when looking at a dark surface and disappear when you try to look directly at them.
What causes eye floaters?
Floaters are usually tiny groups of protein cells that are suspended in the vitreous gel in our eyes, a clear jelly-like substance which fills the inside of our eyes to help it maintain their shape.
Are eye floaters serious?
While they are usually harmless, a sudden increase in floaters may indicate damage to the interior of the eye and should be investigated by an optometrist. Also, spots in your vision that do not move around (like floaters do) and appear in a fixed position, should also be explored with an optometrist.
How to get rid of eye floaters
The prominence of floaters in your vision can be reduced by reducing contrast with appropriately tinted lenses or by reducing the brightness of the light around you. You can also try looking from side to side, and up and down to try to shift the position of the floater out of your central vision.
In some severe cases, laser surgery may be considered. Major eye surgery carries its own risks and complications, and this type of treatment is not entered into lightly.
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